10 Best Things To Do In San Francisco's Union Square, California - Updated 2024

things to do in san francisco union square
Putri
Putri 
Updated
| 4 min read

Since its closing and renovation in late 2000, Union Square has now turned into a new hotpot for tourists from all over the world. The public park was commenced by the first San Francisco mayor John Geary in 1850 and faced many notable changes ever since. Today, it has become a cosmopolitan landmark where grand hotels, department stores, upscale boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, and beauty salons surround the square, building the dynamic 24-hour activity. Eager to see how this 2.6-acre (1.05-hectare) California historical landmark attracts the world? Scroll down to reveal a list of exciting activities that may never have crossed your mind before! Here are the best things to do in San Francisco, Union Square, California.

1. Watch incredible performances at the American Conservatory Theatre


Right across the Union Square, you will find a red building that stands out among others. This non-profit theatre company not only offers classical and contemporary stage productions but also affordable classes for voice building, acting, and singing. Winona Ryder, Denzel Washington, and Chris Pine are some of the notable alumni of the school. So, don’t miss the chance to see world-class performances from amazing talents and rising stars! Get a special price if you are 29 or under, or going in a group of more than 15 people.

American Conservatory Theatre

Address: 415 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Website: American Conservatory Theatre

Duration: 2 - 3 hours

Price range: 50 - 200 USD

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2. Marvel through ultra high-end art collections in Martin Lawrence Galleries


With flagship galleries spread across the USA, Martin Lawrence Galleries displays and auctions distinguished works of world-renowned artists. Come inside to see marvellous work of art from Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, and Andy Warhol among others. This gallery is open to everyone who wants to buy new collections, decorate their home, or simply learn more about art.

Martin Lawrence Galleries

Address: 366 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102

Website: Martin Lawrence Galleries

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

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3. Drink like San Francisco's secret elite at Bourbon & Branch


Never visit San Francisco without stepping into one of the speakeasies. Bourbon & Branch is one of the most notable secret bars in Union Square that has five discreet tunnels, with one of these designated for ladies. Customers need to make a reservation before coming, as getting inside requires a password. If you want to know how it feels to be part of a secret elite society in an intimate vintage setting, come and pay a visit!

Bourbon & Branch

Address: 501 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Website: Bourbon & Branch

Opening hours: 6pm - 2am (daily)

Price range: 25 - 100 USD

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4. Have a shopping fiesta at Westfield San Francisco Centre


In the San Francisco Centre, not only will you find stores from affordable to high-end range but also plenty of food options and free seating areas. With the big size, the mall itself seems like an epicentre of San Francisco. Don’t worry about the parking since it is easily accessible by public transport.

Westfield San Francisco Centre

Address: 865 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Website: Westfield San Francisco Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8:30pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

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5. Savour worldwide cuisines at Belden Place

Dining experience
Source: Pexels

Whether you hear it as Belden Alley, Belden Lane, or Belden Street, everyone agrees to name it the French Quarter of San Francisco. The street has plenty of restaurants that serve American-style European cuisines. Here, you can enjoy authentic French, Italian, or Catalan food, and end the night with a relaxed drink at the bar.

Belden Place

Address: Belden Pl, San Francisco, CA 94109

Website: Belden Place

Opening hours: 6pm - 2am (daily)

Price range: 25 - 50 USD

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6. Embrace cultural history at San Francisco Art Exchange


This place is a haven for everyone who has an interest in local history and photography. Founded in 1983, it started as a small fine art business. The gallery evolves to follow popular trends in culture, art, and imagery. Come and see the remarkable collection of photographs from celebrated artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and David Bowie.

San Francisco Art Exchange

Address: 458 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Website: San Francisco Art Exchange

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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7. Take spectacular shots in the Museum of Ice Cream


Before going, do keep in mind that this is not a museum showcasing the creation of ice cream. No. It’s a place where you can join the hype of self-actualisation through social media by taking plenty of pictures in the ice cream-themed installations. Everything is made colourful and fun for those who seek imaginative contents!

Museum of Ice Cream

Address: 458 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Website: Museum of Ice Cream

Opening hours: Mon & Tue - Fri: 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm; Sat: 9:30am - 8:45pm; Sun: 9:30am - 8:00pm (closed on Tuesday)

Entrance fee: 38 USD

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8. Relax your legs at Union Square Park


Take a break from the shopping fiesta at the urban park, where people doing the same come to gather. During the holiday seasons, you can find ice rinks and pop up shops to explore. You can also unwind in the seating areas inside the park to read, rent a bike, see artists and entertainers, or watch people walking in the square.

Union Square Park

Address: 323 Geary St, Ste 203, San Francisco, CA 94101

Website: Union Square Park

Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)

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9. Go on a spine-chilling ghost tour (from USD 48.0)

In this 90 minutes’ tour, you will see San Francisco differently. Walk after dark along the haunted alleys to see mystifying historic buildings and learn spine-chilling stories about the infamous Zodiac Killer, Tessie Wall’s brothels, and the Black Plague. See if you can keep a straight mind as the local guide takes you to underground speakeasies, cemeteries, and abandoned graves, revealing the dark side of Union Square shopping district!

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Haunted San Francisco Ghost Hunting Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

770 reviews

10. Catch San Francisco's beauty in the authentic cable car experience (from USD 75.0)

things to do in san francisco union square | catch san francisco's beauty in the authentic cable car experience

The cable car is one of the most famous features in San Francisco. From Union Square, you can hop in, sit back, and relax as the car takes you to see notable landmarks around the city. Hop off at the Civic Center/City Hall to see the beautiful relics from the American Renaissance of the 1880s to 1917, join a walking tour at Alamo Square Park on the second stop, then continue your journey through Golden Gate Park, the Richmond district, Sea Cliff, and down the coastline. Take as many photos as you want and head back to the square on a different route to get the complete experience!

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San Francisco: Union Square Cable Car City Tour

Duration: 3 hour

7 reviews

So much to do inside a square

San Francisco is not the Home of a Little Bit of Everything for nothing. Even in a single public square, you can find too many things to explore. The good thing is there are many options to accommodate people with different characters and preferences for all age groups. You can even stay around Union Square to experience the best of San Francisco without going to other parts of the city!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Starting her dream to travel the world by staring at The Encyclopedia of the Nations, Putri now enjoys the beauty of visiting places she only saw on papers as a kid. Foreign lands with languages...Read more

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