SOMA (South of Market)
It is one of San Francisco’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving neighborhoods, characterized by its industrial roots and contemporary development. Historically a center for manufacturing and warehousing, SoMa has transformed over the years into a vibrant area filled with art spaces, tech companies, and cultural venues. This transition has brought both innovation and complexity as long-standing communities coexist with new residents and businesses. The neighborhood’s architecture reflects its past, with a mix of historic warehouses and modern high-rises. Incorporating the city’s spirit of adaptability and resilience amidst the ups and downs of urban life, SoMA’s diversity shapes its identity.
Things to do and see!
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)—one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the United States. Its impressive collection features works from artists like Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, as well as rotating exhibitions. Don’t miss the rooftop sculpture garden and the iconic Living Wall, a vertical garden installation with over 19,000 plants. The Museum of Modern Art recently underwent a major renovation and addition. SFMOMA is home to more than 30,000 pieces of art, including photography, sculptures, paintings, and more. Buy tickets here.
Location: 151 3rd Street.
Yerba Buena Gardens—This peaceful urban oasis offers green space in the heart of SoMa. The gardens are home to fountains, a reflecting pool, art installations, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial waterfall. It’s a wonderful place to relax, have a picnic, or attend one of the many events held here throughout the year. The Yerba Buena Center for the Performing Arts features both a museum and performances. The museum features an evolving set of exhibits from artists from around the world. Shows here include ballet, films, and more.
Location: 701 Mission Street.
Daniel Libeskind, an architect, created the striking Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM). The museum offers exhibitions that explore Jewish culture, history, and art. It’s a thought-provoking space that includes art installations, interactive exhibits, and community programs.
Children’s Creativity Museum—Located at Yerba Buena Gardens, a hands-on, interactive museum for families with children. It features activities like animation studios, a design lab, and a music studio where kids can create and explore. It’s a fun stop for families visiting SoMa. Things to Do with Kids: You will find a variety of things to do with kids. LeRoy King Carousel—an indoor carousel that is open daily and tied to the museum (211 4th Street), an indoor skating rink that is open all year long (750 Folsom Street), and a bowling alley (750 Folsom Street) that is geared toward kids and teens.
Rincon Murals—Another favorite in the South of Market San Francisco is the murals in the historic Rincon Center. Enter through the doors on Mission (between Spear and Steuart) to check out the gorgeous murals in the lobby of the old parking lot. The 27 murals here follow the history of San Francisco, according to an artist (Anton Refregier) who had never visited San Francisco before he was selected to paint them.
Location: 121 Spear Street.
Oracle Park (Home of the San Francisco Giants)—one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in the United States—offers views of the San Francisco Bay and a unique atmosphere for watching a Giants game. Even if it’s off-season, you can take a behind-the-scenes stadium tour or visit The Yard at Mission Rock, a nearby space with pop-up food and drink vendors. Other activities here each year include concerts, SF Giants Fan Fest, Discovery Days, and free opera. You can also tour Oracle Park on certain days.
The SF Giants take the field in late March for pre-season games against the A’s. Their regular season runs from April to late September/early October and beyond if they make it into the playoffs.
Location: 24 Willie Mays Plaza.
AT&T Rooftop Park—Located on top of the AT&T headquarters at 500 Howard Street, this hidden rooftop garden offers lovely views of the city skyline and a tranquil space with seating and greenery. It’s open to the public and makes for a relaxing, elevated escape from the busy streets below.
Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)—MoAD focuses on the art, culture, and history of the African diaspora. Its exhibitions showcase African and African American artists, celebrating African heritage and exploring issues of identity, migration, and resilience. The museum often hosts talks, screenings, and events that foster community discussions. You will learn about the migration of people from Africa to countries around the world. The museum is not your typical one and includes interactive displays, so you have fun as you learn. Make sure to step across the street to fully see their display in the window, which creates an image out of thousands of small pictures.
Location: 685 Mission Street.
The Arcades at Musée Mécanique—this unique arcade museum features antique coin-operated machines and vintage games. From fortune tellers to old-school arcade games, Musée Mécanique offers a quirky, nostalgic experience. It’s technically closer to Fisherman’s Wharf but simple to visit from SoMa.
