Union Square: San Francisco's Vibrant Heart
Experience world-class shopping, dining, and cultural events in the heart of San Francisco at historic Union Square, a vibrant destination for tourists and locals alike.
Union Square, bordered by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets, has been a focal point of San Francisco since 1850. Originally dedicated as a public gathering space by Mayor John Geary, it gained its name from the pro-Union rallies held during the Civil War. Over the years, Union Square has transformed from an area of wind-swept sand dunes to a formal strolling garden and, later, a bustling commercial and cultural center. The square saw significant growth in the 20th century with the expansion of tourism and the emergence of luxury retail and high-end hotels. In 1942, an underground parking lot was installed, with the square relegated to the roof of the garage. Renovations in the 1990s enhanced accessibility and cemented Union Square's reputation as a top attraction. Today, Union Square is renowned for its high-end fashion boutiques, iconic department stores like Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue, and numerous art galleries. The Dewey Monument, a towering column topped with the Statue of Victory, commemorates Admiral George Dewey's victory at Manila Bay in 1898. The square also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, holiday celebrations, and public art installations. Visitors can enjoy a ride on San Francisco's famous cable cars, explore the Theater District, or simply relax in Union Square Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. The area is also within walking distance of other popular attractions such as Yerba Buena Gardens, Chinatown, and the Ferry Building.
Local tips
- Take a ride on the iconic cable cars at the Powell & Market Street Cable Car turnaround for a quintessential San Francisco experience.
- Visit during the holiday season to see the Macy's Christmas Tree and enjoy ice skating in the square.
- Explore Maiden Lane, a charming pedestrian street with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.
- Check out the Union Square Farmers Market on Wednesdays for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food trucks.
- Enjoy a pre-show dinner or drinks at one of the many restaurants and bars in the Theater District surrounding Union Square.
A brief summary to Union Square
- San Francisco, Union Square, California, 94108, US
- +1415-781-7880
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Powell Street BART Station, exit and walk north towards Union Square. The square is directly accessible from the station and is a major transportation hub with access to Muni buses, streetcars, and cable cars. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00 cash or $2.85 with a Clipper card or MuniMobile. Cable car fares are $8.00 per ride.
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Walking
From the Ferry Building, walk west along Market Street for approximately 1 mile. Union Square will be on your left, bordered by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A short taxi ride from the Moscone Center to Union Square typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic. Taxi fares include a $4.15 flag rate for the first 1/5th of a mile, $0.65 for each additional 1/5th of a mile, and $0.65 for each minute of waiting time. Bridge tolls may apply.
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Driving
If driving, approach Union Square via Geary, Powell, Post, or Stockton Streets. Parking is available in the Union Square Garage, with hourly rates ranging from $5 to $6. Several other parking garages are located near Union Square, with prices ranging from $13 to $38 for 2 hours. Be aware that parking can be limited and expensive.
