A hidden gem between Chinatown and the Financial District St. Mary's Square is one of those places you might walk past a dozen times without realizing how interesting it really is. That is what I did for years! I walked by it on different sides many times over the years and never bothered to walk in, take a look around and learn more about it. At first glance, the park looks like a standard city park, but it's actually a rooftop plaza, redesigned in the 1950s by landscape architect Robert Royston and built on top of an underground parking garage. The square has served as a community gathering place since the mid-1800s, although back then the atmosphere was very different from today's calm lunchtime scene. In the late 19th century, this area was part of a notoriously rowdy section of San Francisco, filled with saloons, brothels, and opium dens. It became so infamous that the leaders of Old St. Mary's Cathedral, directly across the street, carved the phrase "Son, Observe the Time and Fly from Evil" onto the cathedral's clock tower--clearly meant as a warning to those lingering below. The 1906 earthquake and fires wiped out much of the surrounding neighborhood, creating an opportunity to reimagine the space as a public square rather than a problem zone. Today, the park is notable not just for its location but also for its artwork and historical significance. The most prominent feature is the 14-foot statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, founder of the Republic of China, created by renowned San Francisco sculptor Beniamino Bufano. This isn't a random tribute. Sun Yat-sen spent significant time in San Francisco raising funds and support for his revolutionary efforts, and this square was one of the places he frequented during his years in exile. More recently, the square became home to the Comfort Women Memorial, installed in 2017 to honor victims of wartime sexual slavery during World War II. The memorial adds another thoughtful and reflective layer to an already meaningful space. Between its layered history, public art, and peaceful setting above the city streets, St. Mary's Square is an excellent place to grab a coffee, sit for a while, and quietly take in one of San Francisco's most fascinating corners. read more

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This is a very nice park located in China Town. There are plenty of benches to sit at. They also have a bathroom. I came here after getting food from aji kiji. There a a perfect amount of food open space and shaded areas. read more

St. Mary's Square - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A really sweet park space in the middle of the tall buildings of downtown San Francisco. St Mary's Square is a public area, equipped with a park for the kids, flowers, plants, a walk way for morning walks or evening walks. Beautiful landscaping. read more

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Such a cool square/park in Chinatown. A nice pause from the busy streets. A place to sit and chill and enjoy some plants that are not native to California. read more

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I went on a tour of the city and this was one of the stops. It has lots of history and its location makes it a must stop if you are visiting. I did not get to go inside and was not able to attend the services but would next time if I am in town. The area however is very popular with the homeless population and has people hanging out. There is trash on the ground and lots of people sleeping on the benches and on the floor. A lof them also using the bushes and trees as personal bathroom making the place stink. This is the case for many other parks in the area not just this one. read more

This park has some very iconic. Oriental architecture and interesting statues/garden areas. But it's kind of ghetto. A very dirty area lots of trash laying around, broken glass to maneuver. At night time is when it's at its best in my opinion. The lights that highlight the edges of the pagodas are very beautiful against the night sky/other buildings. I would still recommend checking it out, I've had a fun time that three or four visits made to this park read more

I found this park on my way walking to Chinatown. This is a very nice little park, with a playground, statues, and places to just relax. I did enjoy stopping here and taking a break during my trek through the city. Although this park was in the middle of a lot going on, it was very peaceful here. I could have hung out here longer if I had the time, a very relaxing park!! read more

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** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** You may have noticed that Chinatown doesn't really have traditional parks. Frankly there isn't any room frankly because uprooting multiple generations of people for the sake of a patch of rolling greenery wouldn't sync up with its rich and often checkered history and probably city ordinances. Instead, there are two urban squares with benches and playgrounds about two blocks away from each other, both coincidentally built on top of large parking garages. We all know Portsmouth Square with all the clusters of locals playing cards or Chinese chess. This review is about the other square, the one that relatively few visit, even though it looks better maintained with plenty of seating. Right across California Street from Old St. Mary's Cathedral, it's an open space and ideal for bringing your takeout meal and eating in relative solitude during the pandemic. There are two pieces of public art worth noting. The first is the gigantic statue of Chinese statesman Sun Yat-sen (photo: https://bit.ly/3uOK6eZ). If you watch the opening scene of "Flower Drum Song", this is the statue to which Miyoshi Umeki and her dad genuflect when she starts singing "A Hundred Million Miracles". The other statue is not musical and far more controversial, which may explain why it's placed on the far side of the square. It's dedicated to the comfort women who were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII (photo: https://bit.ly/2QnYP1I). The mayor of sister-city Osaka apparently wants to take back the sister designation because of it. I only know this because Wikipedia said so. Otherwise this part of the square affords an overhead view of Kearny and Bush street traffic if you're looking for FiDi views. "A hundred million miracles...are happ'ning ev'ry day". RELATED - Lost in Chinatown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2WoF1Z2 read more

