Union Square: The Heart of San Francisco
Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Union Square, San Francisco's premier destination for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Union Square is a vibrant urban oasis in San Francisco, renowned for its dynamic mix of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. This bustling square serves as the city's main hub for both locals and tourists, offering a plethora of experiences that cater to every taste. From high-end boutiques to charming cafes, the square is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
A brief summary to Union Square
- San Francisco, Union Square, California, US
Local tips
- Visit during the weekday for a less crowded experience.
- Check out local events or performances often hosted in the square.
- Take a ride on the historic cable cars for a unique view of the city.
- Explore nearby streets for hidden gems and local boutiques.
- Don't miss the seasonal decorations, especially during holidays.
Getting There
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Bus
From the center of Berkeley, walk to the nearest bus stop at University Ave & Shattuck Ave. Take the AC Transit Bus 1 or 12 heading towards San Francisco. Stay on the bus for approximately 30 minutes. When you reach the stop at Market St & 5th St, disembark and walk two blocks to Union Square, which is a vibrant public square surrounded by shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Head to the nearest BART station, which is Downtown Berkeley. Board a train heading towards San Francisco/Daly City. After about 20 minutes, get off at the Montgomery St Station. Once you exit the station, walk about 5 blocks to Union Square, which is located at the intersection of Geary St and Powell St.
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Bike
If you prefer cycling, rent a bike from one of the local bike-sharing stations. Start your journey towards San Francisco by heading southwest on University Ave. Continue onto the bike path that leads to the Bay Bridge. Follow the designated bike lanes, and it will take about 40 minutes to reach Union Square. Once you arrive, park your bike at the bike racks available near the square.
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Walking
If you're feeling adventurous and want to enjoy the scenery, consider walking. Start at the UC Berkeley campus and head southwest on Bancroft Way. Continue straight, which will turn into University Ave. Follow University Ave until you reach the waterfront. From there, take the pedestrian bridge across the Bay to San Francisco. After crossing, continue walking towards Market St, then turn left until you reach Union Square. This walk will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, but you'll be rewarded with beautiful views along the way.
Discover more about Union Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument to American Squadron, Manila Bay
0.1 km
Discover the Monument to American Squadron, a historical landmark in Union Square, San Francisco, honoring naval bravery amidst vibrant city life.
Dewey Monument
0.1 km
Explore the Dewey Monument in Union Square, a historical sculpture honoring valor and offering a vibrant backdrop to San Francisco's bustling city life.
San Francisco Ghosts
0.1 km
Explore the haunted history of San Francisco with engaging ghost tours offering thrilling stories and chilling experiences at the city's most famous haunted sites.
Frank Lloyd Wright Spiral Interior
0.1 km
Discover the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright Spiral Interior in San Francisco—a historical landmark showcasing architectural innovation and artistic beauty.
Powell St & Geary St
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant intersection of Powell and Geary in San Francisco, a hub for shopping, dining, and urban culture.
Phelan Building
0.1 km
Discover the historic Phelan Building in San Francisco's Union Square, a stunning architectural masterpiece steeped in rich culture and history.
450 Sutter Street
0.3 km
Explore the historic charm of 450 Sutter Street, a stunning architectural gem in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Union Square, surrounded by shopping and dining.
Flood Building
0.3 km
Discover the Flood Building in San Francisco, a stunning Beaux-Arts landmark that blends history with modern culture at the heart of Union Square.
Stockton Street Tunnel (1914)
0.3 km
Explore the historic Stockton Street Tunnel, a charming connection between Union Square and Chinatown, rich in San Francisco's architectural heritage.
The Samuels Clock
0.3 km
Explore The Samuels Clock, a historical landmark in Union Square, San Francisco, where history meets vibrant urban culture.
Old Chronicle building (Historical Landmark)
0.3 km
Discover the historic Old Chronicle Building in San Francisco's Union Square, a beautiful landmark symbolizing resilience and architectural elegance.
Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.
0.3 km
Explore the historic Cable Car Turnaround at Powell Street, a symbol of San Francisco's rich transportation heritage and vibrant city life.
California Theatre
0.4 km
Explore the California Theatre, a historic landmark in Chinatown, showcasing the architectural beauty and vibrant culture of San Francisco.
Hunter-Dulin Building
0.4 km
Explore the Hunter-Dulin Building, a stunning French chateau style landmark in San Francisco's Union Square, embodying the city's rich architectural history.
