RESOURCE COLLECTION

Explore San Francisco During NAD 2026

Activities, Food, and Local Experiences Within Reach of the Hilton Union Square Welcome to San Francisco! Whether you're looking for food, culture, nightlife, or local community events, here are a few opportunities to explore the city during your stay.

Office on Disability and Accessibility

Hotel Base: Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Wednesday, July 1

⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 Watch Parties

The Bay Area is a host region for the FIFA World Cup, and San Francisco will feature watch parties and soccer-themed events throughout the city.

Perfect for:

  • Sports fans
  • Meeting fellow travelers
  • Enjoying San Francisco's lively atmosphere

Resources

Distance from Hilton Union Square
Varies by venue. Most downtown locations are within a 5–20 minute walk or short transit ride.

Thursday, July 2

🌱 Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Located along the Embarcadero waterfront, the Ferry Building offers local food vendors, artisan products, coffee, pastries, seafood, and beautiful Bay views.

Distance from Hilton Union Square

  • 1.4 miles
  • Approximately 30-minute walk
  • 10 minutes via transit (Walk to Powell and Market, then hop on the F-Train - old classic trains)

🎉 Downtown First Thursdays (DFT)

5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Downtown First Thursdays transforms downtown San Francisco into a vibrant street festival featuring:

  • Live music
  • DJs
  • Art installations
  • Dancing
  • Food trucks
  • Shopping
  • Community activities

Featured Stop: Mozzeria Food Truck

Founded by members of the Deaf community, Mozzeria is known for its delicious wood-fired pizza. Find them on 2nd St. between Market and Howard Streets.

Distance from Hilton Union Square

  • About 15–18 minutes walking

Saturday, July 4

🥕 Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Saturday is the Ferry Building's largest market day and one of the best food experiences in San Francisco.

Enjoy:

  • Fresh fruit and produce
  • Artisan foods
  • Local cheeses
  • Coffee and pastries
  • Oysters and seafood
  • Waterfront views

Distance from Hilton Union Square

  • 1.4 miles
  • Approximately 30-minute walk
  • About a 10-minute ride on the F Train

🚋 Ride a Historic Cable Car to Fisherman's Wharf

Experience one of San Francisco's most iconic attractions.

Enjoy:

  • Waterfront views
  • Sea lions at Pier 39
  • Shopping
  • Fresh seafood

Distance from Hilton Union Square

  • Approximately 2 miles
  • About 20 minutes via cable car

🎆 Fourth of July Fireworks

Spend the evening celebrating Independence Day along San Francisco's waterfront.

Important Safety Tips

  • Expect very large crowds.
  • Public transit will be extremely busy after the show.
  • Travel with friends when possible.
  • Establish a meetup location in advance.
  • Fully charge your phone before leaving the hotel.

🥠 Alternative to the Fireworks Crowds

If you prefer a quieter experience, head to Chinatown before Deaf Community Night Out.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory - 6:30 to 8:00 PM - No reservations necessary.

Create a personalized fortune cookie message for family and friends and experience one of Chinatown's beloved local traditions. ASL Interpreters provided!

Distance from Hilton Union Square
15–20 minute walk

🎉 BAADA & CAD & DPI Heritage
Deaf Community Night Out

Saturday, July 4

8:00 PM – Closing

Join local Deaf community members, visitors, and NAD attendees for an evening of celebration, connection, food, and community in San Francisco's historic Chinatown.

Whether you spent the day at the Farmers Market, Fisherman's Wharf, the fireworks, or exploring the city, we invite you to end the week with the Bay Area Deaf community and close out NAD conference.

Local Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Chinatown

15–20 minute walk

Explore:

  • Tea shops
  • Bakeries
  • Dim sum restaurants
  • Historic alleys
  • Cultural landmarks

North Beach

25-minute walk

Explore:

  • Italian cafés
  • Pizza
  • Bookstores
  • Nightlife
  • Live music

Yerba Buena Gardens

10-minute walk

Explore:

  • Public art
  • Museums
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor gathering spaces

Quick Distance Guide from Hilton Union Square

Destination (Walking Time)

Yerba Buena Gardens

  • 10 minutes

Downtown First Thursdays

  • 15–18 minutes

Chinatown

  • 15–20 minutes

Ferry Building

  • 30 minutes

North Beach

  • 25 minutes

Fisherman's Wharf

  • 45–50 minutes

Lion's Den (Deaf Community Night Out)

  • 15–20 minutes

Enjoy your stay in San Francisco and make time to experience the neighborhoods, food, culture, and community that make the city unique.