The Best Squares and Plazas in San Francisco

Squares and Plazas in San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful city with many popular plazas and squares where tourists and locals alike hang out. These squares are the heart and soul of the city, because they come to life when the sun is out and the weather is nice. They serve as gathering places for locals, or resting grounds for weary tourists. Below are some of the most interesting squares and places in San Francisco.

Alamo Square Park

This park is most notable as the place to view the famous "Painted Ladies," a series of Victorian and Edwardian homes that were made famous by the Tanner family, in the 1980's sitcom, "Full House". The park spreads out for 36 acres and it's a nice place to relax with a book, enjoy a picnic lunch, or let the kid's play on the playground.

Steiner St & Hayes Street, Alamo Square, San Francisco, CA, 94117

Website

Ghirardelli Square

Named after the famous chocolate maker and constructed from a historic chocolate factory, this shopping center and public square has a number of boutique shops, ice cream, cafes, and nearby restaurants. Naturally, the most visited shop is the Ghirardelli Chocolate shop and ice cream cafe where you can get all sorts of yummy treats. Visitors can also find some fun activities such as mini-golf, a public fountain with outdoor seating, and great views looking out to the bay.

871 Beach Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California, 94109

Planning a trip to San Francisco? You might also be interested in The Best Science Museums in San Francisco and The Best Shopping Districts and Markets in San Francisco.

Harvey Milk Plaza

Sitting at the corner of Market Street and Castro Street, this honorary plaza was named after Harvey Milk. In the 1970's, Milk was a gay activist who was later elected to the city Board of Supervisors. He was then tragically assassinated in his office at City Hall. The plaza has a MUNI station as well as a number of shops and restaurants, and is a common entry point to the Castro Neighborhood.

Market & Castro, Castro, San Francisco, California

Patricia's Green

Patricia’s Green is a small park with a grassy area in the Haye's Valley neighborhood. The park has become a lively setting with a couple of snack shops and a public art installation. During the summer months, there's a Burning Man wooden temple built here.

50 Oak St, Haye's Valley, San Francisco, CA, 94102

St. Mary's Square

This public square, located in Chinatown, is often busy with locals from the surrounding neighborhood relaxing, playing games, exercising, and chatting. It's a nice spot to relax if you've been exploring the city for awhile, and it's very close to the shops and restaurants of Chinatown.

Quincy Street between Pine & California, Chinatown, San Francisco, California

Union Square

Union Square is one of the most famous public plazas in San Francisco. It's surrounded by some of the city's best shopping, theaters, and tourist attractions and is bordered by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets.

Union Square also has a number of high end hotels, world class restaurants, as well as green space where visitors can hang out. Fashion lovers will appreciate the area's top rated shopping. Almost any brand you can think of has a store in the area.

Union Square, SF, California, 94104

Website

Washington Square Park

Head down the hill from Ina Coolbrith Park and you'll find the popular Washington Square Park. This standard rectangle park offers a nice grassy field that is located in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco's Italian district. The park is filled with benches and places to rest or read a good book. It's also a nice picnic area and you'll find plenty of locals hanging out and soaking up the sun (when it makes an appearance). During the summer months there are often movies playing on large screens that you can enjoy free of charge. Saints Peter and Paul Church sits at the edge of the park.

Filbert St & Stockton Street, North Beach, San Francisco, CA, 94133

How much does it cost?

Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $7 to $642. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $77. A few of the best options are below.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

More Ideas for San Francisco

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs

Planning a trip to San Francisco? You might also be interested in An Art Lover's Guide to San Francisco and San Francisco: What to See and Do in the Spring and A Nature Lover's Guide to San Francisco and The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco and The Best Places To People Watch In San Francisco.

Share This Page

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.