Union Square San Francisco: Top Things to Do in This Popular SF District

Union Square San Francisco is in the heart of the city. This thriving neighborhood is buzzing with both locals and tourists and offers dozens of fun things to do.

This central district is a popular place to stay, as it has the largest concentration of hotels with easy access to places all around SF.

Top activities here including shopping, theater productions, galleries, tours, fun bars and nightlife options. This is also where you will find the cable cars that run to Fisherman's Wharf.

Use my insider's guide to find everything there is to do in the famed Union Square SF district.

The hearts you see on the square rotate frequently, since they are all for sale as part of a two-decade-long fundraising campaign for a local hospital.

The one in the photo below, painted by no other than Tony Bennett himself, was the only one on display year after year until it found a permanent home inside the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel.

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Shopping in Union Square

One of the top draws to Union Square San Francisco is the shopping. You will find high-end shops all around the square and throughout the district.

Around the Square

The four-block radius around Union Square is home to several high-end retailers. Long standing shops here include Louis Vuitton, Tiffany's, and Macy's.

Along these streets, you will also find Apple, Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Nike, Williams Sonoma, and Banana Republic.

Maiden Lane

One of the most famous shopping streets in Union Square San Francisco is Maiden Lane, which houses high-end retailers such as Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, and more.

I love this two-block long lane during the day when it's just for pedestrians (11 am to 5 pm).

This is also when the restaurants on Maiden Lane set up tables and chairs outdoors for a European-inspired sidewalk-cafe experience.

Powell Street

Another large concentration of retailers is along Powell Street, just north of our famous cable car turnaround.

Between Geary and Market Street you will find trendy retailers such as Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and UNIQLO.

>> Learn more about shopping around the Union Square District

Cable Cars

You will find two of San Francisco's three cable car lines running through Union Square. Both take you up and over the steep hills of San Francisco to the Fisherman's Wharf District.

It's fun to watch them head up and down Powell Street full of riders from around the world.

One of the main attractions in this district is the cable car turnaround. It's fun to watch the cable car operators hand-spin the cars around so they can begin their journey back to Fisherman's Wharf.

Powell/Mason Cable Car

The Powell/Mason Cable Car runs between Union Square and the eastern end of Fisherman's Wharf. Stops along this cable car routre include Chinatown and North Beach.

The final stop is at Taylor and Bay Streets. It takes about 25 minutes.

Powell/Hyde Cable Car

The Powell/Hyde Cable car also runs between these two popular districts. However, this one heads along a different route. It will take you up Powell Street, through part of Chinatown and up Washington Street.

It then turns down Hyde Street where you will pass Lombard Street before your final descent down a large, steep hill and into Fisherman's Wharf. This one takes a little longer, almost 30 minutes, but it's my favorite of the two.

It climbs and descends steeper hills, and I especially love the view as you head down that final hill into the Wharf.

Theaters

Union Square San Francisco is also home to several great theaters with live performances. They feature Broadway shows, Off-Broadway hits, world premieres, experimental productions, and locally written and produced pieces.

Golden Gate Theatre

Address: 1 Taylor Street

The Golden Gate Theatre is one of two San Francisco theaters (the other is the Orpheum) that solely show Broadway productions. These are all traveling shows from New York with actors either from or on their way to Broadway.

You will find many rising stars in these productions and they offer a high-quality experience.

The Golden Gate Theatre offers about half a dozen shows each year.

Here are their upcoming shows.

Curran Theatre 

Address: 445 Geary Street

The Curran originally opened in 1922 and offers gorgeous details both inside and out. It's famous for offering more pre-Broadway shows than any other theater and was where Wicked started before moving to Broadway.

Today, this theater offers a few hand-picked performances. Some are experimental shows and others are straight from Broadway.

They offer about three to four performances each year.

American Conservatory Theater 

Address: 415 Geary

The American Conservatory Theater, often referred to as the ACT Theater, is a non-profit theater about a block away from Union Square San Francisco. At this theater, you will find both classical and contemporary productions.

Their schedule includes more than a half dozen shows each year including their annual showing of "A Christmas Carol" in December.

In addition to shows, they are also an acting school.

San Francisco Playhouse

Address: 450 Post Street

The San Francisco Playhouse is another non-profit theater. They feature nine shows each year. This 199-seat theater shows Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, musicals, and both regional and world premieres.

Performances are offered Tuesday through Sunday.

Smaller Theaters

The following four theaters offer smaller, more intimate settings. These productions are easy on the budget and offer many lesser known productions.

Exit Theatre

Address: 277 Taylor Street

The Exit Theatre is a small space that features a variety of productions from local artists. It's a place for local actors to perfect their craft. You will find theater shows, festivals, magicians, and more on stage here almost every night of the week.

They also have other smaller venues around downtown SF, so make sure to check your tickets for the location for performances with the Exit Theatre.