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I like this space in between Chinatown and the bottom of Nob Hill. There are dogs at this park like most parks in San Francisco. I like this peaceful space at this park. read more

St. Mary's Square - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a nice compact playground and gathering area in Chinatown. We came across this by accident whole waiting to cross the street. It was a nice public porta potty. A play area that is separated by age groups and seating with shade. There are tire swings and regular swings along with toddler slides. It is stroller friendly. It's not very busy so the kiddos don't have to fight over the play spaces or wait a long time to take turns on the swings. read more

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This little park is always deserted when we stop by during the day, just as a palate cleanser from the close together shops of Chinatown. It has been expanded over the years, and has a couple of monuments to survey. We mostly walk right through, but there are bathrooms and a couple of interesting vistas of the urban environment of the financial district and the surrounding shops on Grant St. read more

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Lovely little park within the city. Has benches, children's park, a statute with some history. Nicely maintained flowers and shrubs. The park is next to Chinatown and a church. read more

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Great little park in the middle of Chinatown/ Financial District. Very clean, lots of benches. A play are with swings and tire swings, and another play area with play structures and sand. Several statues and a WWI/ WWII memorial plaque. Surrounded by skyscrapers. A good place to stop and eat lunch or take the kids for a break from shopping. read more

When you are not looking for something, it happens to find you. This was the case yesterday. We were walking back from the Ferry Building and just happened to wait for Gavin to finish climbing and jumping then JP suggested we stop by. Watched Gavin and some random kids for awhile before he suggested we get on the grass to lay down. It seemed as though we both kept our eyes on Gavin quite consistently but still managed to talk about random Netflix shows for a long period of time before we decided to take a stab at the swings. The swings are perfect for children and folks under 5'3. He is 6'4 so we feared a height and weight maximum capacity... + train structure + seesaw + slide + swings + lots of benches + grass was pretty clean + secluded + some shade - swings area far from the playground - public restroom sanitary issue Unexpected events are great. read more

St. Mary's Square - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

The statue of Sun Yat-Sen is here, he was the leader of the rebellion that ended the Qing Dynasty and was the founder of the Republic of China. There benches and a small playground. It's a nice break from the main street of Chinatown. read more

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These two big trees(see the photos) were gone by Dec 16th 2020. Not really sure why maybe got sick or other safety reasons. There's a playground at park for kids, but you have to be really careful for some travelers don't wear mask and don't pay attention for social distancing during the COVID-19 suffering period. Besides the bad people's issues this is a really good park. read more

St. Mary's Square - These two big trees are gone by Dec 16th 2020. - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love stepping out of the office and visiting this place. So peaceful and such a nice change of scenery. The playgrounds are great for kids to play around. There is a big trash and recycling bins so no garbage is laid around. Lots of working folk take a second out here for lunch or just to breathe. Plenty of benches. The grass is fresh and cut well so you can also lay on it. read more

What a great vibe. I will miss the States, ands.... Never forget the good energy you gave me.

This is a cool little park right on the confluence of Chinatown, Nob Hill and the FiDi. At about an acre in size, it feels big enough to feel like you are actually in a park with a bit of space. At the same time, you can't help but feel like you are in the middle of The City as the views are framed by downtown office buildings as you look East. To the North, the park is boxed in by St. Mary's Cathedral. It's also directly on the California Cable Car Line, so it's not a bad place if you want to get of on the Grant Street stop and walk South towards the Union Square area. I love how framed in the park feels. The space itself has a number of benches, several different play areas of for children, an alley with some street art (see photo), sculpture and a public restroom. The layout is really nice in that the different areas feel separate even though this is not a huge space. There is plenty of good landscaping happening here with mature trees and several flower plantings. And, there is an interesting piece of sculpture of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen - the following is according to The Living New Deal: "The 14-foot-tall stainless steel and granite sculpture of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, founder of the Chinese Republic, was sculpted by Beniamino Bufano and completed in 1937 with FAP (Federal Art Project) funds. Revered as the 'Father of Modern China,' Sun Yat-Sen visited San Francisco in the early 1900s and often relaxed in St. Mary's Square." Overall, it's a nice little spot to get a little peace and quiet. It would be a terrific place to sit and have lunch. And, I would think it would be a fun place to come as a kid if you live in The City (Lucky kid!). It's worth making a stop if you in the area to check it out. read more

