Civic Center Plaza

Heart of the City

Civic Center Plaza sprawls across 4.53 acres in the bustling center of San Francisco's Civic Center district. Nestled right beside the magnificent San Francisco City Hall, this public square is framed by McAllister Street to the north, Larkin Street to the east, Grove Street to the south, and Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place (formerly Polk Street) to the west.

The plaza is split into two distinct sections where Fulton Street once ran through. What you might not realize as you stroll across the northern block is that you're actually walking above a three-story underground parking garage completed in 1960. Similarly, the southern section conceals Brooks Hall, a former exhibition space built back in 1958.

The ornate dome of San Francisco City Hall catches sunlight against a blue sky

Photo: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo (CC BY 2.0)

Layout and Attractions

There's something pleasingly balanced about Civic Center Plaza with its symmetrical design and formal plantings. Two rows of stately London plane trees create a natural corridor along the east-west pathway that leads straight to City Hall. The space fulfills dual purposes - hosting civic events and demonstrations while also functioning as a neighborhood park for everyday use.

The plaza got a modern refresh in 2018 with the addition of two children's playgrounds in the northeast and southeast corners. The playgrounds feature impact-absorbing flooring and are monitored by security personnel. Parents will appreciate that these play areas are gated specifically to keep the little ones safe while they explore.

If you're looking to relax, you'll discover two generous grassy areas ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket or tossing a frisbee. The plaza offers plenty of benches, fascinating public art, and even outdoor fitness equipment. For those seeking a bit more activity, check out the ping-pong tables, chess tables, and exercise stations near the Hyde Street end.

What's Happening

On Wednesdays and Sundays, the plaza transforms into a vibrant farmers market where you can browse fresh produce from local Bay Area farms. Feeling hungry? Food trucks regularly pull up offering a variety of cuisines, and there's a cozy café on-site for coffee and snack breaks.

Year-round, the plaza comes alive with community festivals, concerts, and political gatherings. As evening falls, decorative string lights illuminate portions of the plaza, changing colors in patterns across the night.

During the holiday season, the plaza takes on a particularly festive atmosphere with special decorations and lighting displays that complement the illuminated City Hall facade.

Wide view of San Francisco City Hall with its prominent dome and grand approach

Photo: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo (CC BY 2.0)

Practical Information

You can find public restrooms available during daylight hours, including self-cleaning facilities conveniently located at the corner near the library. Getting here is a breeze with multiple public transportation options nearby, and if you're driving, the underground Civic Center Plaza Garage offers convenient parking.

Dog owners will be happy to know that the plaza is dog-friendly, with spacious grassy areas where your four-legged friends can stretch their legs. Just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them.

The Neighborhood

The plaza sits at the center of a remarkable collection of Beaux-Arts style buildings and cultural institutions. Look around and you'll see City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Public Library, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, and the War Memorial Opera House all within walking distance. This impressive concentration of architectural treasures earned the area its designation as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.

City Hall deserves special mention - particularly at night when its exterior glows with colored illumination that sometimes changes to support various causes or celebrate local sports teams. The building's dome and classical architecture make it a stunning backdrop for photos, and you'll often spot wedding parties posing on its grand steps.