Wealth and style mark these areas near the center of San Francisco [1]. Known for their lavish shopping areas [2], cable cars [3], and mansions, Union Square and Nob Hill draw both local and visiting crowds all year long.
Sadly, the stunning 19th-century mansions built by the robber barons on Nob Hill are almost all gone—shaken then burned in the 1906 earthquake and fire. But the area still exudes a certain elegance; restaurants [4] are particularly good on Nob Hill.
If you shop in only one part of San Francisco [1], make it Union Square. Even if you don’t like chain stores, you can just climb up to the top of the Square itself, grab a bench, and enjoy the views and the live entertainment on the small informal stage.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/san-francisco-and-the-bay-area
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/san-francisco-and-the-bay-area/shopping/union-square-and-nob-hill
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/san-francisco-and-the-bay-area/sights/union-square-and-nob-hill/cable-cars
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/san-francisco-and-the-bay-area/food/union-square-and-nob-hill