Union Square / Downtown San Francisco Attractions & Tours

San Francisco is known for the many unique attractions throughout the city, from historic landmarks to cultural hubs and views around the Bay. Union Square, known primarily as the place to go shopping in the city, also has some great of attractions that you will want to see if you visit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, Union Square offers plenty of ways to explore and enjoy SF’s downtown area.

Attractions in Union Square

Union Square is more than a shopping and dining destination. From the lively Union Square Park at the center of the neighborhood to the historic Cable Car Turnaround, this area has plenty of cool things to see. Explore the charming Maiden Lane, snap some shots of the Hearts in San Francisco sculptures, or check out the stunning public art installations like Lucy in the Sky. Here are some attractions that you should definitely add to your itinerary when you visit:

Union Square Park

The centerpiece of the neighborhood, Union Square Park is a public plaza surrounded by department stores, boutique shops, and theaters. With its seasonal decor, public art installations, and lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to relax or people-watch and it is especially cool during the holidays when you can see the Macy’s Christmas Tree and go ice skating.

Maiden Lane

A charming pedestrian street filled with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Once a notorious red-light district, Maiden Lane is now a tranquil escape with a storied past.

Westin St. Francis Hotel

This historic hotel offers stunning architecture and a rich history. Don’t miss the vintage glass elevators that provide incredible views of the square.

The Dewey Monument

Standing tall at the center of Union Square Park, this statue commemorates Admiral George Dewey’s victory in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.

Cable Car Turnaround

Watch the iconic San Francisco cable cars turn around at the Powell Street station. It’s a quintessential San Francisco experience.

San Francisco Playhouse

A renowned theater offering a variety of plays, musicals, and performances. Its intimate setting ensures a memorable cultural experience.

Union Square Tours

While there aren’t many tours that only focus on Union Square, most of the sightseeing tours in San Francisco dedicate part of the trip to seeing Union Square. We suggest taking the time to spend a few hours in Union Square, but if you are short on time or want to get a broader view of the city, a city tour will let you see the best things in San Francisco in an efficient and fun way. Here are a few tours that we recommend:

1. Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Explore San Francisco’s 49 square miles on a double-decker sightseeing bus. With 16 stops at major landmarks like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Union Square, this tour lets you explore at your own pace. Upgrade options include walking tours, entry to The Flyer or 7D Experience at Pier 39, and a panoramic sunset tour.

Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes (operating 10AM – 6PM)

Why It’s Great: Family-friendly and flexible, with incredible views from the top deck.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

2. Self-Guided Cable Car City Tour

Ride the iconic cable car while exploring Union Square, Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Fisherman’s Wharf. This app-guided tour allows you to pause and explore stops at your leisure, offering stories, music, and historical insights.

Why It’s Great: Tailor-made for independent travelers who want a flexible and immersive experience.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

3. San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

Discover the real-life locations of iconic movies filmed in San Francisco. An actor-turned-guide provides fascinating stories while showing clips on the tour bus. Key highlights include Lombard Street, the Transamerica Pyramid, and Union Square.

Why It’s Great: Perfect for film buffs and anyone who wants to see a unique side of San Francisco.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

4. San Francisco Private Tuk Tuk Tour

Hop into a tuk-tuk with up to six guests for a private city tour. Highlights include Chinatown, North Beach, Golden Gate Park, and more. Heated seats and blankets make it cozy even on chilly days.

Why It’s Great: A personalized, efficient way to see the city’s top sights with friends or family.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

5. San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour

Learn about San Francisco’s dark past on this walking tour, including tales of scandals, crimes, and hauntings. Stops include Maiden Lane, Chinatown, and historic bars like Comstock Saloon.

Why It’s Great: Combines history with intrigue for an unforgettable experience.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

From iconic landmarks to immersive tours, there’s no shortage of attractions to explore in Union Square. Whether you’re enjoying the view from the Cable Car Turnaround, uncovering cinematic history, or diving into the city’s ghostly past, SF’s Downtown offers a little bit of magic for everyone.