Exploring Union Square, San Francisco

Union Square in San Francisco is recognized as the third-largest shopping area in the United States. Established as a public plaza by the city’s first mayor in 1849, it has evolved significantly since its inception. initially serving as a rallying ground during the Civil War, Union Square transformed into a shopping hub in the early 1900s. Today, it boasts numerous upscale stores and hotels, with shopping stretching out from the central plaza.

The shops here primarily offer clothing, artwork, or home goods. While it’s a beautiful place for browsing or window-shopping, potential buyers should be ready to spend significant amounts, as the prices tend to be on the higher side.

Get Oriented

To orient yourself, stand in the middle of Union Square facing Macy’s. The Financial District and the waterfront are to your left, while in front of you, past Macy’s, lies SOMA (South of Market area) and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Behind you are Chinatown and North Beach, and on your right, you’ll find the theater and art gallery district.

Places of Note Around Union Square

Located in the Union Square plaza, opposite the St. Francis Hotel, is the TIX half-price ticket booth. This booth assists theatres in filling unsold, same-day seats, presenting a budget-friendly option to enjoy performances. Arrive about 30 minutes early for the best ticket selection.

At the opposite end of the plaza, Emporio Rulli serves great coffee and pastries. Sit at an outside table for prime people-watching.

In front of the plaza is Macy’s Union Square, the largest department store this side of New York City, extending from Powell to Stockton along Geary, merging into several surrounding buildings.

The elegant Westin St. Francis Hotel is located on the Powell Street side of Union Square. Be sure to step inside and admire the lobby, and once you exit, spend some time discovering the streets encircling the square.

During Christmas, an ice skating rink graces the square, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Side Streets Around Union Square Area

Maiden Lane, located on the east side of the square, is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare filled with art galleries and restaurants. The V.C. Morris Gift Shop at 140 Maiden Lane is notable as San Francisco’s only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building, and is viewed as a precursor to his design for New York’s Guggenheim Museum. San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours along this street, sharing fascinating stories of the area.

Geary Street: This street forms the core of San Francisco’s theater district, featuring the American Conservatory Theatre and Curran Theaters. Hotel Diva (440 Geary) is another fun stop, showcasing a “sidewalk of fame” adorned with signatures of celebrity visitors. Furthermore, Neiman Marcus proudly stands at Stockton and Geary, beautifully accentuated by its rotunda and stained-glass ceiling from the City of Paris, which was one of San Francisco’s distinguished department stores from 1850 to 1976.

Just a short distance down from Market and Geary lies the majestic Palace Hotel. It’s worthwhile to have a quick visit to admire their exquisite lobby and Palm Court restaurant, with the Pied Piper bar providing an appealing spot for a post-exploration drink.

Post Street: The historic Gump’s Department Store has been a treasure for San Franciscans since 1861, located two blocks east of Post and Stockton.

Market Street: Adjacent to Powell Street and Market is the San Francisco Shopping Center, which features intriguing spiral escalators worth admiring.

Panhandlers

While San Francisco is making strides in assisting the homeless population, encounters with homeless individuals may occur in this area. If you wish to support, experts advise contributing to organizations instead of handing money directly to individuals.

Just the Facts About Union Square

• Location: Bounded by Geary, Powell, Post & Stockton, the center of a larger shopping area.
• How Long: An hour or two to browse; serious shoppers may spend all day.
• Best Time to Visit: When stores are open; weekends are the busiest. The area looks particularly festive at Christmas.
• Website

Getting to Union Square

Clear signage leads visitors to Union Square from various area freeways. If you’re using a GPS, enter 335 Powell Street, the address of St. Francis Hotel.

Visitors can take advantage of the parking garage beneath Union Square, with rates similar to other city-operated garages downtown. Enter from Geary, directly across from Macy’s. In case of full capacity (985 spaces), take a drive around Union Square, making right turns until reaching Powell Street, then turn right onto Bush Street to find the Sutter-Stockton Garage.

To walk from North Beach or Chinatown, proceed down Grant Street south through the Chinatown gate to Maiden Lane and turn right.

San Francisco Muni bus lines 30 and 45 provide service to Union Square. At the intersection of Powell and Market, you can access Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde cable car lines, as well as BART and the historic trolley car “F” line.