Union Square, CA

San Francisco
Union Square featuring central business district, signage and a city
Fashion puts on its finest face in one of the country’s largest shopping plazas.

Union Square, located downtown, is a fashion nexus of department stores and upscale boutiques. Shop for high-end labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Burberry and Hugo Boss. For a uniquely San Francisco shopping experience, head to Gump's where the well-heeled come for home décor. Within a few blocks you can pick up the latest looks from the catwalk, as well as classic antiques and jewelry. Shopping in the square is a year-round activity, with early morning being the quietest period to hit the stores.

The city’s central hub of retail was dedicated by its first mayor John Geary in 1850 and named after the pro-union Civil War rallies that were held here. The name, Union Square, refers to the park that is bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton streets. It was conceived to be a green oasis and public plaza.  

By the 1880s this was a smart residential district, but the famous San Francisco fire and earthquake of 1906 devastated the area’s hotels and shops. It was rebuilt, better than ever, and today Union Square is a premier shopping and dining area with a lively and historic character. 

At the center of this public plaza is the impressive Dewey Monument, a tall Corinthian column topped by a bronze statue of the goddess Victory bearing a trident. This landmark commemorates Admiral George Dewey’s decisive win at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish American War. There are also modern art sculptures to view, as well as plenty of spots in the sun, at cafés or on the stone steps, to just watch the world go by. 

Parking is tricky but the best, if pricey, option is the parking station right underneath the square. Completed in 1934, it was the world's first underground parking structure. Or, hop on one of the quintessential antique streetcars that pass Union Square at regular intervals. 


Popular places to visit


Union Square Hotel Deals

King George Hotel
King George Hotel
3 out of 5
334 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$2,850 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
NT$2,850
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,386 reviews)
Very good hotel
"Really great value for money. Perfect location for us. Easy access from BART station. Cable cars just around the corner. Pleasant walk to Fisherman’s Wharf. Room had everything you could need and a really comfy bed. Coffee and pastries included for breakfast which was great for early starts and long ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

King George Hotel
The Marker San Francisco
The Marker San Francisco
4 out of 5
501 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$2,955 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
NT$2,955
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
"I had a pleasant stay. Clean and well decorated room. Fast and friendly checkin. I read reviews about hidden charges so I particularly paid attention. There’s destination fee but that is every hotel in SF. They hold a deposit and deduct the destination fee when you check out. No problem for me, yet. ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

The Marker San Francisco
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$3,605 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
NT$3,605
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,728 reviews)
"Loved everything about our stay. Housekeeping was amazing. The cookies and coffee were a perfect touch. Drinks at the bar along with the bar tenders were awesome. Would definitely come stay again."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
4.5 out of 5
335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$4,872 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
NT$4,872
per night
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,659 reviews)
"Absolutely loved this Westin Hotel and we would stay there again !"

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
4.5 out of 5
222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$6,599 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
NT$6,599
per night
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy a nightclub, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,736 reviews)
"The hotel was beautiful and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Definitely will stay here again. If you’re looking for a nice city view, the junior suite was fantastic."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Hotel Emblem San Francisco
Hotel Emblem San Francisco
4 out of 5
562 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$5,973 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
NT$5,973
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast, room service, and valet parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"LOVED our stay. Wonderful staff, easy check-in and out. Parking rates are VERY expensive.. but not unlike most of San Fran. Great area.. easily accessible to everywhere you might want. Nice, quirky rooms with plenty of space. Not super quiet, but in fairness we were only on the second floor facing ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Hotel Emblem San Francisco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Union Square

Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(1,084 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
Chinatown which includes street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(268 area reviews)

Chinatown Alleyways and Dragon's Gate are top sights in Chinatown, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Chinatown
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4.5/5(1,100 area reviews)

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Grace Cathedral and SF Masonic Auditorium.

Nob Hill
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

4.5/5(1,246 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Financial District. Embarcadero Center is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at California St & Front St Stop or California St & Battery St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Financial District
South of Market featuring skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(3,655 area reviews)

Oracle Park and Chase Center are top sights in South of Market, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Yerba Buena-Moscone Station or Fourth-Brannan Station to see more sights in the area.

South of Market
North Beach which includes skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(2,699 area reviews)

Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay are top sights in North Beach, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Columbus Ave & Lombard St Stop or Columbus Ave & Chestnut St Stop to see more sights in the area.

North Beach


Union Square, CA