The epicenter of downtown San Francisco, Union Square is one of the premier
shopping, entertainment, and hotel districts in the nation. And while it is primarily
tourists, it’s worth braving the crowds if you are not already staying in the area.
Union Square was once the used to organize rallies in support of the Union army
during the Civil War, and is now ringed by palm trees, and filled with pigeons and folks
lounging and enjoying the convivial atmosphere.
In the five-block radius from Union Square, you will find any big-brand shop or
department store you could possibly want. Theaters and numerous well-loved restaurants
pepper this district as well, as it is the hub of much of the tourist activity in San Francisco.