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This almost hidden park between the Chinatown' and the financial district is cleaner and quiet. There's a playground and lots of room for Tai Chi. read more

Why in the world did I never know to park here when we were living in the Bay Area? I'd always go to Portsmouth Square Parking Garage and it was jam packed, you have to go deep into the abyss before finding a spot and often, it smelled. My friend parked her car in here and it was spacious and wasn't claustrophobic. It was also super cheap compared to Portsmouth. Yes it's a couple of blocks over and Portsmouth is more convenient, but during the lunch rush (especially during weekdays) how convenient is it really to wait in line while you enter the parking garage and then spend loads of time searching for a spot? Just go to St Mary's .... it's usually not as crowded and did I mention it's far cheaper??? read more

cute park, nice views but can get a bit sketchy at night. well i guess not JUST at night.. In the morning and early evenings a group of older women come and practice dances here, sometimes a group of older men do tai chi and exercises here as well. There is conveniently a parking garage elevator that stops and opens right into the park but i suggest not to use it. Just go around if you park to the parking garage right behind it. A lot of the homeless people set up camp and they've been a bit vocal and grumpy. I encountered a group of people before who were nice but lately i hear a lot of yelling and fighting while walking by. It's unfortunate, the park used to be so nice. I would come here for lunch, see lots of children and families in the play area and more activity from the community doing activities here but a lot has changed. read more

St. Mary's Square - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is the park I go to before heading to Chinatown. Very small for the kids with not much to play. A local school does take it over for their children. read more

I really had a very good time at this park. I went there twice actually and both times it was interesting. It's clean and you can sit at the benches and just watch a homeless person or maybe not homeless take a beer and drink it they think surreptitiously. The park is right in the middle of the city and above a parking lot devoted to it and other things of course so it's nice to just sit there and watch the world go by. read more

St. Mary's Square - Last night in SF, eve o my birth - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Have you ever had a great idea or two pop into your brain and you need to write them down? And you stumble upon a perfectly quiet place to do so? The light bulb blinked on several times and I wanted to write/draw my ideas up before I forgot them. 'Twas kismet that I was walking by this beloved park designed originally by Robert Royston and nicely updated by the City of SF a few years ago. The park is quiet and can be cool and drafty at times because of the surrounding high rises (which by design creates some of the shadiest and windiest streets). It's also pretty spacious with curvy lines and preserved full grown trees from its previous design. Today, it was quiet and breezy with just a few stray passersby, kids and a few dogs. Wood benches, seat walls and plantings are lush; it's surprisingly quiet for being sandwiched between touristy Chinatown and the Financial District. 5 benches for a zen-like space in the middle of it all. And thankfully, I had a pen/paper to write down those glorious ideas. Kudos. read more

Wowzer - I guess pricing must be different during certain days/times. This was a convenient, safe parking garage for a visit/stay at the Ritz during Thanksgiving weekend. For 4h 26m, I only paid $7! The exits from the garage were a bit tricky for me, as a newbie to the lot. I was a bit dis-oriented on my walk out to the street, as I ended up way around the corner from where I drove in to the lot. read more

I used to think the park above Saint Mary's Square parking garage was a charming little hidden gem in the Financial District. A great place to sit and eat your lunch and enjoy some SF sun. That is until I was verbally assaulted by a homeless man here with my coworkers. He was bugging us for the last bite (ew) of our Subway sandwiches. Someone actually said sure.. and told him to come back and get it in a few minutes. Well he definitely came back and it was totally creepy and weird but she just gave him whatever was left of his sandwich. We thought that was that but as we walked away he began following us and asking my other coworker for a chip. He was totally stalking us down the street and I turned around and told him we were all set and to go away.. he gave me a dirty look.. and and called me an asshole! Be careful of this place, the homeless are ornery! read more

