Maiden Lane, San Francisco

Maiden Lane is an upscale pedestrian only street in the Union Square district. Maiden Lane is home to some high-end retailers like Gump’s. Businesses covet a prestigious Maiden Lane address. However, Maiden Lane makes for a pleasant stroll in the Union Square Area. It runs from Stockton Street, directly across from Union Square, to Kearny Street. As Maiden Lane is closed to traffic most of the day, outdoor cafe’s take advantage of the opportunity. These outdoor cafe’s offer a nice alternative for lunch on a warm day.

Trendy Maiden lane was actually a red light district at the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries. However, the area was destroyed during the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. As the City rose from the ashes of devastation, citizens and civic leaders saw to it that the area was rebuilt in a more respectable fashion.