Phoenix Theater 

Address: 414 Mason Street

The Phoenix Theater is another intimate venue with performances by local artists and emerging playwrights. Their goals are to create excellent shows that are affordable.

Make sure to visit Goldstar to check out some of the great deals for upcoming theater performances around Union Square San Francisco. These are just a few from around town.

Tours of Union Square

If you want to learn more about Union Square San Francisco, you will find a variety of tours in and around the district. In addition, you will also find several other tours that either start here or drive through as they visit several places throughout San Francisco.

These are the top tours that focus most of their time in the district.

San Francisco Ghosts, Gold, and Ghouls Tour 

If you prefer to learn about SF's dark history, then you are in for a treat. This 1.5-hour walking tour features little-known ghost stories some of the most well-known landmarks in the Union Square district as well as neighboring Nob Hill.

It's called the "Ghost, Gold, and Ghouls" Tour because the Gold Rush did not lead to prosperity for everyone; instead, many folks' search for fame and fortune ended in horrific tragedy.

With a guide, you'll learn about the souls that today still haunt the Westin St. Francis and Fairmont Hotels. You'll also hear about those who endured the 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed the city. 

This tour is not recommended for children 10 and under. This tour runs several times a week. 

>> Check for ticket availability on GetYourGuide

Free SF City Guides Tours

SF City Guides, part of the SF Public Library, also offers free walking tours in and around Union Square San Francisco.

These 2-hour tours offer you the chance to learn more about what has shaped this district over the years.

Tour topics include the 1906 Earthquake & Fire, the architecture of the district, and more. 

>> Learn more about these and other tours offered daily by SF City Guides

Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tours are a great way to get from attraction to attraction. These tours offer 15+ stops and all of them have a main stop right in Union Square San Francisco.

You will find a variety of agencies offering these tours all with slightly different offerings. You can learn more about the options here.

You can either buy the tickets when you arrive or online in advance. Big Bus Tours offers a discount when you buy in advance online.

>> Check here for ticketing information

Movie Filming Locations Tour

What movies can you name that were filmed in San Francisco? Top movies filmed at sights around SF include Zodiac, Moneyball, Bullitt, Mrs. Doubtfire, and many, many others.

On this 3-hour tour, you will cruise through the streets from filming location to filming location, including some at Union Square San Francisco.

>> Find tickets for upcoming dates

Panoramic Sunset Tour

The Panoramic Sunset Tour offers a look at this gorgeous city at night from a double-decker open-top bus. You will ride through Fisherman's Wharf and up Nob Hill for a fantastic view of Grace Cathedral and beyond.

You will also have photo opportunities of the city skyline from Treasure Island and along the Embarcadero. The tour departs nightly at 6:30 pm. 

>> See more details about this dazzling night tour

City Tour

This 3.5-hour tour gives you the chance to visit many different neighborhoods throughout San Francisco. You will cruise through Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Alamo Square, and Union Square, as well as others.

This guided tour will also take you to the top of Twin Peaks (weather permitting) and the Golden Gate Bridge for some gorgeous views.

>> Learn more about this tour and ticketing availability.

Galleries

Union Square San Francisco is home to a variety of galleries. You will find them throughout the district. Some offer antique pieces, while many offer fine and contemporary art. Here are just a few to check out during your time in this district.

Martin Lawrence Galleries

Address: 366 Geary Street

Fine arts gallery with pieces from famous artists such as Picasso, Dali, Rembrandt, Andy Warhol and others.

49 Geary Art Galleries

Address: 49 Geary

Two floors of art with photography, paintings, and more, they have some of the best First Thursday parties in town.

Dolby Chadwick Gallery

Address: 210 Post Street, Suite 205

Here you will find both emerging and established artists. They have a variety of works and their exhibits are always changing.

Best Restaurants in Union Square San Francisco

There are dozens of restaurants in the Union Square San Francisco neighborhood. You can find everything from fine dining to more casual places. 

It seems like there is a new restaurant opening everyday, so there is always something new to try. Here are some of my favorite Union Square restaurants.

>> Find some late-night eats near Union Square

Best Hotels

The largest concentration of hotels is in the Union Square San Francisco neighborhood.

They range from smaller and cheaper two-star hotels to five-star hotels with all of the amenities.

You will also find a number of nationally and internationally recognized names such as Marriott, Sheridan, and Hyatt.

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Address: 335 Powell St

Directly across the street from Union Square San Francisco is the Westin St. Francis. This large hotel has almost 1,200 rooms and offers 4-star amenities. Find a room and reviews here

Hotel Emblem

Address: 562 Sutter Street

About two blocks away from the heart of the district, this 3-star hotel offers the best bang for your buck in this area. This historic hotel is well located next to transit, including the cable cars, and fun things to do. Find out more about this hotel and booking a room

Hotel Spero

Address: 405 Taylor Street

Hotel Spero is just a five-minute walk from Union Square. This 4-star hotel offers parking on-site, a 24-hour fitness room, and a restaurant on the first floor. Find a room at the Hotel Spero

>> Additional hotel recommendations around Union Square

Annual Events in Union Square

Union Square San Francisco hosts a variety of events throughout the year. These are just some of the biggest and most popular ones that take place right in the main square.

