Union Square: San Francisco s Retail and Cultural Pulse

Extensive shopping, scrumptious dining, authentic cablecone. Have your camera ready for photo opportunities
cars and delightful street performers. These are just awith resident sea lions, Alcatraz prison and other
few characteristics of Union Square. Hotelinterests from Pier 39. After lunch, make the short
accommodations in and around Union Square makejaunt up the hill to the Ghirardelli chocolate factory (free
touring downtown San Francisco easy and convenient.samples are usually available).
Are you planning a visit for business, pleasure or both?Within easy walking distance of Union Square,
Because of the central location, you'll benefit greatlyChinatown offers as much wonder as Fisherman's
from finding a Union Square hotel near MosconeWharf with authentic, affordable Chinese food plus
Convention Center. This will grant you access tovendors of all types sharing their wares inside and out.
everything downtown San Francisco offers.Genuine Chinese silk clothing, Chinese groceries,
Shopping, Shopping, Shoppingsouvenirs, furniture and art can be found within the
Union Square is most famous for it extensive collectionhundreds of shops in this small community. From the
of retail stores. The third largest shopping area in thegorgeous gateway on Grant Avenue to the
United States, you'll find some of the finest premiumawe-inspiring Bank of Canton building, you'll find
department stores, specialty shops and high-endChinatown an amazing place to explore.
boutiques in the country in Union Square, including theCulture and Conventions
newly opened Westfield Centre, home to SanA hotel near Moscone Convention Center will give you
Francisco's Bloomingdale's. Hotel proximity to this retaildirect access to the numerous conventions and
district is exceptionally nice as you can skirt in and outcultural events held in San Francisco each year. With
of your room to drop off bags and packages.elite facilities, the Moscone Convention Center hosts
Union Square saw revitalization in 2002 when itconventions, tradeshows and banquets year-round.
underwent renovation and restoration. Originally a publicJust a few blocks away, San Francisco's main theater
park, it was named for the demonstrations held theredistrict brings Broadway and off-Broadway shows
in support of Union soldiers before the Civil War. Thefrom the East Coast to the Bay Area for limited-run
renovation made the square itself more accessible andperformances.
created a spacious meeting spot for visitors andThe prestigious American Conservatory Theatre is a
tourists. Union Square is also the location for Macy'swonder to behold with its early 1900 architecture. You'll
giant annual Christmas tree, which appears everyfind popular performances at the Curran Theatre next
November, ongoing outdoor art shows, and freedoor, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre presenting
concerts during the summer.productions from African-American writers, the Golden
To easily make your way around downtown, you mayGate Theatre and more. Buying tickets on show day
want to hop a cable car. No trip to San Francisco isaffords you to save 50% if purchased from the TIX
complete without a ride on one of these. TheBay Area booth in nearby Union Square.
intersection of Powell and Market streets is of specialIn addition to shopping, tours and conventions, Union
interest to cable car enthusiasts because it is aSquare is also home to numerous art galleries with
turnaround point. Drivers get out, turn the trolley carmost on Geary, Post and Sutter streets.
and point it in the opposite direction so it can continueWell-respected names, including Russeck, Weinstein,
on its way. Trolley car routes offer fast accessibility toMeyerovich, Koch, Haines, Bransten and others, make
major attractions including Fisherman's Wharf andcollectables as well as pieces from emerging artists
Chinatown.readily available.
Popular AttractionsFrom conducting business to having fun with your
family and friends, finding a Union Square hotel near
A surprisingly short distance from Union Square isMoscone Convention Center will open the city of San
Fisherman's Wharf, comprised of an open-air marketFrancisco to you. You'll be able to experience all the
layout with vendors of crafts, clothing, prepared meals,sites, sounds and tastes with the ultimate in
sourdough bread, fresh produce, gifts and more. Strollconvenience.
down the boardwalk as you leisurely lick an ice cream