California Historical Society
0.5 km
Explore California's rich history at the California Historical Society, where captivating exhibits and rare archives bring the state's past to life.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hearts of San Francico Art Sculpture
0.0 km
Experience the vibrant artistry of the Hearts of San Francisco Art Sculpture, where creativity and community come together in a stunning display.
Heart of San Francisco Series
0.1 km
Explore the vibrant Heart of San Francisco, a blend of culture, shopping, and culinary delights in the iconic Union Square.
Painted Ladies Tour Company
0.2 km
Explore San Francisco’s iconic landmarks with Painted Ladies Tour Company, your premier sightseeing tour agency in the heart of the city.
Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation
0.3 km
Explore the rich history of immigration in America at the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, a pivotal site of cultural significance in San Francisco.
Lotta's Fountain
0.3 km
Discover the beauty and history of Lotta's Fountain, a charming landmark in San Francisco's Union Square, perfect for a leisurely visit.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum
0.3 km
Explore the intersection of art, culture, and history at The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, a vibrant hub for creativity and learning.
American Conservatory Theater
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant world of performing arts at the American Conservatory Theater, a cultural gem in the heart of San Francisco's Tenderloin district.
Sister Cities of San Francisco Sign
0.3 km
Discover San Francisco's vibrant Sister Cities Sign, a tribute to global connections and cultural exchange in the heart of the city.
The Escape Game San Francisco (Downtown)
0.3 km
Discover the thrill of teamwork and mystery at The Escape Game San Francisco, an exciting escape room experience in the heart of downtown.
Tian Xia Wei Gong
0.3 km
Experience tranquility and culture at Tian Xia Wei Gong, a serene gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown.
White Wolf Private Tours
0.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park with personalized private tours from White Wolf Private Tours, the ultimate adventure for nature lovers.
Chinatown Landmark
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant culture and culinary delights at Chinatown Landmark in San Francisco, a must-visit tourist attraction filled with history and flavor.
Dragon Gate Chinatown SF
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant culture and rich history at the Dragon Gate, the iconic entrance to San Francisco's bustling Chinatown.
The Selfie Market
0.4 km
Explore your creativity at The Selfie Market in San Francisco – a whimsical museum dedicated to the art of the selfie.
Hallidie Building
0.4 km
Explore the Hallidie Building in San Francisco, a historic architectural gem with stunning glass designs and a vibrant local culture to discover.
Essential places to dine
The Rotunda
0.0 km
Experience upscale American dining at The Rotunda in San Francisco's Union Square with stunning views and an exquisite menu.
ONE65 San Francisco
0.2 km
Experience the best of French cuisine at ONE65 in San Francisco's Union Square – a delightful blend of fine dining and charming bistro atmosphere.
MKT Restaurant and Bar
0.2 km
Discover the culinary delights at MKT Restaurant and Bar in San Francisco—where New American cuisine meets sophisticated dining.
Sears Fine Food
0.2 km
Experience the best of American comfort food and authentic Swedish cuisine at Sears Fine Food in San Francisco's vibrant Union Square.
E&O Kitchen and Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia at E&O Kitchen and Bar in San Francisco's Union Square – where tradition meets innovation.
Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar in Union Square, San Francisco - where every meal is a celebration.
Bouche
0.3 km
Discover the essence of French fine dining at Bouche in San Francisco—where culinary artistry meets elegant ambiance.
Roxanne Cafe
0.3 km
Discover delicious American comfort food at Roxanne Cafe in San Francisco's Union Square—where every meal is a delightful experience.
Café de la Presse
0.3 km
Discover authentic French cuisine at Café de la Presse in San Francisco's Union Square - your cozy bistro for brunch, lunch, and delightful desserts.
Kin Khao
0.4 km
Experience authentic Thai flavors at Kin Khao in San Francisco's Union Square – where tradition meets innovation in every dish.
Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc
0.4 km
Experience authentic French cuisine at Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc in San Francisco's Union Square - where every dish tells a story.
Sons & Daughters
0.4 km
Discover fine dining at Sons & Daughters in Nob Hill, San Francisco - where Californian cuisine meets elegance.
Cesario's
0.4 km
Experience the essence of Italy at Cesario's in San Francisco - where every meal is a celebration of authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Mourad
0.6 km
Experience exquisite Californian cuisine with Moroccan flair at Mourad, San Francisco's premier fine dining destination.
LUCE
0.6 km
Discover culinary artistry at LUCE - a Modern European gem in San Francisco's SoMa district offering exquisite dishes and fine wines.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Louis Vuitton San Francisco Union Square
0.0 km
Explore the luxury of Louis Vuitton in San Francisco's Union Square, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication in leather goods.
