St Mary's Square, Bay Area Travel Guide

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Discover a peaceful rooftop retreat in San Francisco's Chinatown, featuring art, history, and a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.

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St Mary's Square

St. Mary's Square, a rooftop park in San Francisco's Chinatown, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets. Featuring a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the 'Comfort Women's Column of Strength' memorial, the park provides a space for reflection and appreciation of art and history.

A brief summary to St Mary's Square

651 California St, San Francisco, Chinatown, California, 94108, US
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Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St Mary's Square.

Visit Old St. Mary's Cathedral across the street to admire its architecture and learn about its history.
Take a moment to reflect at the 'Comfort Women's Column of Strength' memorial, a tribute to the bravery of women during WWII.
Enjoy a picnic or a quiet moment on one of the park's benches, surrounded by greenery and city views.

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Explore St Mary's Square on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near St Mary's Square, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Chinatown's Dragon Gate, walk north on Grant Avenue, then turn left on California Street. St. Mary's Square will be on your right, across from Old St. Mary's Cathedral. This is a short, easy walk through the heart of Chinatown.
Public Transport

Take the California Cable Car Line to the Grant Avenue stop. St. Mary's Square is directly across the street from the stop. Alternatively, several Muni bus lines stop near the square. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.85 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass costs $5.70.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Francisco. A short ride from Union Square to St. Mary's Square will likely cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Taxi fares start at $4.15, with an additional $0.65 per one-fifth mile.

Discover more about St Mary's Square

St. Mary's Square, located at 651 California St in San Francisco's Chinatown, is a unique urban oasis offering respite from the city's vibrant energy. This rooftop park, built atop a parking garage, provides a tranquil setting with trees, benches, and a playground. Designed in 1957 by Robert Royston, the park cleverly obscures its rigid geometry with playful grid patterns and curved planting beds, creating a natural feel within an urban space.The square is home to several prominent features, including a 14-foot statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen by Beniamino Bufano, honoring the founder of the Chinese Republic. Another significant monument is the 'Comfort Women's Column of Strength' by sculptor Steven Whyte, commemorating women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during WWII. This memorial, while controversial, stands as a testament to the courage of these women.St. Mary's Square also features a memorial plaque dedicated to Americans of Chinese ancestry who gave their lives in World Wars I and II. The park's location across from Old St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco's first cathedral, adds to its historical significance. The cathedral, built in 1854, miraculously survived the 1906 earthquake and continues to serve the local community. Today, St. Mary's Square offers a peaceful setting for tourists and residents alike to relax and reflect amidst the busy streets of Chinatown and the towering buildings of the Financial District.