No trip to San Francisco should be complete without a visit to San Francisco’s Union Square. This area, popular with both locals and visitors alike, is a bustling area of the city that has a unique appeal. The area has been renovated and has gone through many changes throughout the years but has long been a popular tourist destination for anyone visiting the city.

San Francisco’s Union Square is a public plaza that spans 2.6 acres within the downtown area. It is bordered on four sides by Stockton, Post, Powell and Geary streets. Today, when one uses the term “Union Square,” they are also referring to the area that surrounds the public plaza for several blocks. This area surrounding the square has many attractions that are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, such as shopping areas, a theater/arts district, and hotels.

The entire area is a popular tourist destination. The Union Square area includes many department stores, gift shops, boutiques and art galleries. Those looking for a place to stay in the area will find a lot of options to choose from, ranging from large, opulent hotels to small, quaint inns. The proximity of the hotels to the shopping and theater area is yet another reason why this entire area is so popular with tourists. It is easy to plan a fun vacation in the area by staying in one of the area hotels, and then being able to simply walk to all the attractions throughout San Francisco’s Union Square area.

In the center of the public plaza there is a statue of Nike, who was the Greek Goddess of Victory. This monument also serves to honor the United States Navy sailors. The plaza is a pleasant park area that adds a wonderful splash of green and nature to the surrounding cityscape. The plans to make the area into a public park date back to 1850. On the eve of the Civil War, there were pro-Union rallies that took place in the area, which is how Union Square got its name.

San Francisco’s Union Square itself was renovated in recent years, and of course the surrounding area has continued to be developed and expanded. Today, the surrounding Union Square area is home to the third-largest shopping area within the United States. The area became the center of shopping in San Francisco early in the 1900s and it has continued to grow ever since. It is a popular area for upscale shopping, or simply for doing some pleasant window shopping. Clothing and art are among the most popular items featured in the shops surrounding the public plaza. In addition to the expansive shopping district, the area is also home to an arts and theater district.

The public square itself is a great place to relax, eat lunch at one of the Union Square restaurants, walk, or simply sit and enjoy the sights. During the winter months, there is an ice skating rink set up for people to enjoy. There is also a convenient parking garage located beneath Union Square. It is definitely an area that is worth a visit when visiting San Francisco.

Paul Petersen