Jackson Square: A Glimpse into San Francisco's Past
Discover San Francisco's historic Jackson Square: A charming blend of Gold Rush-era architecture, upscale boutiques, gourmet dining, and vibrant art galleries in a sophisticated urban setting.
Jackson Square, nestled between the Financial District and North Beach, offers a captivating journey back to San Francisco's Gold Rush era. This historic district, a survivor of the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, showcases beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, including brick buildings with cast-iron storefronts reminiscent of the East Coast. Today, Jackson Square is a vibrant blend of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, attracting discerning shoppers and diners. Explore the charming cobblestone alleyways, discover hidden courtyards, and soak in the atmosphere of this unique neighborhood, where history and modern sophistication intertwine. Don't miss Hotaling Place, San Francisco's oldest alley, and the Transamerica Redwood Park, a tranquil urban oasis.
A brief summary to Jackson Square
- San Francisco, Jackson Square, California, US
Local tips
- Explore Hotaling Place, San Francisco's oldest alley, for unique boutiques and a glimpse into the city's past.
- Visit the Transamerica Redwood Park for a tranquil escape under towering redwood trees.
- Indulge in the area's upscale dining scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants and cozy wine bars.
- Browse the art galleries showcasing contemporary and classic works by local and international artists.
- Take a walking tour to learn about Jackson Square's fascinating history as part of the Barbary Coast.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Transamerica Pyramid, walk north along Columbus Avenue. Turn right onto Jackson Street. Jackson Square is located a few blocks east, characterized by its historic brick buildings and cobblestone streets. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
From Union Square, take the Muni bus line 8 (Bayshore) towards North Point. Get off at the Kearny Street & Jackson Street stop. Jackson Square is a short walk west from the bus stop. A single Muni fare is $3.00 for adults paying with cash, or $2.75 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From the Ferry Building, a taxi or ride-share to Jackson Square will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $12-$18. Direct the driver to the intersection of Jackson Street and Montgomery Street, which is the heart of Jackson Square.
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Driving
If driving from the Embarcadero, head west on Broadway. Turn left onto Montgomery Street. Jackson Square is located along Montgomery Street and the surrounding side streets. Parking in Jackson Square can be challenging. Street parking is limited and metered. Several parking garages are available in the area, with hourly rates ranging from $11 to $25. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find and reserve a spot in advance. Some nearby parking locations include 768 Sansome St and 622 Washington St.
Discover more about Jackson Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jackson Square Historic District
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Explore San Francisco's Gold Rush past in Jackson Square, a historic district blending upscale boutiques, art galleries, and culinary delights amidst cobblestone streets and brick buildings.
Shortest Street in California
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Experience the whimsy of Balance Street in San Francisco, California's shortest street, where history and charm intertwine in a unique urban adventure.
Sentinel Building
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Transamerica Pyramid
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California Historical Landmark 192: Site of the Jenny Lind Theatre and San Francisco City Hall
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California Historical Landmark 81: Landing Place of Captain J. B. Montgomery
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Discover the historic landing site of Captain J. B. Montgomery in San Francisco, a key location in the Gold Rush narrative at California Historical Landmark 81.
San Francisco Historical Society
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Explore San Francisco's captivating past at the San Francisco Historical Society: exhibits, walking tours, and publications bring the city's rich history to life in the heart of downtown.
California Historical Landmark 819: Hudson's Bay Company
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California Historical Landmark 87: Site of First United States Mint in California
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Northeast Waterfront Historic District
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Chinatown Hero's Mural
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743 Washington St
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Jazz Mural
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751 Commercial St
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Chinatown Flags Street
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Purple Onion at Kells
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Comstock Saloon
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Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe
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The Devil's Acre
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The Beat Museum
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Vesuvio Cafe
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Pacific Heritage Museum
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Portsmouth Square
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City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
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0 Jack Kerouac Alley
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Chinatown
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Essential places to dine
Bix
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Quince
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Trestle Restaurant
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House of Nanking
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Begoni Bistro
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Tosca Cafe
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Bund Shanghai Restaurant
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Great Eastern Restaurant
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FUSION DUMPLING
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Z & Y Restaurant
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New Lun Ting Cafe
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City View Restaurant
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Betty Lou's Seafood & Grill
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Empress by Boon
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Portofino
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Up & Up Gift Shop
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Souvenir Shop
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Peking Bazaar
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Shangri La Gifts
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SFOG North Beach
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Yat On Gift Shop
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Jing Ying Gift Shop inc
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Good View Trading Co
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Happy House
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Canton Bazaar
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Vigi Boutique
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Old Shanghai
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WORK
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Via Margutta Vintage
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Unique Variety
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mr Bing's
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Lion's Den Lounge and Bar
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Red's Place
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15 Romolo
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Li Po Cocktail Lounge
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Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge
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Buddha Lounge
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The Saloon
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The Showdown
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CHI Lounge
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Cold Drinks Bar
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Maggie McGarry's
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Moongate Lounge
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Gino & Carlo
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718
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