Attractions
Immerse Your Self in San Francisco’s Charm
Nestled in the heart of Union Square, one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods, the Handlery Union Square Hotel immerses guests in iconic Bay Area attractions, activities and things to do.
From the top of Coit Tower to the fog rolling across Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge to the nearby art galleries along Geary Street, there’s something for everyone.
Below, you will find a few of the most popular attractions and things to do in and around Union Square, SF. For more recommendations or assistance with arranging tours and excursions, our concierge Is happy to help.
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Club Fugazi
Handlery Union Square guests receive an exclusive 10% discount on tickets to Dear San Francisco, and all food and beverage at Club Fugazi! Bursting with heart-pounding excitement and death-defying acrobatics, Dear San Francisco is the “must see” hit resident production at the historic Club Fugazi—the former home of Beach Blanket Babylon, the world’s longest-running revue. Powered by mind-blowing circus acts, live original music, and more, this 90-minute joy ride through the City by the Bay’s busts and booms is a breathtaking aerial extravaganza perfect for your next big night out. Go early to explore the famed North Beach neighborhood, or enjoy some beverages or cicchetti (small bites) from Club Fugazi's curated menu before the show! https://www.clubfugazisf.com/handlery
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Cable Car Stop
The Handlery Hotel is just steps from a cable car stop, where you can hop aboard a cable car for the 20-minute ride to Fisherman’s Wharf, just as San Franciscans have been doing since 1873.
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Union Square
Take a short stroll over to Union Square, where you’ll find the major department stores, boutique shops, international fashion houses, art galleries, outdoor cafés and restaurants, theaters and nightclubs.
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Fisherman's Wharf
From stunning bay views and majestic sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks to the freshest seafood, chowder bread bowls, local wines and a variety of restaurants and bars, this famous waterfront district is exactly the San Francisco you’ve come to discover.
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Chinatown
Beyond its iconic entry gate, the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America offers a rich and vibrant immersion into Far Eastern culture, cuisine and heritage.
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Alcatraz
The second you set foot on “The Rock,” you’ll understand why every one of the 2,000 inmates who did time hard here wanted nothing more than to get off. Serving as a federal prison from 1933 until 1963, this desolate, wind-battered island in the middle of chilly San Francisco Bay hosted some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including Al "Scarface" Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and The Birdman of Alcatraz.
![Golden Gate pakr with people sitting on grass](https://image-tc.galaxy.tf/wijpeg-1iq66itucyt7btm59y46qpjt6/golden-gate-park_standard.jpg?crop=28%2C0%2C445%2C334)
Golden Gate Park
Whether you’re looking for a place to jog, walk, bike or throw down a blanket and soak up a little sun, this 1,000-acre park extending from the Haight all the way to the Pacific coast is just the place to do it. From woods, trails, lakes and gardens to sports facilities, museums and a buffalo habitat, Golden Gate Park has something for everyone.
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California Academy of Sciences
This dramatically designed gem is a testament to eco-friendly, energy-efficient design and biodiversity with a plant–covered living roof, retractable ceiling, three-story rainforest and a massive planetarium. Animal exhibits include a rare albino alligator, penguin habitat, butterfly exhibit and a living coral reef.
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de Young Museum
With its remarkable all-copper façade and 144-foot tower offering spectacular panoramic views of the city, the de Young Museum is worth a visit for its architecture alone. Inside, you will find one of the world’s foremost collections of American, African, and Oceanic art, and ever-changing special exhibits.
![exterior of Handlery Union Square](https://image-tc.galaxy.tf/wijpeg-35pg41a56nf5vtg76vor5jtax/hush-exterior-full-0642_standard.jpg?crop=59%2C0%2C945%2C709)
Legion of Honor
Perched upon a cliff overlooking the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, this European art museum houses over 20 galleries exhibiting everything from English and European porcelain artifacts to ancient Assyrian, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art. And ever-changing traveling exhibits.
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Muir Woods National Forest
This magnificent forest is home to some of the oldest and tallest old-growth coast redwood trees in the country, including one tree that is 252 feet tall and another that is 14-feet wide. Many are believed to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, while a few may date back as many as 1,500 years. The park has trails for visitors of all ages and fitness levels, including several wheelchair accessible trails.
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Oracle Park
Catch Major League Baseball’s three-time world Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants, in action at Oracle Park, whose bayfront setting makes it one of the most spectacular parks in all of baseball. It’s just a twenty minute walk away.
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SFMOMA
The first West Coast museum devoted to modern and contemporary art, SFMOMA houses a world-class collection of international and domestic art encompassing six terraces, a new sculptural staircase and Roman steps. Highlights include works by Alexander Calder, Chuck Close, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Gerhard Richter, Richard Serra, Cindy Sherman and more.