Union Square

San Francisco Shopping Guide

Union Square's renovated Plaza events...

Union Square is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, bordered by four main streets, Post, Geary, Powell and Stockton. Union Square is the third largest shopping area in the United States, and is home to some of the finest shopping malls, department stores, specialty shops and restaurants in the country. Because of this fact, Union Square is sometimes attributed only with shopping and crowds, but there is more there than most people think, and for anyone visiting San Francisco, you shouldn’t miss it. Aside from shopping visitors can walk the streets and enjoy fine art galleries, sit in the plaza and enjoy the sun, go see a show at one of the many theatres or dine at some of the best restaurants in the city. San Francisco's newest mall (opened 2006) is the humongous downtown San Francisco shopping center.

Built in 1847, Jasper O’Farrell, a civil engineer responsible for much of the design of San Francisco’s city plan, set aside the area of Union Square to be used as a public plaza. Just before the Civil War, the park was used as a location for frequent demonstrations which supported the Union troop, giving it its name Union Square. Prior to the great earthquake of 1906, the area was mostly considered a residential neighborhood, but was rebuilt in the aftermath of the quake to become the cultural and shopping mecca it is today. In 2002, thanks to a $25 million renovation, Union Square was transformed into a beautiful piazza with the monument with the goddess Victory, that was built in 1903, still towering over it.

Union Square Luxury Hotels

Union Square itself is still used as the public plaza it was meant to be. Be sure to check local listing to see if an events are being held in the square, as the plaza is home to art shows, fashion shows, parties and sometimes demonstrations are even still held there reminiscent of the ones the square itself is named for. On the plaza there are many places to sit and people watch or just enjoy your surroundings, including a little café where you can get pastries and coffee or even a glass of wine.

Most importantly, Union Square is home to the TIX booth that is a must stop for tourists and locals. Theatre tickets can be purchased here, and you can get half price tickets on the day of performances. Aside from theatre tickets the TIX booth acts as an information booth providing information and passes for many of San Francisco’s major attractions.

To stay in Union Square, you may pay a little extra, but with all that the area has to offer it may be worth it. Directly on the square is the Westin St. Francis, a beautiful hotel that opens directly onto Union Square. Other wise the choices for hotels are endless. Check out our website for more hotel information and reviews.

If you want the full tourist experience, the best idea is to take the cable cars to and/or from Union Square. Both the Powell-Hyde Line and the Powell-Mason Line begin and end at the Powell and Market Turnaround. Tickets can be purchased beforehand, or on the cable car.

Buses are probably the best way to get there because there are many more options and the it is a much more economical choice. The buses that travel directly through Union Square include the 2, 3, 4, 76, 38, 30, 45, 9x, 9ax and 9bx. For more information on cable cars and buses you can contact the Muni website and there you’ll find maps and time tables for your trip.

Here is an overview of just a small handful of what you can find in Union Square:

Department Stores

Union Square is home to some of the finest department stores and San Francisco shopping centers including, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Just off of the square itself, you will find Nordstrom’s on Market, as well as the site for the much anticipated Bloomingdale’s that should be opening some time in late 2006.

Clothing Stores

If you want to get out of the department stores to shop for clothing, Union Square will not disappoint. There are tons of stores for your clothing needs anywhere from low-end to very high-end. For the everyday shopper there is a Banana Republic, Bebe, Diesel USA, FCUK, Guess, Gap, Levi’s Flagship Store and Urban Outfitters. If you are looking to splurge Union Square houses the works of some of the finest designers including the likes of Christian Dior, Gucci, Kate Spade, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren and Versace.

Shoes

Union Square is not without shoe stores, and like the clothing stores, shoe stores can dramatically range in price. For high-end the department stores are your best bet, but if shoes is all you want, you can hit many of the stores listed above or go to Nine West, Cole-Haan or Johnston & Murphy. But don’t be discouraged, there are lots of discount shoe stores in Union Square including Loehman’s, and the always popular DSW.

Jewelry

If your looking for jewelry, there is a Tiffany & Co. located directly in Union Square which should keep you busy for a while, otherwise there are many more to choose from including, Bulgari, Cartier, Swatch and Simayof.

Home Decor

If you are looking for something special for your home, or want that perfect cooking utensil, you will probably find it in Union Square. In the square itself is the flagship store for Williams-Sonoma, then traveling around the area you will find stores like Baccarat, Villeroy & Boch, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table and Gumps.

Health & Beauty

For those women who want to pamper themselves, or men that want to impress their lady, Union Square can supply you with premium shops for beauty and health. For the full service the area is packed with some of the best salons, but if your just looking for products you have places such as Lush, Victoria’s Secret, The Body Shop and Sephora to choose from.

Specialty Shops

Don’t worry, it’s not just about clothes, shoes and makeup, Union Square has lots of shops and stores for specialty shopping. As you walk down the streets you will find something for everyone from sporting goods stores, smoke shops, fabric stores, book stores, antiques and gift shops to include, Don Sherwood’s Golf & Tennis, Mason smoke Shop, Britex Fabrics, Borders Bookstore, Farinelli and a Sharper Image.

For nightlife, Union Square has late night clubs that include Ruby Skye, Redwood Room at the Clift and for anyone coming to the city and wanting to have some fun while enjoying a view of the city, you have to make at least one trip up to Harry Denton’s Starlight Room

For something casual to just have a drink or catch a game, there are lots of little pubs and sports bars including, John Foley’s, Lefty O’Douls and the Gold Dust Lounge.

Theatres and Galleries

If you are interested in attending the theatre some of the more popular ones are the American Conservatory Theater, Curran Theatre, Post Street Theatre and the Marines Memorial Theatre. Make sure to get tickets well in advance as the great shows sell out quickly.

For the art lovers there are galleries such as Asaka Fine Arts, Felicci Fine Art, George Krevsky Gallerey, Lutece Galleries, Weinstein Gallery to name but a few.

Union Square Hotels

Readers Suggestions

K.C. writes, " Union Square? That's the best part of San Francisco. I don't know anyone who would stay farther than walking distance away from it!"

Linsefer writes, "I just love the inner city atmosphere with all the buildings and variety of people around. I like the hustle and bustle. I always stay in a great European style pension called Adalaide Inn. I think Union Square is a great starting point and a fun place to hang out."

"* Take the St. Francis' glass elevators all the way to the top where you find the OZ nightclub and look out over the panoramic view. Then, when the elevator drops, look straight down...when the elevator passes from the outside to the inside, there is a metal grate-fence that seems to lunge right for your face. It's totally safe, but exciting.
* John's Grill and the Burritt Street plaque are both locations that Hammett-lovers should catch." (P.B.)

By: Colleen Kelly - Copyright SFTRAVEL LLC

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