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If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, Union Square is a must-visit destination. Located in the heart of the city, this bustling neighborhood is home to some of the city’s top attractions, world-class shopping, and a vibrant food scene. In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to see and do in Union Square, as well as some hidden gems that you won’t want to miss.
Top Attractions
Union Square is home to some of San Francisco’s most iconic attractions, including:
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- The Painted Ladies
- The San Francisco Cable Cars
- The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and it’s located just a short drive from Union Square. You can take a guided tour of the bridge or simply walk or bike across it on your own.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is another must-visit attraction in San Francisco, and it’s just a short ferry ride from Union Square. This former prison is now a national park, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history.
The Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses that are famous for their colorful exteriors. They’re located just a short walk from Union Square, and they’re a popular spot for photos.
The San Francisco Cable Cars
The San Francisco Cable Cars are a unique mode of transportation that have been in operation since the late 1800s. You can take a ride on one of the cable cars for a fun and scenic tour of the city.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit destination for art lovers. It’s home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock.
Hidden Gems
While Union Square is home to some of San Francisco’s most popular attractions, there are also plenty of hidden gems that you won’t want to miss:
- City Lights Bookstore
- The Cable Car Museum
- The Japanese Tea Garden
City Lights Bookstore
City Lights Bookstore is a legendary independent bookstore that’s been in operation since the 1950s. It’s a great spot to browse for books and soak up the bohemian atmosphere.
The Cable Car Museum
The Cable Car Museum is a small but fascinating museum that’s dedicated to the history of San Francisco’s cable cars. You can learn about how the cars work and see some historic cable cars up close.
The Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of San Francisco. It’s home to beautiful gardens, a koi pond, and a traditional tea house where you can enjoy a cup of tea and a snack.
Food Scene
Union Square is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of options for every taste and budget. Some of the top restaurants in the area include:
- Boulevard
- Tadich Grill
- The Slanted Door
- Zuni Cafe
- Swan Oyster Depot
Boulevard
Boulevard is a classic San Francisco restaurant that’s been serving up delicious French-inspired cuisine since 1993. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Tadich Grill
Tadich Grill is one of the oldest restaurants in San Francisco, and it’s been in operation for over 160 years. It’s known for its seafood dishes, including its famous cioppino.
The Slanted Door
The Slanted Door is a modern Vietnamese restaurant that’s been winning awards and accolades since it opened in 1995. The menu features creative takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes, as well as some innovative cocktails.
Zuni Cafe
Zuni Cafe is a San Francisco institution that’s been around since the 1970s. It’s known for its wood-fired oven and its famous roast chicken, which is a must-try dish.
Swan Oyster Depot
Swan Oyster Depot is a tiny seafood counter that’s been in operation for over 100 years. It’s a no-frills spot where you can enjoy fresh oysters and other seafood dishes.
Budget-Friendly Tips
San Francisco can be an expensive city to visit, but there are plenty of ways to save money in Union Square. Here are a few budget-friendly tips:
- Take public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars
- Visit free attractions like Golden Gate Park or the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Check out happy hour specials at local bars and restaurants
- Shop at discount stores like Ross or Marshalls for souvenirs and clothing
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Union Square, there are plenty of options to choose from:
- Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
- Taking a hike in Golden Gate Park
- Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Going on a whale watching tour
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a classic San Francisco experience. You can rent a bike from a local shop and take a scenic ride across the bridge and into the nearby town of Sausalito.
Taking a hike in Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a massive urban park that’s home to miles of hiking trails, as well as gardens, museums, and other attractions. It’s a great spot to spend a day outdoors.
Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is located within Golden Gate Park and is home to over 8,000 different plant species from around the world. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot to stroll and enjoy nature.
Going on a whale watching tour
San Francisco is a great spot for whale watching, and there are plenty of tour companies that offer trips out to sea to see these majestic creatures up close.
Historical Landmarks
San Francisco is a city with a rich history, and Union Square is home to several important historical landmarks:
- The Palace of Fine Arts
- The Cable Car Museum
- The Ferry Building
The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful neoclassical monument that was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Today, it’s a popular spot for weddings, photo shoots, and other events.
The Cable Car Museum
The Cable Car Museum is a small but fascinating museum that’s dedicated to the history of San Francisco’s cable cars. You can learn about how the cars work and see some historic cable cars up close.
The Ferry Building
The Ferry Building is a historic landmark that’s been in operation since the late 1800s. Today, it’s home to a bustling marketplace where you can find local produce, artisanal foods, and other goods.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in Union Square:
- Exploratorium
- California Academy of Sciences
- Children’s Creativity Museum
Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum that’s perfect for kids of all ages. You can experiment with different scientific concepts and learn about everything from physics to biology.
California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences is a natural history museum that’s home to a vast collection of specimens from around the world. It also features a planetarium and an aquarium.
Children’s Creativity Museum
The Children’s Creativity Museum is a fun and interactive museum that’s dedicated to fostering creativity in kids. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits and activities to enjoy.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual in Union Square, here are a few off-the-beaten-path experiences to consider:
- Visiting