Union Square, San Francisco

Surrounded by a busy retail district, Union Square offers a park-like reprieve. Signature palm trees mark the four corner entrances. Built in 1850, this public plaza was named after pro-Union rallies held there during the Civil War. As part of a major redesign in the early 2000s, the city installed four light sculptures by R.M. Fischer. In contrast to this modern art on the south side, the Dewey Monument, named after a Spanish-American War hero, has stood in the center since a 1903 renovation. You can score half-price theater tickets at the square's ticketing pavilion or relax at its open-air cafe. "Union Square" also refers to the area around the square, which is packed with department stores, boutiques, hotels, restaurants, and theaters. Plan to see Union Square and other attractions that appeal to you using our San Francisco online trip itinerary maker.