Location: Union Square at Powell Street and Geary in San Francisco
© Ingrid Taylar
Union Square - San Francisco
Union Square became a public park in 1850. It was the site of Civil War rallies, and it briefly held refugees from the 1906 earthquake and fires -- until the Union Square area itself burned. The prominent granite column commemorates Admiral Dewey's victory at Manila Bay (Spanish-American War).
Union Square is a shopping hub, surrounded by hotels. It is home to major department stores and chains, but you'll also find boutiques and independent vendors.