Once a section of the city’s red-light district, Maiden Lane is now known for its upscale retailers and cafés with outdoor seating. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., the street is a pedestrian-only zone. Visit the stores of famous clothing retailers, such as Marc Jacobs, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.
Wander along this pretty stretch, which bears a resemblance to the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Admire the luxurious clothing and accessories in the shops and enjoy a coffee while people-watching in one of the cafés. Maiden Lane was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and was later redeveloped by an entrepreneurial jeweler.
As you stroll down the street, look for the V. C. Morris Gift Shop, identifiable by its arched brick entrance. Visionary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building in the mid-20th century. The structure once housed a well-known art gallery, but is now used as a luxury retail space.
Art lovers can explore galleries on nearby streets. Head to the Asaka Fine Arts Gallery to inspect exquisite Asian and European works. Discover classic and contemporary Latin pieces at Bond Latin Gallery.
Walk to Union Square, a shopping and dining hub, in less than 5 minutes. This public plaza has department stores, art galleries, bars and restaurants. Relax in a café or shop for high-end beauty products. This plaza also features stores selling children’s clothing, homeware, designer shoes and jewelry.
Maiden Lane is also just a short walk from the Transamerica Pyramid. This skyscraper is one of San Francisco’s most iconic high rises and reaches a height of 850 feet (260 meters). The visitor center contains displays detailing the history of the tower.
Maiden Lane is next to Union Square in San Francisco. Find metered parking garages nearby. Alternatively, use Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) services to reach Montgomery Street Station, the best stop for Maiden Lane.
