The square is a center of consumerism, surrounded by retail powerhouses like Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Sacs Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany’s. Just two blocks from Market Street and the recent addition of the San Francisco Shopping Center and Nordstrom’s. Specialty shops that draw trolley cars full of white-gloved ladies and bustling tourists downtown for their shopping excursions flank the department stores. Large and elegant hotels, led by the Westin St. Francis, the Sir Francis Drake, the Grand Hyatt and Campton Place are nearly as famous as Union Square shops and department stores. Many of the hotels feature magnificent lobbies with elevators that whisk you to their rooftop bars. Try the speedy exterior elevator at the St. Francis for a view of Union Square. There are many exquisite hotel bars, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, such as the St. Francis’ Compass Room; the Clift’s Redroom Room, or the Drakes Starlight Room.

Cable Car Turnaround: The Mason and Hyde lines terminate here, where drivers gets out and turn their nearly 8-ton, 18-foot-long relics around so they're pointing in the direction they came from. The cable car turnaround was recently renovated, adding a new $500,000 turntable with an extra set of ball bearings, to make turning easier. The support beams and the depression beams beneath Powell Street, which keep the cable taut, have also been upgraded. The turning of the cable cars draws huge crowds who not only enjoy the spectacle but want to ride the car back up Powell Street. Get there early in the morning to experience this San Francisco treat with minimal fuss. Powell and Market Streets. There is also a turnaround at the end of Hyde Street at Aquatic Park, which was renovated with a new turntable in June 2001.

Curran Theatre: Although not as sumptuous as its neighbor, the Geary Theatre, this house does host many traveling Broadway shows. 445 Geary St., (415) 776-1999. (Event listing)
Geary Theatre: Home to the prestigious American Conservatory Theatre. This building's beautiful 1909 facade -- encrusted with colorful foliage -- was recently cleaned and restored to its original luster. 415 Geary St., (415) 743-2228. (Event listing)
Golden Gate Theatre: Built in 1920 for the Orpheum circuit, the Golden Gate Theatre was designed by Gustav Albert Lansburgh, who also constructed SF's Warfield and other theaters across the country. The theater, which used to present vaudeville and feature films in the vein of Radio City Music Hall, was restored in 1979 and now presents Broadway shows like "Rent" and "Chicago." 1 Taylor St., (415) 551-2000.

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre: This 300-seat theatre, which opened in 1981, is named after the African-American author of "Raisin in the Sun" and features productions written by black playwrights. The entrance is through the lobby of the Sheehan Hotel. 620 Sutter St., (415) 474-8800. (Web site/Event listing)

Union Square: Where the homeless once abounded in overgrown brush, the latest incarnation of Union Square takes a much more tourist-friendly approach. The central space is ripe for street performers and performances, though that has not happened yet in full force. Some visitors and locals gather along the steps in the central plaza in neat rows, eating lunch, others find benches along the terraced gardens to watch shoppers, contemplate, or read. The TIX Bay Area half-price theater ticketing booth as well as a small café are open. A larger café with outdoor seating is on its way by spring, as are four R.M. Fischer art sculptures by the end of January. Phase two of the renovation includes plans for a central fountain, but $600,000 must be raised first.