This park is nearby China town and t was relatively quiet. There's an area for your kids to enjoy and the area was clean. I also noticed there was a klaxon horn nearby so I assumed it may be loud at times in the area. read more

If you're up to no good, this is the place to do it. Zone out whilst people watching lovely, crazy, and/or vocal people hanging out with their dogs. Sometimes a small rat will scurry beside you in the bushes. On certain days you will see the master of the park pawning off his stamp groceries to others. Very curious about the vegetarian Chinese restaurant in the building next door. Just try sitting for a few minutes for the full ghetto Avatar (Nickolodeon) experience. read more

What a great park! This lovely little park in the midst of the city is where I will be wed, under the statue of Sun Yat-sen. read more

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I remember going to this small park several months ago and smoked like a chimney during my lunch breaks and well, I quit smoking...thought I didn't need it and I still don't. Along with that decision, I didn't feel the need to go to St. Mary's Square Park. Well today was one of those rare sunny days in SF and so i paid a visit to the good ole park...you know I never realized how relaxing and how pleasing to the eyes this park was...i guess all that marlboro smoke blinded me back then. This area is ideal to just chill in after a long morning meeting or after a heated discussion with your supervisor. Also, there are benches conveniently placed everywhere and a little playground (for those who have serious issues at work and need to hop on that swing for a vent session) The park is surrounded by great scenery...tall skyscrapers, old St' Mary's, a couple chinese restaurants, shops and a homeless guy w/ starbucks on right hand, shopping cart on left...classic Frisco. read more

This is a very beautiful park during the day but at night it is invested with rats at night. I've tried to take my dogs there. The first time I saw three rats within 5 minutes. I came back a couple months later hoping the issue would be gone. But when I walked by the trash can a rat two feet long (including it's tail) ran over my foot. My dogs of course think they're squirrels and want to chase them. As with most SF places, there is also a lot of homeless people who leave a lot of trash around, saw human feces outside the park as well. Needless to say, I won't be coming back day or night. Worth walking a half a mile to a clean park. I highly recommend Huntington Park. read more

Forget parking - get out of your car and check out the park! This is a favorite spot of me and the co-workers to frolic to on our lunch hour, largely because it's the only patch of grass within a 10 minute walk of our office. The other day Derek B. and I were treated to front row seats of these bad ass bikers (I'm talking trick bikes...) filming what looked like was potentially Blockbuster footage for their killer documentary on Punks with Bikes. Who knew this kind of entertainment was right around the corner? Grab some Subway, bring a blanket and your binoculars for some sweet close ups :P read more

Stop for a moment, take a load off. Enjoy the sound of the California Cable Car going through and St Mary's across the street, and then meander over to Chinatown. Great central square. read more

Just a step to the side of the main Chinatown tourist zone, this little park is a great place to stop and have a snack, rest your legs or check your map/phone without getting trampled! read more

St. Mary's Square - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a nice little park, with a good mix of shade and sun. It's a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown. There are two little areas with playthings for small children, several benches, and a large silver statue. If you are looking for a park for kids I recommend Portsmouth, which is just a few blocks away (it has a bathroom and more things to play on.) This is a good spot to take a short break, or share a sandwich with a homeless guy. read more

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With takeout in hand from the table-less Ebisu, we needed a place to enjoy our food and the company. St. Mary's Square, just a block up from Kearney, was just the place. A small gem carved out of the busy downtown scene, it was a peaceful and quiet oasis perfect for eating, talking and simply enjoying the moment. And now it's my latest addition to a long, long list of why our city is so charming and wonderful. read more

Great park, looked all innocent and inviting, until I took my daughter to the playground after eight on a Sunday night, that's when the "CHUDs" came out, no but seriously, there were Rats everywhere.... Not just a couple, I'm talking at least 10 running around the playground! We moved to the gate and left the playground. Luckily unscathed but my poor little girl was scared:-( If you go during the day be sure to wash yours and your little ones hands... read more

St. Mary always has been a square. Now she's opened her shape to us all to pass through or dawdle in. Or do Qi Gong in, or play in, or listen to music in, or talk in, or sleep in, or poop in, or do drugs in. All of these things and more occur in Mary's solid Square. read more

Pretty pricy, but convenient spot near chinatown. At lunch or before 6pm this place is pretty much a necessity to go to the southern side of Chinatown. For 1:15 I paid $9. read more