Union Street

Union Street is an upscale shopping street in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco, California, running through restored Victorian houses and storefronts from roughly Gough to Fillmore streets. The buildings, many dating from the late nineteenth century, have been converted into fashion boutiques, home furnishing stores, gift shops, salons, galleries, cafes and restaurants, giving the street a distinctive residential character compared with downtown department stores. Goods sold include women's and men's clothing, shoes, jewelry, candles, stationery, homeware, cosmetics and children's items, and many shops are independent or small regional brands, so the proportion of authentic, curated goods is high and tourist trinkets are scarce. Prices are mid to upper range, and bargaining is not customary, though occasional seasonal sales occur. Cards are accepted everywhere, with cash seldom needed. California sales tax is added at the register, and no refund is available for visitors. The atmosphere is polished and relaxed, popular with local residents, brunch crowds and visitors staying in nearby Marina and Pacific Heights, and it is busiest on weekend afternoons. Eating options are plentiful, with bakeries, coffee shops, wine bars and restaurants, many with outdoor seating, as well as long-running neighborhood pubs. The area hosts an annual Union Street Festival, which fills the street with art, food and music stalls. Must-visit corners include the blocks between Gough and Steiner streets, where the Victorian storefronts are densest, and the courtyards that open off the main street. Shops typically open at about 10:00 AM and close by early evening. Muni buses run along Union Street and Chestnut Street nearby, and the Marina Green and Crissy Field lie within a short walk or ride to the north.