Exploratorium (Pier 15)—technically, in the Embarcadero area, the Exploratorium is close enough to SoMa to make it a must-visit. This interactive science museum features exhibits that let you explore science, art, and human perception. It’s a fun and educational stop for visitors of all ages, especially during their “After Dark” events for adults. Buy tickets here.
South Park—a tiny, oval-shaped park with hip cafes and restaurants all around it. Once a historic gathering place for artists, it now offers a relaxed atmosphere for a coffee break or a walk. The Butler & The Chef is a charming French cafe nearby, perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Shopping and Design Stores—SoMa is home to unique boutiques and design stores. Heath Ceramics offers handcrafted ceramics, while Design Within Reach showcases modern furniture and home decor. SoMa’s shopping scene caters to fans of design with high-quality, artisan goods.
Metreon—Inside this complex, you will find about half a dozen shops, a food court with more than a dozen options, and a large 16-screen movie theater with an IMAX. Most stores are small boutique shops with higher-end items. If you are looking for everyday items, you will find the largest Target in the downtown area.
Location: 135 4th Street.
Wine Tasting at Bluxome Street Winery—an urban winery in SoMa that offers tastings of its California wines. You can sample their reds, whites, and sparkling wines in a relaxed setting right in the heart of the city. It’s a wonderful spot for wine lovers looking for a unique tasting experience.
Ride on the F-Line Streetcar—The historic F-Line streetcar runs along Market Street, passing through SoMa and connecting to various other parts of the city. The F-Line features beautifully restored vintage streetcars from around the world, making for a charming and scenic way to explore the city.
The Speakeasy: An Interactive Theatre Experience—the Speakeasy is a unique, immersive theater experience set in a 1920s speakeasy. Audiences move through different rooms, interacting with actors in a prohibition-era setting, from a casino to a cabaret. It’s a unique experience that transports you to another era.
Explore food trucks at SoMa StrEat Food Park—a popular food truck park where you can sample cuisine from different cultures all in one place. The trucks rotate, so there’s always something new to try, from tacos to Vietnamese banh mi. It’s a casual and enjoyable spot for lunch or dinner.
The Bay Lights and Bay Bridge Views—Near the SoMa waterfront, you can catch spectacular views of The Bay Lights, a light installation on the Bay Bridge that shines every evening. Walk along the Embarcadero to get the best views, especially near the Ferry Building.
Moscone Center and Events—a major convention center in SoMa, hosting events like tech conferences, trade shows, and fan conventions. If you’re in town for an event at Moscone, it’s a good reason to explore the SoMa area and discover all it has to offer.
Asia SF—If you are looking for a truly unique San Francisco experience, then make a reservation at Asia SF. This restaurant features performances by The Ladies of SF, world-renowned transgender performers, during dinner. You will find an upbeat vibe and a night of entertainment that you will not soon forget. Location: 201 9th Street.
Pier 24 Photography Museum—One of the newer attractions in South of Market, this reservation-only museum features rotating photography exhibits that will change the way you look at this form of art.
SOMA Cultural Arts Center—a place for underserved artists in communities that are not often given a voice. Their gallery is open daily and showcases a variety of temporary exhibits. They also offer workshops and rental space for parties. Location: 934 Brannan Street.
Up Your Alley Fair—This is a brother event to the Folsom Street Fair, which also draws in thousands of leather and fetish enthusiasts every year. This event is held in late July along Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom.
How Weird Street Faire—This event is all about celebrating peace. You will find dancing in the streets, unique art, and a full day of fun. It’s usually the beginning of May each year and is centered around Howard and 2nd Streets.
Nightlife and Clubs
SoMa is known for its vibrant nightlife and club scene, with places like Audio, The Endup, and DNA Lounge offering a mix of electronic, dance, and live music events. Public Works is another popular spot for dance music and art shows, hosting local DJs, themed events, and art exhibits.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
It is one of the free, enjoyable festivals in the Yerba Buena Gardens. Each year, they offer three to four performances each week from May to October. They include local bands, theater performances, and kids’ shows.
Folsom Street Fair
One of the largest events in SOMA each year is the Folsom Street Fair. This leather and fetish event draws in more than 400,000 people each year during this one-day event. You will find it along 13 blocks in the district, with most of the activity along Folsom Street between 8th and 13th. This is held in late September every year.