United Nations Plaza, San Francisco
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's bustling Civic Center district, United Nations Plaza stands as a testament to the city's global spirit and commitment to peace and unity. This open public space, a sight to behold, stretches along Fulton Street between the impressive San Francisco City Hall and the Market Street thoroughfare.
United Nations Plaza was created to honor the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945, where the UN Charter was signed at the nearby War Memorial Opera House. The plaza was developed as part of a grand redesign of the Civic Center area in the early 1970s and was formally dedicated in 1975. It's a symbolic site that reflects San Francisco's role in fostering international diplomacy and cooperation.
The design of the plaza features a series of granite and concrete paths that converge like the spokes of a wheel, symbolizing the coming together of the world's nations. At its center is a striking fountain, which serves not only as a focal point but also as a metaphor for the flow of ideas and cultures that converge in this global city.
United Nations Plaza is not just a sight for tourists; it's a vibrant part of the city's fabric, hosting a variety of events throughout the year. These include cultural festivals, civic gatherings, and a popular farmers' market that brings fresh produce to the heart of the city twice a week. This makes the plaza a lively destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of San Francisco's community spirit and diversity.
The plaza's location also makes it a convenient starting point for exploring other nearby attractions, such as the Asian Art Museum, the San Francisco Public Library, and the Orpheum Theatre. Its proximity to public transportation, including the Civic Center/UN Plaza BART station, allows for easy access to and from the site.
1 United Nations PlzNortheast San Francisco (Civic Center)San Francisco
- Metro
- Bus
- Trolleybus
- Tram
- Light rail
- Train
- Ferry
Metro
- Calculate routeCivic Center 1 min walk
- Calculate routePowell Street 13 min walk
- Calculate routeCivic Center 1 min walk
- Calculate routeVan Ness 12 min walk
- Calculate routePowell Street 12 min walk
- Calculate routeMontgomery Street 24 min walk
- Calculate routeMarket Street & Leavenworth Street 2 min walk
- Calculate routeMcAllister Street & Leavenworth Street 2 min walk
- Calculate routeMarket Street & Hyde Street 2 min walk
- Calculate routeHyde Street & Grove Street 3 min walk
- Calculate routeMarket Street & 7th Street 2 min walk
- Calculate routeMission Street & 7th Street 5 min walk
- Calculate routeSan Francisco 4th & King Street 28 min walk
- Calculate routeFerry Building Gate B 42 min walk
Muni MetroUnited Nations Plaza – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Pioneer Monument.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which popular attractions are close to United Nations Plaza?
How to get to United Nations Plaza by public transport?
Metro
- Civic Center • Lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow (1 min walk)
- Powell Street • Lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow (13 min walk)
Light rail
- Civic Center • Lines: K, N, S, T (1 min walk)
- Van Ness • Lines: K, N, S, T (12 min walk)
Bus
- Market Street & Leavenworth Street • Lines: 7, 800 (2 min walk)
- McAllister Street & Leavenworth Street • Lines: 5 (2 min walk)
Tram
- Market Street & 7th Street • Lines: F (2 min walk)
Trolleybus
- Mission Street & 7th Street • Lines: 14 (5 min walk)
Train
- San Francisco 4th & King Street (28 min walk)
Ferry
- Ferry Building Gate B • Lines: San Francisco Bay Ferry (42 min walk)
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