The square is a center of consumerism, surrounded by retail powerhouses like Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Sacs Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany’s. Just two blocks from Market Street and the recent addition of the San Francisco Shopping Center and Nordstrom’s. Specialty shops that draw trolley cars full of white-gloved ladies and bustling tourists downtown for their shopping excursions flank the department stores. Large and elegant hotels, led by the Westin St. Francis, the Sir Francis Drake, the Grand Hyatt and Campton Place are nearly as famous as Union Square shops and department stores. Many of the hotels feature magnificent lobbies with elevators that whisk you to their rooftop bars. Try the speedy exterior elevator at the St. Francis for a view of Union Square. There are many exquisite hotel bars, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, such as the St. Francis’ Compass Room; the Clift’s Redroom Room, or the Drakes Starlight Room.

Cable Car Turnaround: The Mason and Hyde lines terminate here, where drivers gets out and turn their nearly 8-ton, 18-foot-long relics around so they're pointing in the direction they came from. The cable car turnaround was recently renovated, adding a new $500,000 turntable with an extra set of ball bearings, to make turning easier. The support beams and the depression beams beneath Powell Street, which keep the cable taut, have also been upgraded. The turning of the cable cars draws huge crowds who not only enjoy the spectacle but want to ride the car back up Powell Street. Get there early in the morning to experience this San Francisco treat with minimal fuss. Powell and Market Streets. There is also a turnaround at the end of Hyde Street at Aquatic Park, which was renovated with a new turntable in June 2001.

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