Maison Margiela San Francisco
0.1 km
Experience the cutting-edge of fashion at Maison Margiela San Francisco, where luxury meets artistic expression in an unforgettable shopping experience.
Cuyana
0.1 km
Explore Cuyana in San Francisco's Union Square: where elegance meets sustainability in women's fashion.
Hermes San Francisco Store
0.1 km
Discover unparalleled luxury at Hermes San Francisco, where elegant leather goods and fashion accessories await in the heart of Union Square.
Gift Shop
0.2 km
Explore a delightful gift shop in Union Square, San Francisco, offering unique souvenirs and local treasures perfect for every traveler.
Saks Fifth Avenue
0.2 km
Discover the ultimate luxury shopping experience at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco's Union Square, featuring top designer brands and exquisite accessories.
DIOR San Francisco Post Street
0.2 km
Discover the elegance of DIOR San Francisco, where luxury women's fashion meets artistry in the heart of Union Square.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Discover Urban Outfitters in San Francisco's Union Square, a trendy hub for fashion-forward clothing, unique home decor, and stylish accessories.
Angelic Pretty San Francisco
0.3 km
Discover whimsical women's fashion at Angelic Pretty San Francisco, where chic elegance meets unique Japanese-inspired designs in the heart of the city.
Secret Shop
0.3 km
Explore the eclectic treasures of Secret Shop in San Francisco's Union Square for unique gifts and local art that perfectly capture the city's spirit.
Butterfly's Gift Shop Inc
0.4 km
Explore Butterfly's Gift Shop Inc in San Francisco's Chinatown for unique gifts and unforgettable souvenirs that reflect the city's vibrant culture.
Fashion House & Gifts
0.4 km
Explore the vibrant treasures of Fashion House & Gifts in San Francisco's Chinatown—unique gifts and souvenirs that celebrate the city's culture.
China Station
0.4 km
Explore the authentic treasures of Chinatown at China Station, your go-to gift shop for traditional crafts and unique home goods.
Oriental Treasures San Francisco
0.5 km
Explore a treasure trove of Asian artifacts and unique gifts at Oriental Treasures in San Francisco's enchanting Chinatown.
SFMOMa Museum Store
0.5 km
Explore art-inspired gifts, books, and jewelry at SFMOMA Museum Store in San Francisco's vibrant SoMa district, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Clock Bar
0.2 km
Discover Clock Bar in Union Square: A chic lounge and restaurant offering exquisite cocktails and delectable bites in the heart of San Francisco.
Johnny Foley's Irish House
0.2 km
Discover the heart of Ireland in San Francisco at Johnny Foley's Irish House, where lively music and delicious food create unforgettable moments.
Iron Horse Cocktails
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails at Iron Horse Cocktails in San Francisco's lively Union Square.
Tunnel Top Lounge and Bar
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Tunnel Top Lounge and Bar in San Francisco, combining art, cocktails, and a unique lounge experience in Union Square.
Local Edition
0.3 km
Discover Local Edition, San Francisco's stylish cocktail bar blending innovative drinks and vibrant ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Last Drop Tavern
0.3 km
Discover Last Drop Tavern in San Francisco's Union Square, where delicious New American cuisine meets creative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.
Harlan Records
0.3 km
Discover Harlan Records, the ultimate cocktail bar in San Francisco's Union Square, where exquisite drinks meet an unforgettable vinyl experience.
Pacific Cocktail Haven
0.3 km
Discover San Francisco's premier cocktail experience at Pacific Cocktail Haven, where innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere await every visitor.
Rickhouse
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant cocktail culture of San Francisco at Rickhouse, where craft meets creativity in a chic bar ambiance.
Persona
0.4 km
Discover Persona, San Francisco's stylish cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Lower Nob Hill.
Cityscape
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Cityscape, where stunning views and craft cocktails create an unforgettable bar experience in San Francisco.
Owl Tree
0.5 km
Discover Owl Tree, San Francisco's cocktail gem known for its cozy ambiance and innovative drinks perfect for any night out.
The House Of Shields
0.5 km
Experience the blend of history and vibrant nightlife at The House Of Shields, a must-visit bar in San Francisco's Financial District.
718
0.6 km
Discover the unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere at 718 Lounge in San Francisco's historic Chinatown, where craft cocktails and Asian cuisine meet.
Bourbon & Branch
0.6 km
Discover the speakeasy charm of Bourbon & Branch, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a vibrant San Francisco atmosphere.
