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San Francisco Union Square
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Located deep in the heart of the City of San Francisco, Union Square is the acknowledged hotel, shopping and theater Mecca of the city. It has the largest collection of classy boutiques, souvenir shops, large department stores, , and salons in the West Coast. Its quaint inns, grand hotels as well as its repertory, off Broadway, and single-act theaters contribute to the areas lively 24-hr. scene.
Union Square is definitely one of the top places to visit in San Francisco and one of the top tourist destination in the world. From Union Square visitors can take the cable cars and visit many San Francisco Destinations |
such as pier 39, alcatraz, Golden Gate, Chinatown, coit tower, golden gate park and more.
Union Square derives its name from the 1 block park positioned along the streets of Post, Geary, Stockton and Powell. Its history dates back all the way to the Civil War era when it started out
as a simple marker deep within the city. Through the years, Union Square has undergone a few yet significant changes: the 1906 San Francisco earthquake destroyed most of the buildings surrounding it; the early 1940s saw the installation of a large underground parking area and the reconstruction of the park above it; and in the 1990s, the square was remodeled again to create better paved surfaces for easier maintenance and the installation of outdoor cafes.
Union Square has also been the ceremonial center of San Francisco, serving as the choice location of many outdoor public |
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impromptu protest rallies, moving speeches by visiting dignitaries, and the annual Christmas Tree and Menorah. It could be easily accessed through the 2 cable car lines that pass the square on Powell Street. It is also served by numerous trolley and bus lines and the F Market streetcar. The Muni Metro and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) subway systems both serve the area at the nearby Powell Street Station. During large gatherings, public views of the park can be had from such high places as the the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Saint Francis Hotel tower, Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Macy’s top floor.
Union Square CA
Aside from the park proper and its immediate vicinity, Union Square has also come to describe the dining, general shopping and theater sub-districts within the surrounding blocks. The Curran and Geary theaters about one block west on Geary anchor the theater district; at the end of Powell Street about two blocks south is a developing retail corridor that leads to the Yerba Buena Gardens; with its own arts and entertainment centers, more large hotels, the Moscone Convention Center and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Also south of Market near Yerba Buena Gardens is the US Mint, built in 1874. Nob Hill, with its awesome mansions, hotels and apartment buildings stands to the northwest of Union Square. This area is also home to some of the most upscale luxury hotels in San Francisco. To the north is Chinatown, with its fantastic vibrant gate at Bust Street and Grant Avenue, one of the biggest Chinese communities in America. To the east, along Bush Street is the historic French Quarter, home to the city’s 1st French settlers in SF. Specifically east of the Union Square is Maiden Lane, a small alley of unique cafes and shops that leads to the Financial District.
Union Square is the ideal focal point of a tour of San Francisco due to its proximity to numerous attractions and the amenities it provides. Tourism in San Francisco California is the number 1 industry.
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