July 6, 2009

Union Square Delights

By William Holliday

When you hit the ground running in the City by the Bay, don't bother just yet with the big-name attractions, like Fishermans Wharf or the Transamerica Pyramid. The first thing you need to do is get booked into a hotel that puts you right in the center of it all. That means getting into the heart of the city and getting to Union Square.

Brought into being San Francisco's first non-Spanish mayor, John Geary, in 1850, the square got its name from the pro-Union rallies held in solidarity with the Union forces of the American Civil War. From simple square to major rallying point to a ceremonial square, Union Square became the home of the majestic Dewey Monument in 1903. Ostensibly erected to commemorate Admiral George Dewey's victory at the Battle of Manila Bay, the monument has become as emblematic of Old San Fran as the Transamerica Pyramid.

The ceremonial center of San Francisco, Union Square is the site of the city's yearly New Year's Eve celebrations. Modeled to some extent on New York's Times Square, Union Square is the closest most people on the west coast can get to that Eastern city extravaganza. There is a reason why San Francisco has been hailed as the "Paris of the West."

Fabulous shopping, delicious cafes, and endless hours of people watching are yours to be had. In fact, Macy's flagship store dominates the square, keeping the idea of going on a spending spree constantly on your mind. The Union Square stop on the BART rail brings the entirety of the Bay Area to your disposal. With a hotel room off of the square you can conquer all seven square miles of the City That Knows How.

Did I mention the theater? It just so happens that Union Square is the heart of San Francisco's theater district. So much to do and see and so little time. Though some travelers would have you stay closer to the Financial District or perhaps across the Bay in Berkeley, the key to enjoying San Francisco is proximity. With a cozy base of operation off the square you are well on your way to enjoying the shopping, the food and the nightlife of the city.

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