Union Square

The Scene

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...

Crowd

Lots of tourists, shoppers, photographers, foodies, chic ladies, artsy types, theater lovers, families, young professionals, club-goers, brunch fanatics, hotel guests, and more tourists. All ages.

Entertainment/Music

Retail:
More than a hundred retail outlets are within easy walking distance, including the Apple Store (1 Stockton Street), Macy’s (170 O'Farrell Street), Saks Fifth Avenue (384 Post Street), Nordstroms (865 Market Street), Neiman Marcus (150 Stockton Street), and many other major chains.

Art Galleries:
Dozens of art galleries and boutiques are nearby, though many are closed on Mondays and Sundays. Artists frequently display works in the park.

Theaters:
Large theaters nearby include ACT American Conservatory (415 Geary Street) and the Curran (445 Geary Street).

Live Music:
Live music options include blues at Biscuits and Blues (401 Mason Street), DJs and various local acts at Swig (561 Geary Street), a piano man playing nightly at Lefty O'Doul’s (333 Geary Street), jazz at Harry Denton's Starlight Room (450 Powell Street) and Bix (56 Gold Street), and dancing, DJs, and occasional live acts at Vessel (85 Campton Place) and Ruby Skye (420 Mason Street).

Events:
Every July 14, the area around Beldon Place – the city’s official French Quarter – explodes with berets and “Bonjour!” during the massive Bastille Day celebration. The Jewels in the Square Performance Series brings live music, dance, outdoor movies, and other entertainment to the park, Wednesdays at 12:30pm and 6pm, and Sundays at 2pm from April through October.

The park features an ice skating rink from November to mid-January. Annual Christmas tree lighting and Menorah lighting.

Food/Miscellaneous

Restaurants run the gamut and include the food court and Cheesecake Factory in Macy’s (170 O'Farrell Street), giant steaks at Alfred's Steak House (659 Merchant Street), pan-Asian cuisine at Postrio (545 Post Street), bargain hot dogs at Show Dogs (1020 Market Street), and savory crêpes at Crêperie Saint Germain (222 Second Street).

A large selection of mostly higher end French cafés populates Belden Place. Parking near the Square can be very difficult, especially on weekends.

Prices

Prices range from bargain bites to mortgage-level meals, though overall costs tend to drop a block or two from the Square.

Dress

Anything goes, from skater gear to Louis Vuitton. Most of the higher-end establishments have dress codes.

Hot Nights/When to Go

Mondays through Thursdays for a less crowded but still bustling scene, Friday and Saturday nights for the party vibe, or weekdays, especially when it’s sunny, for an overall packed scene.

Close By

The Sir Francis Drake Hotel (450 Powell Street) is a ritzy joint that provides stunning views of the Square and surrounding neighborhoods.