Tulip Day

Held in honor of International Women's Day each March, Union Square's Tulip Day tradition is based on a similar celebration in the Netherlands.

Thousands line up to pick fresh colorful flowers from the temporary garden to take home for free.

Christmas Tree Lighting 

This area of town is beautifully lit for the holidays every year beginning the week before Thanksgiving.

Favorite elements of Union Square's festive atmosphere are the towering Christmas tree and the outdoor ice skating rink next it.

Bill Graham Union Square Menorah Lighting

Every year, you will find a huge menorah on the square. All eight candles are lit according to that year's calendar.

This event also features a Bill Graham Menorah Day, usually on the same day as the lighting of one of the candles.

Santa Con

If you happen to be walking around Union Square San Francisco in December and find yourself surrounded by hundreds of Santas, then you are here for Santa Con!

This fun event started in SF and became popular that you will now find it around the world. The fun starts with a meeting in the square and moves to bars throughout the city.

>> More on Santa Con

Click the links below to find more events throughout SF each month.

Best Bars

Redwood Room

Address: 495 Geary Street

The Clift Hotel is the scene of this Francisco Union Square bar. It's fun, funky and has a beautiful redwood bar. The place has a modern, upscale feel with several historical features.

Grab a drink and watch the 'paintings' on the wall. Each painting moves around, but slowly enough so you can watch and enjoy them.

Tunnel Top

Address: 601 Bush Street

This classic bar is just a few blocks up the hill from the plaza. It's at the top of the tunnel that leads from Union Square over to Chinatown. It's a popular hangout for both locals and visitors.

Most nights, you will find it crowded and a DJ spinning upstairs. 

Press Club

Address: 20 Yerba Buena Lane

If you love sampling a variety of wines from around the world, then head over to the Press Club wine bar. This bar offers plenty of room to hang out and enjoy your wine.

They also offer a great small plates menu. 

The Irish Bank Bar & Restaurant

Address: 10 Mark Lane

The Irish Bank is a great little bar and restaurant tucked away in an alley about five blocks from Union Square San Francisco. It has great beers and a good selection on the menu.

It has an outdoor area which is the perfect place to stop for a drink or a nice casual dinner with your friends.

>> More great Union Square bars

More Nightlife Ideas

In addition to theater shows, tours, and heading out for a nice meal, here are a few additional things to do at night in Union Square San Francisco.

August Hall

Address: 420 Mason Street

This historic venue was renovated and reopened in December 2017. It offers three fun activities: music hall with concerts several nights a week, a cocktail bar (Green Room), and three lanes of bowling (Fifth Arrow).

These are a few of their upcoming shows.

Magic at the Marrakech Magic Theater

Address: 419 O'Farrell

Magician Jay Alexander is the new headliner at the Marrakech Theater in downtown SF. His show, Mind Tricks, combines magic, comedy, and mentalism. He offers shows most nights of the week.

>> Find additional fun things to do at night in Union Square and beyond

How to Get Here

From Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39: There are several ways to easily get here from Fisherman's Wharf.

• Cable Car: Taking a cable car up and over the hills is the most fun. There are two cable car lines that run between Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. The cost is $8 per person. The ride takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
• F Streetcar: Another option is to take the F Streetcar along the water. This option only costs $3 per person. It takes just a little longer - around 30 minutes or so - and is also a beautiful ride.

From San Francisco International Airport (SFO): You can take a taxi, shuttle, or BART (train) from SFO.

• Taxi: The fastest and easiest way to get from SFO to Union Square is by taxi -- but it's also the most expensive.
• Shuttle: Taking an airport shuttle from SFO to Union Square is more cost effective. There are about a dozen companies that run shuttles to and from SFO to San Francisco.
• BART: This takes the most time but is the least expensive. If you pack light and you don't mind walking a little, this is a great option.

From Oakland Airport (OAK)/East Bay: You have the same options for getting into the city from OAK as from SFO. However, the experience is slightly different, since you need to plan ahead just a little more. It costs more money and will take a little longer when traveling from OAK to Union Square San Francisco.

Parking in Union Square San Francisco

You will find parking all around Union Square San Francisco. The challenge is that it is quite pricey. Here are a few options that are centrally located to all of these fun things to do.

Union Square Garage (333 Post St): Under the square is a large parking garage that offers several levels of underground parking.

Westin St. Francis (335 Powell Street): Located under the Westin St. Francis hotel, this garage has room for 300 cars. It's one of the most expensive options, but you can usually find parking here.

Sutter Stockton Garage (444 Stockton Street): This is one of the largest (1,800+ spaces) and best priced garages in the area.

>> More tips for parking around SF

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