Union Square, the elegant plaza circled by tall palm trees in roughly the middle of San Francisco’s downtown, is a bustling gathering place that also serves as a hub for California luxury shopping.
What You’ll Find at San Francisco’s Union Square
Walk streets bounding the square to jot down your anything’s-possible wish-list of finds at Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Bulgari (as well as major retailers such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nike). Slip into the sultry at Starlite, the 21st-floor penthouse lounge in the luxurious Beacon Grand Hotel, to clink martini glasses and compare notes. Anyone longing for a European vibe will feel right at home strolling the narrow, boutique-lined, almost-pedestrian-only Maiden Lane (car-free from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). It’s just off the square, and is home to Maison Margiela and Suitsupply, as well as the cozy Iron Horse Coffee Shop that encourages you to unwind on one of its little tables set up right on the street. Just south of the square, on Market Street, you’ll find San Francisco Centre, the city’s indoor shopping mall.
Union Square In Bloom Passport and Events
Embracing its rich history with the flowers, Union Square has recently launched a bright new campaign, Union Square in Bloom, from March to August. This five-month flower festival invites visitors to celebrate community events amidst floral public displays, hotel stays, couture, gastronomy, and cocktails. Embark on a floral adventure with the Bloom Passport as your guide to discovering bloom cocktails from participating bars and restaurants and surprising bursts of florals in unlikely places like hotel awnings, bus stops, and the Maiden Lane gates. And don’t forget: The Union Square Tulip Garden returns for one day in March, where tens of thousands of visitors descend on the district to receive free flowers.
Restaurants Near San Francisco’s Union Square
Of course, all that shopping can be exhausting. Union Square makes it easy to recharge: the square has plenty of sunny benches for relaxing. Or indulge in an espresso and a flaky pastry at the charming ONE65 Patisserie & Boutique, with a bright ambience of indoor seating. World-class restaurants are clustered near the square as well—make a reservation at ABSteak, Bombay Brasserie, or the Michelin-starred O’ by Claude Le Tohic are three of the high-end standouts. If you are on a tighter budget, enjoy the classic American diner experience at the Pinecrest Diner.
Hotels in San Francisco’s Union Square
Considering its proximity to shopping, restaurants, and theaters, there's an abundance of hotels in the Union Square neighborhood. For an elegant, historic stay, consider The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, originally opened in 1904 but restored with chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities. The Barnes also dates back to the early 1900s, when the eight-story hotel was first the Hotel Manx and had a speakeasy in the basement during Prohibition. These days, The Barnes offers a charming vintage experience, complete with luxurious plush pillows, soft linens, and spa-inspired bathrooms that invite relaxation. Parc 55 is a few blocks off Union Square and affords easy access to plenty of San Francisco's acclaimed downtown restaurants. But the 1,024-room hotel is a foodie magnet in its own right with a Michelin-star restaurant onsite (try the boldly creative Thai cuisine for yourself at Kin Khao).
Seasonal Events at San Francisco’s Union Square
Come on Sundays to enjoy afternoon high tea in the Rotunda at Neiman Marcus, a perfect spot for guests seeking an elegant experience, and where they can also take care of some holiday shopping. During the holidays, Union Square transforms into a wintry, family-filled charmer, with an ice-skating rink and little ones staring up at the enormous “Macy’s Great Tree.” and glittering shop windows all around. Another reason to visit during the holiday season is to take advantage of Winter Walk SF, a two-block-long pedestrian-only activation on Stockton Street that features food trucks, an open-air cocktail bar, and live performances.
Insider tip: If traveling to Union Square by car, plan your tip with the help of this parking and street map of the area.