Plazas in San Francisco

Union Square

Outdoor Activity / Park / Plaza

Party Earth Review Although Union Square’s name technically refers to its 1850s-era beginnings as a place where pro-Union rallies were held prior to the Civil War, today it is better known for its surrounding blocks full of shopping options, live theater, restaurants, boutiques, and hotels. Six department stores, including high ... more

Between Stockton and Powell Streets
and Post and Geary Streets
San Francisco, CA 94108

Liked By:

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Farmer's Market / Plaza

Party Earth Review Dozens of ferries may depart and dock each day at the historic Ferry Building – also the site of many retailers and upscale restaurants – but shoppers and foodies know it best for the popular weekly Ferry Plaza Farmers Market that sets up out front. Three days a week, roughly a hundred farmers turn a stretch of sidewalk ... more

1 Ferry Building
Ferry Building Marketplace
San Francisco, CA 94111

Liked By:

Washington Square

Culture / Outdoor Activity

Party Earth Review Located in the city’s official Little Italy – and often called “North Beach’s Living Room” – the block-wide Washington Square is a popular oasis for everyone from artists, pet owners, and families to students, neighborhood locals, and groups of Tai Chi practitioners from nearby Chinatown. Hourly chiming bells from the ornate ... more

Between Stockton to Powell Streets
and Filbert to Union Streets
San Francisco, CA 94133

Liked By:

Union Square - Outdoor Activity | Park | Plaza | Shopping Area in SF

In thinking about San Francisco plazas, there isn’t a whole lot that comes to mind. And it’s not because you can’t think of any, there just aren’t that many in general. SF isn’t exactly known for its plazas, but there are still a handful of worthwhile places to check out, sit back, relax, and watch the city go by from a plaza or square in San Francisco.

For starters, any plaza in SF will typically serve multiple purposes. First, they make for good meeting spots – it’s just easier to say ‘meet me in the square’. Second, the plazas are usually in the middle of commercial areas filled with restaurants, clubs, shops, and bars. Third, they can be great places to check out the sights and sounds of the city. And finally, because it’s SF, they’re the biggest setting for demonstrations, protests, and festivals of all kinds.

The biggest and most well-known plaza in San Francisco is Union Square. Built in the 1800s, today the square is the biggest commercial hub in the city with blocks of shopping, theaters, restaurants, and hotels.

Other plazas in San Francisco include Washington Square, which is really more of a park, and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, a popular three-day-a-week market selling every food imaginable. For the tourists, there’s Ghirardelli Square in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf where thousands of people flock to every day for great chocolate, restaurants, bars, and a little tour of SF history.

SF plazas may not be as big or famous as many other major cities, but there are still enough to go around that provide activities and things to do any day or night of the week.