Is Union Square San Francisco Safe? (Local Guide)

Whether you are visiting Zig Zag Street in San Francisco or spending time in Tenderloin, it’s common to want to think about overall safety.

One area we took the time to visit was Union Square in San Francisco.

We often hear people mention certain areas and how they might not be safe. This is why we take the time to explore these areas and see what’s out there. Each experience is going to be unique but we also take the time to see what the locals have to say.

In this case, we are going to take a look at Union Square.

Is it safe in Union Square?

Yes, we found Union Square in San Francisco to be safe. It’s a place where people tend to walk around and enjoy their time without too much of a fuss. It’s common for people to also be out at night and it remains safe compared to other parts of the city.

We would still take regular precautions as tourists do when going out at night in a new place.

Let’s take a look at the safety of Union Square in San Francisco.

Safety In Union Square

For the most part, Union Square is a safe part of San Francisco.

Locals state it’s easy to walk around and the only thing you are going to have to worry about is most things not being open, so it is not going to be as busy on the streets. This can be eerie for some people, but it is not a safety risk.

We would recommend taking the time to pay attention to what’s happening in the area. The news can allow you to keep up with this information.

Union Square In San Francisco At Night

Let’s assume you want to go out at night.

Is this a good thing to do?

Yes, there is nothing wrong with walking around in Union Square at night. You are going to be relatively safe while you are here and it’s going to be a non-issue for the most part. It’s common for locals to walk around Union Square at night.

While there is little to do in the area, you can still walk around if you want to.

How To Stay Safe In Union Square

Be Prepared For Silence At Night

This is the one thing you are going to have to consider when it comes to going to Union Square in the city. This is one part of the city, where you are not going to have too much going on, so it is going to get quiet.

This silence is sometimes scary for people who are visiting the city for the first time. While we didn’t mind this, it is still something you are going to pay attention to when you are walking on your own.

We would recommend going out with someone or making sure you are aware of the silence.

It’s not quiet throughout Union Square, but it is often reserved for specific areas. As you keep walking, it will liven up.

Don’t Walk Around With Valuables

We don’t recommend doing this in any part of San Francisco.

If you have luggage and/or other items that are known for being pricier, we would not be walking around in the quiet with these items out in the open. It’s not a good idea for most major cities and the same is going to apply here.

It is best to keep those back in the hotel room or wherever you are staying in San Francisco.

When you are walking outside, you are going to want to have minimal items on you.

Stay Alert

Your alertness is always going to matter and unfortunately, some tourists don’t pay attention to their surroundings based on what we have seen.

This is not good.

You are going to end up in a situation where you might not realize what is happening around you. Don’t do this.

Always keep your head on a swivel and know where you are going.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Union Square is safe in San Francisco.

We would not say this is a sketchy area or a place where you are not going to want to go. We know you might feel unsettled by the quiet parts of Union Square but it’s still going to be safe.

Read more about going to Inner Richmond in San Francisco, visiting the Garden of Eden, and going to Bohemian Grove.