Civic Center Plaza: San Francisco's Urban Oasis
Experience San Francisco's heart at Civic Center Plaza: a vibrant hub for culture, events, and urban relaxation in a historic setting.
Civic Center Plaza, a 4.5-acre public space in the heart of San Francisco, is a hub of civic and cultural activity. Flanked by City Hall, the Public Library, and other institutions, the plaza offers gardens, walking paths, and a playground, hosting events and providing a space for relaxation and recreation.
A brief summary to Civic Center Plaza
- 335 McAllister St, San Francisco, Civic Center, California, 94102, US
- +1415-831-5500
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the event calendar before you go. Civic Center Plaza hosts frequent events, from concerts to markets.
- Take public transportation. Parking can be limited and expensive.
- Visit nearby cultural institutions. The plaza is surrounded by museums, theaters, and the library.
- Enjoy a picnic on the lawn. The plaza offers a green space to relax and people-watch.
Getting There
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Public Transport
The Civic Center Plaza is easily accessible via public transportation. Take BART or Muni Metro to the Civic Center/UN Plaza Station. From the station, walk two blocks west on Grove Street. Several bus lines also stop within a few blocks of the plaza. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00.
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Walking
From the Powell Street BART station, walk southwest on Market Street for about 0.5 miles. Turn right onto McAllister Street, and the plaza will be on your left. This walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
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Parking
If driving, parking is available at the Civic Center Plaza Garage. Rates vary, but expect to pay around $3-$6 per hour, with daily maximums ranging from $29-$35. Several other parking garages are located within walking distance, with comparable rates. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance.
Discover more about Civic Center Plaza
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Abraham Lincoln
0.1 km
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San Francisco City Hall
0.1 km
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United Nations Plaza Fountain
0.4 km
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The Shortest Street in San Francisco
0.5 km
Stroll down San Francisco's shortest street in the Fillmore District, a unique historical landmark offering a charming glimpse into the city's quirky urban landscape and vibrant local culture.
Rothschild House
0.6 km
Discover the Rothschild House in San Francisco's Fillmore District, a beautifully preserved Italianate landmark offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural heritage.
Sarcophagus of Thomas Starr King
0.7 km
Visit the Sarcophagus of Thomas Starr King in San Francisco, a tribute to the influential Unitarian minister and orator who helped keep California in the Union during the Civil War, located at the First Unitarian Universalist Society.
The San Francisco Mint
1.0 km
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Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.
1.1 km
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California Historical Landmark 454: Site of Woodward's Gardens
1.1 km
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Flood Building
1.1 km
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The Samuels Clock
1.1 km
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Powell St & Geary St
1.2 km
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Nob Hill
1.3 km
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Bush Street Temple (Soto Mission)
1.3 km
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Dewey Monument
1.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
49-Mile Scenic Drive
0.1 km
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Heart of the City Farmers' Market
0.1 km
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Asian Art Museum
0.2 km
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War Memorial Opera House
0.3 km
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Orpheum Theatre
0.3 km
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Civic Center
0.3 km
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Davies Symphony Hall
0.3 km
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Saint Boniface Catholic Church
0.5 km
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Tenderloin Museum
0.6 km
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Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco
0.7 km
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Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
0.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Brenda's French Soul Food
0.4 km
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Son and Garden
0.4 km
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Kiln
0.4 km
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Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
0.5 km
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Monsieur Benjamin
0.5 km
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Chez Maman West
0.6 km
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Nightbird
0.6 km
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a Mano
0.6 km
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Birdsong
0.6 km
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AsiaSF
0.7 km
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Rich Table
0.7 km
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Suppenküche
0.8 km
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Petit Crenn
0.9 km
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1601 Bar & Kitchen
0.9 km
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Kin Khao
1.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cha May Ching Museum Boutique
0.2 km
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Polk market&gift shop
0.4 km
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New Horizons gift shop
0.4 km
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minimal
0.5 km
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Reliquary
0.7 km
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Metier
0.8 km
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Urban Outfitters
1.1 km
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Gift Shop
1.2 km
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Cuyana
1.2 km
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Cali Gifts & More
1.3 km
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Louis Vuitton San Francisco Union Square
1.3 km
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Secret Shop
1.3 km
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Saks Fifth Avenue
1.3 km
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COVE
1.4 km
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Maison Margiela San Francisco
1.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Smuggler's Cove
0.5 km
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Bourbon & Branch
0.8 km
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Rye Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
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Sluts the wine bar
0.9 km
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Cityscape
0.9 km
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Owl Tree
1.0 km
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Johnny Foley's Irish House
1.1 km
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The Majestic Butterfly Lounge
1.1 km
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Persona
1.2 km
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Clock Bar
1.2 km
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Dahlia SF
1.2 km
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Pacific Cocktail Haven
1.3 km
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Kozy Kar
1.3 km
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Last Drop Tavern
1.4 km
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Noc Noc
1.5 km
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