Union Square Tours

Union Square
Photo by AMCR
Photo by Kathy Appleby
Photo by AMCR
Photo by Anabel Magaña


Find a shady space, spark up a conversation with some of the locals and enjoy the atmosphere of Union Square. It's a nice spot to take a break from all that sightseeing.

When you've spent some time at this San Francisco modern public area, why not check out Pier 39, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island? They're not very far from Union Square and also popular with many tourists.

Plan a trip to see Union Square

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Fitzgerald Hotel
Appellation Healdsburg
The Nest Hotel Palo Alto

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Reviews of Union Square

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
35
5 - Excellent 36%
4 - Good
45
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Gabby

Only blocks from Bart station

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great central location for staying. Lots of public transit options, safe (if you don't go too far west), right off a cable car line which is a fun way to get around.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Union square is crazy packed with tourist for the Powell St. cable car making it difficult to navigate through. It was nice to walk through and hit a few shops, but enjoy the beautiful architecture of the buildings and culture of San Francisco. Main issue is really the large numbers of people of just want to ride a cable car and then shoppers, feels like New York City in a way lol.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Union Square

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Grand Hyatt San Francisco

Grand Hyatt San Francisco

4 out of 5
345 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
Grand Hyatt San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
Fairmont San Francisco
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

4 out of 5
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
Club Quarters Hotel in 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.

Things to do near Union Square

Union Square offers a vibrant mix of activities, making it a perfect destination for tourists. Enjoy memorable shopping experiences in chic boutiques, explore local art galleries, and catch a live theater performance. As the sun sets, indulge in the nightlife at trendy bars and restaurants, or take a refreshing swim nearby. With various recreational opportunities available, Union Square guarantees a delightful and diverse vacation experience.

Shopping

In Union Square, experience shopping at Ghirardelli Square, just 1 mile away, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Boudin Bakery, also 1 mile away, offers delicious treats. For unique finds, Winery Collective is 2 miles away, showcasing an array of local wines.

Recreation

Oracle Park, a vibrant sports stadium, offers an energetic atmosphere for baseball games and events, just a mile from Union Square. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, located 0.9 miles away, hosts electrifying concerts and performances, while Presidio Golf Course, 3 miles out, provides a scenic outdoor golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the Union Square Ice Rink for a fun-filled day of skating in a vibrant atmosphere. For a scenic hike, explore the Ecology Trail, offering beautiful views, or venture out to Perimeter Road for a refreshing outdoor escape, surrounded by nature's beauty.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Union Square by visiting the Orpheum Theatre for a captivating show, or catch a film at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas for a romantic evening. Don’t miss the War Memorial Opera House for stunning performances that blend culture and entertainment, perfect for a family outing.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Union Square

Union Square in San Francisco is a vibrant hub filled with cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and urban parks. Visitors can explore notable attractions such as the historic Union Square Hotel and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the square itself. With a mix of street events and conference venues, there's something for everyone in this bustling area, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to enjoy the city's rich offerings.

  • Pier 39: Located 2 miles from Union Square, Pier 39 is a lively jetty filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and watch playful sea lions basking in the sun. The vibrant atmosphere, friendly people, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit.
  • Moscone Convention Center: Just 0.5 miles from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center is a premier venue for events and conferences. Its modern architecture and business-focused environment attract professionals from around the world, making it a hub for innovation and networking.
  • Lombard Street: A mile away from Union Square, Lombard Street is famous for its winding, steep, and beautifully landscaped curves. Known as the crookedest street in the world, it offers a unique and picturesque experience amidst the bustling city vibes.

Best time to go to Union Square

The best time to visit Union Square is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Union Square

To save money during your trip to Union Square, consider visiting in February or November to December, as hotel prices are lower compared to the peak season of August to October. Book your stay on a Friday for the best rates, and utilize Expedia's search tool to find affordable accommodations by sorting prices. Combining flights, hotels, and activities with Expedia packages can lead to additional savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Explore free activities in the area to stretch your budget further.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Union Square are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Union Square is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Union Square is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Union Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia