Maryrose Sweeting

We went to Union Square on Dec 23rd hoping to see the tree and do some ice skating. It took us about 30 minutes to drive one mile but we finally got parking only to find out that ice skating tickets were sold out. We ended up walking around and getting hot chocolate and a Christmas cocktail from one of the street vendors. There was a DJ playing and lots of photo opportunities.

Lots of cute little shops, restaurants, a beach, and the Monterey Bay aquarium! You can spend hours here just browsing the shops, and trying all the gummy food from crepes, to cinnamon rolls, pastries and baklava, to Italian delis, and sea food galore. McAbee Beach is small, and even smaller during high tide, but if you are lucky enough to be there at low tide you will be sure to spot hermit crabs, sea anomie, and maybe some fish swimming around.

I only visit when bringing a friend from out of the area but I’ll have to say my most recent visit was the best. I actually found parking (it’s a small lot and you pay in 15 minute increments by their app or online. It’s $5 a hour or $1.25 for every 15 minutes. The day was beautiful, No wind and sunny. Great views of Alcatraz because there was no fog. We watched boats and people surfing at the beach below from the bridge for a while before heading into the little gift shop. For those who have never been there is also a cafe with a great view.