Spend a perfect day in the "Heart of San Francisco."
1. Begin your day with the perfect cup of coffee, perhaps a delightful rose latte if you're in the mood, accompanied by delectable pastries at the charming and authentic French patisserie, One65. Discover the delights of all six floors including One65 bistro, the Michelin-starred cuisine at O' by Claude Le Tohic, and the Elements Bar & Lounge, where you can enjoy cocktails inspired by the elements.
2. A day in Union Square wouldn't be complete without a ride on one of San Francisco's famous cable cars, where, as Tony Bennett aptly sang, 'To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars.' Hop on at the Powell & Market Street Cable Car turnaround, the gateway to the City. Ride to the Buena Vista Cafe, renowned for their famous Irish Coffee drink.
3. For breakfast, there are many delicious spots in Union Square. Try classic breakfast fare at Roxanne Café or the Pinecrest Diner, the famous Swedish Pancakes at Sears Fine Foods, or experience the 50's American diner ambiance at Lori's Diner.
4. Explore the J Roland Salon to pamper yourself with a manicure or a stylish haircut. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely walk along the charming Maiden Lane, where you can admire the beautiful light installations and drop in at the Blake Charles Salon for a blowout or Lotus Nail Salon for a manicure.
5. Indulge in the ultimate luxury shopping extravaganza at Union Square by taking a walk down Grant Ave, where the opulent realms of Chanel, Cartier, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent beckon you with their unparalleled offerings.
7. It's tea time! Explore the expansive Neiman Marcus department store and after shopping, relax under the Rotunda for an elegant lunch or high tea.
8. Whether you want to be inspired or pick out the next best thing for your home interior, our numerous galleries including CK Contemporary, Sin Título Gallery, and Christopher-Clark Fine Art will satisfy your thirst for creativity here at Union Square.
9. Craving dinner? Look no further than John's Grill, a historic institution that has delighted both locals and visitors for an impressive 115 years. Don't miss out on their renowned martinis, counted among San Francisco's top 11. Or pop into Bodega, serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a modernized fine-dining experience. Or for authentic Italian dishes from the Liguria region of Italy, stop by Corzetti.
10. Don't forget to catch a show! Experience a variety of theater programming on theater row. Check out shows ranging from drama to comedy to Broadway musicals and original works by emerging playwrights. Theaters nearby include the Orpheum Theatre, Curran Theatre, Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco Playhouse, and American Conservatory Theater.
11. Unwind in style with a refreshing drink at Pacific Cocktail Haven, ranked among the Top 50 bars in North America. Alternatively, conclude your evening by stepping into The Felix, San Francisco's latest underground speakeasy, or venture to the Westin St. Francis Clock Bar.
Celebrate in Union Square all year long
Summer Music Series
Summer Music Series
These free performances will captivate music enthusiasts, families, and adult-beverage enthusiasts alike. The Union Square In Bloom Summer Music Series features free concerts taking place every Saturday, July through mid-October.
Bloom
Bloom
Union Square has a rich history and tradition with flowers. For decades, flowers were handed out to visitors walking through Maiden Lane; several flower stands brighten up the district and American Tulip Day decoratively blankets Union Square Park with thousands of Tulips. Union Square in Bloom brings back this colorful tradition with a modern twist every Spring!
The Holidays
The Holidays
Union Square is the perfect place to visit to be swept up in the magic of the holiday season. Don't miss the Ice Rink in Union Square Park, Macy's SFSPCA windows, the Gump's holiday pop-up, or the Westin St. Francis's Sugar Castle.
About Union Square
Located in central San Francisco, Union Square is a popular location for both tourists and locals. This area refers to the central shopping, hotel, and theater district that surrounds the plaza for several blocks. The one-block plaza and surrounding area is one of the largest collections of of art galleries, salons, and luxury shopping in the United States.
It is also the location of many historical monuments and contains a built-in stage, an underground garage, and several local vendors. During the holidays, Union Square hosts a seasonal ice skating rink, and is a popular destination for thousands of people.
A Perfect Day in Union Square was curated by the Union Square Alliance.
About
Shop Dine SF is an initiative of the Office of Small Business, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.
Its aim is to bring attention to the local businesses and neighborhood corridors.
Spending money at local small businesses helps merchants, creates jobs, and is critical to San Francisco's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shop local. Even a small increase can have a big impact.
Questions? Email shopdinesf@sfgov.org