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. Hoteldirect access to the numerous conventions and
proximity to this retail district is exceptionally nice ascultural events held in San Francisco each year. With
you can skirt in and out of your room to drop off bagselite facilities, the Moscone Convention Center hosts
and packages.conventions, tradeshows and banquets year-round.
Union Square saw revitalization in 2002 when itJust a few blocks away, San Francisco�s
underwent renovation and restoration. Originally a publicmain theater district brings Broadway and
park, it was named for the demonstrations held thereoff-Broadway shows from the East Coast to the Bay
in support of Union soldiers before the Civil War. TheArea for limited-run performances.
renovation made the square itself more accessible andThe prestigious American Conservatory Theatre is a
created a spacious meeting spot for visitors andwonder to behold with its early 1900 architecture. You'll
tourists. Union Square is also the location for Macy'sfind popular performances at the Curran Theatre next
giant annual Christmas tree, which appears everydoor, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre presenting
November, ongoing outdoor art shows, and freeproductions from African-American writers, the Golden
concerts during the summer.Gate Theatre and more. Buying tickets on show day
To easily make your way around downtown, you mayaffords you to save 50% if purchased from the TIX
want to hop a cable car. No trip to San Francisco isBay Area booth in nearby Union Square.
complete without a ride on one of these. TheIn addition to shopping, tours and conventions, Union
intersection of Powell and Market streets is of specialSquare is also home to numerous art galleries with
interest to cable car enthusiasts because it is amost on Geary, Post and Sutter streets.
turnaround point. Drivers get out, turn the trolley carWell-respected names, including Russeck, Weinstein,
and point it in the opposite direction so it can continueMeyerovich, Koch, Haines, Bransten and others, make
on its way. Trolley car routes offer fast accessibility tocollectables as well as pieces from emerging artists
major attractions including Fisherman's Wharf andreadily available.
Chinatown.From conducting business to having fun with your
Popular Attractionsfamily 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