Union Square: The Heart of San Francisco

Getting There

• Car

  If you're driving from East Bay, take the I-80 W freeway towards San Francisco. As you approach the Bay Bridge, follow signs for I-580 W. Continue on I-580 W until you reach the I-80 W exit toward San Francisco. Cross the Bay Bridge, and after exiting the bridge, take the Fremont Street exit. Follow Fremont Street, which turns into Howard Street. Turn left onto 4th Street, then right onto Market Street. Continue on Market Street until you reach Union Square. Keep in mind that parking in this area can be expensive, with hourly rates ranging from $3 to $8, depending on the lot.

• Public Transportation (BART)

  Start your journey at a BART station in East Bay, for example, the Berkeley BART station. Board a train heading towards San Francisco/Daly City. Depending on your departure station, you may need to transfer trains at the Embarcadero or Montgomery Street stations. Get off at the Powell Street station, which is the closest BART stop to Union Square. After exiting the station, take the escalator up to Powell Street. Walk a few blocks north, and you'll arrive at Union Square within 5-10 minutes. A one-way ticket from Berkeley to Powell Street costs approximately $5.50.

• Public Transportation (AC Transit)

  If you prefer AC Transit buses, locate the nearest bus stop that services lines 1, 11, or 12. These buses can take you directly to the Transbay Terminal in San Francisco. Once you arrive at the Transbay Terminal, it's about a 10-minute walk to Union Square. Exit the terminal, head west on Howard Street, and then turn left onto 4th Street. Continue walking until you reach Union Square. The fare for a one-way ticket on AC Transit is about $2.50.