Union Square Hotel Near Downtown San Francisco

The world-famous sea lions can be found lounging right on Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf. The Sea Lion Center, located on Pier 39, is a free nature center where visitors can learn about these playful creatures through presentations, hands-on artifacts, one-on-one interactions with naturalists and by observing the sea lions in action as they bask in the San Francisco sun.

When you're ready to take in the sights, San Francisco offers a few free parking possibilities to look for. You can find free metered parking throughout the city on Sundays all day, and on weekdays after 6pm, including on nearby Market Street and throughout SoMA and Union Square. You can also find short-term free parking wherever you see green street curbs. Hotel Nikko offers valet parking with in and out privileges, so you can drive out and explore.

Golden Gate Park offers many places to visit, including museums, lakes and gardens, and smaller attractions like children's playgrounds, a carousel that was built in 1912, dog parks, and lawn bowling. Some recommended sites are Stow Lake, the largest lake in the park and second largest lake in San Francisco, Conservatory and Flowers for butterfly and flower enthusiasts, Buffalo Paddock to watch buffalo roam in an open, safe habitat, and the Dutch and Murphy Windmills.

Get to wherever you need to go in San Francisco by purchasing a Clipper Card, which gives you access to BART, Muni, buses, and the cable cars. Walk to the Powell St. station, just a few blocks away, to find public transit within easy reach of our location near Union Square. The cable cars are a fun way to explore the city's neighborhoods and stunning scenery. Ford's GoBike and ride sharing apps like Lyft and Uber also make getting around San Francisco easy.

Union Square is one of the most premier shopping destinations in San Francisco. The area boasts a collection of over 350 shops, including staples like Apple, Tiffany & Co., NikeTown, Barneys New York, Macy's and Nordstrom. Visitors can also find larger shops dedicated to their favorite brands, including Converse, The North Face, Swatch, and Lacoste, as well as smaller boutiques.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco and the Financial District. You can easily take a cab from Hotel Nikko for about $65.00 to $75.00 or hop on the nearby BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) at Powell Street, 2 blocks away, for $11.15 for an adult ticket.

San Francisco is an exciting city rich in natural beauty and culture. SF offers year-round attractions and unforgettable things to do, including:

• Dining and shopping around Union Square
• Walking the Golden Gate Bridge across San Francisco Bay to the Marin Headlands
• Photos at the Palace of Fine Arts at night
• Waterfront sightseeing and dining on Fisherman's Wharf
• Picnics and bike rides at Golden Gate Park and The Presidio
• Dim Sum in historic Chinatown
• Riding the Cable Cars around San Francisco

San Francisco offers many charming and eclectic neighborhoods for every lifestyle. Some of the nicest and most beautiful neighborhoods in San Francisco, include:

• Nob Hill
• North Beach
• Marina District
• SoMa District
• The Mission District
• Richmond
• Sunset District
• Presidio
• Fisherman's Wharf Area
• Pacific Heights
• Embarcadero

San Francisco is generally a safe city, but the homeless people can be a culture shock. Plan your itinerary before you head off to explore, stay close to main streets and neighborhood hubs, and be aware of your surroundings. San Francisco is best to explore on foot, and the safest neighborhoods include Union Square, one of the most popular tourist and shopping destinations in the world.

The best way to get around San Francisco is by walking or riding the historic Cable Cars. San Francisco's colorful neighborhoods are meant to be walked so you can absorb the culture, the people, and the sights. The city also offers BART and SFMTA buses and light rail and San Francisco Bay ferries to easily get around town, as well as walking, boat, and bus tours.

Hotel Nikko is considered a top luxury hotel in San Francisco's Union Square. With its Asian-inspired design, beautifully modern rooms and suites, ANZU restaurant, a fitness center, glass-enclosed pool, free Wi-Fi, event space, and Feinstein's Cabaret, Hotel Nikko is a boutique hotel that exudes easy luxury and the art of hospitality.

The best way to tour San Francisco is by walking or riding the Cable Cars. It's easy to explore San Francisco's colorful neighborhoods by foot, from Golden Gate Park to Union Square. San Francisco also offers several walking, bike, boat, and bus tours to see the city's iconic attractions, including Chinatown, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. You'll also find sunset boat and sailing cruises, ferry tours, and Napa Valley Wine Country excursions.

The best neighborhoods in San Francisco for families are:

• Union Square
• Fisherman's Wharf
• Dolores Park
• Marina District
• The Presidio
• Embarcadero
• SoMa

Hotel Nikko San Francisco is two blocks off Union Square, steps from the Theater District, Maiden Lane, the Cable Cars, and the city's best shopping, parks, and family attractions. Macy's Union Square, the biggest department store west of New York City, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Chinatown are within walking distance.

Yes. Yosemite National Park is a four-hour drive from San Francisco (170 miles) and a perfect day trip to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Take one of the van tours from San Francisco to Yosemite to discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada, Gold Rush towns, and the park's amazing natural wonders like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the giant sequoias.

Contact the Hotel Nikko San Francisco Concierge at 415-394-1111 to help you plan your day trip to Yosemite NP. We can recommend the best SF tours close to our Union Square hotel.