SOMA San Francisco Guide

For those unfamiliar with San Francisco, SOMA may sound like a reference to Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Or perhaps the mild muscle relaxant that you took when you had an injury. But to the locals in SF, SOMA stands for South of Market and is a fun places loaded with restaurants, bars and lot of fun things to do. It is a place where you can find some of San Francisco’s best museums, The Moscone Center and the headquarters of some of the biggest tech companies in the world.

If you are visiting San Francisco and plan on spending some time in South of Market, we put together a pretty sweet guide to make sure you get to see all the best things the neighborhood has to offer.

Things to Do in SOMA

From thrilling events to world-class dining and buzzing nightlife to cultural gems, you’ll never run out of options if you are looking for some fun stuff in SOMA. Here are some ideas to get you started and help you plan your visit:

Tours and Attractions

SOMA is home to some of San Francisco’s most iconic attractions.

SF Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): A must-visit for art lovers, showcasing an impressive collection of contemporary art.

Yerba Buena Gardens: A peaceful green space in the middle of the city, perfect for relaxing or catching an outdoor concert.

Oracle Park: Tour the home of the San Francisco Giants or catch a game during baseball season.

The Exploratorium: A family-friendly science museum that’s as fun as it is educational.

Nightlife

Whether you’re into craft cocktails, live music, or dancing until dawn, SOMA is a great place to let loose.

Music Venues and Comedy Clubs

Music Venues: The Warfield and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium are legendary spots for live music. Catch everything from indie bands to big-name performers.

Comedy Venues: For laughs, head to Punch Line Comedy Club, a local favorite that has hosted top comedians like Robin Williams and Ali Wong.

Bars & Nightclubs

Bars: SOMA boasts some of the city’s coolest watering holes. Zoe is a modern bar perfect for cocktail lovers (they also have a great Happy Hour). Local Edition combines craft cocktails with a retro newspaper theme.

Nightclubs: Ready to dance? Check out Audio Nightclub, known for its cutting-edge sound system and world-class DJs. Halcyon offers a sleek setting for techno and house music enthusiasts.

SOMA Events

SOMA is a hotspot for events all year long. There are a lot of different types of events like comic conventions at Moscone Center, concerts, art shows, tech conferences and pop-up markets that highlight the neighborhood’s creative and tech-savvy vibe. During baseball season, Oracle Park is is packed with fans as the San Francisco Giants take the field. SOMA also hosts cultural festivals, rooftop parties, and even massive Halloween and New Year’s celebrations. No matter when you visit, there’s always something happening.

Shopping

If you’re in the mood for retail therapy, SOMA won’t disappoint.

Westfield San Francisco Centre: Just steps away, this massive shopping mall features luxury brands and high-street favorites.

Boutique Finds: SOMA is dotted with independent shops like Nooworks, which offers unique, casual women’s clothing.

Arts & Culture

SOMA is a cultural hub with a thriving arts scene.

SFMOMA: Explore world-class contemporary art exhibits.

Contemporary Jewish Museum: A striking space that combines art, history, and culture.
The Museum of African Diaspora (MoAD): Dive into thought-provoking exhibits that explore the African diaspora.

Street Art: Take a self-guided tour of SOMA’s colorful murals, which reflect the area’s diverse and creative spirit.

Eat

Pretty much every area of the city has some great restaurant options, so you can expect to find some delicous and unique food in SOMA as well. You’ll find everything from hole-in-the-wall gems to upscale dining experiences. Whether you are on the go or looking for a fancy dinner spot, SOMA will please almost any foodie.

Casual Eats: Grab a quick bite at The Bird for some of the best fried chicken sandwiches in town.

International Flavors: Craving Thai? Basil Canteen delivers bold flavors in a stylish space. For a taste of India, try Amber India (The Mughlai Chicken Tikka is exceptional).

Fine Dining: For an upscale experience, Birdsong offers a unique, seasonal menu and Fogo de Chão is a must for Brazilian-style meat lovers.

Wellness & Sports

Stay active or unwind in SOMA with its wide range of wellness options.

Gyms & Studios: Get a workout in at Equinox or Crunch Fitness. For something different, try a class at CorePower Yoga.

Wellness & Spas: Treat yourself to a spa day at Qua Spa in Soma Grand or enjoy a soothing massage at Burke Williams.

Sports: Join a pickup game at Gene Friend Recreation Center or head to Mission Cliffs for indoor rock climbing.

Visitors Guide to SOMA (South of Market Area), San Francisco

SOMA (South of Market Area) is a neighborhood that offers something for everyone.
This area is a must-visit for anyone exploring San Francisco. Planning ahead will help you make the most of your trip and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Overview

SOMA is located just south of Market Street (hence the name SOMA or South of Market), extending from the Financial District to the Embarcadero and bordered by the Mission and Potrero Hill neighborhoods. Known for its industrial past, SOMA was once home to warehouses and factories. Over the years, it has transformed into an area filled with tech offices, art galleries, museums & trendy dining spots.

Historically, SOMA played a vital role in San Francisco’s growth, particularly during the Gold Rush and post-1906 earthquake rebuilding efforts. In recent decades, the area has been revitalized, becoming a hub for innovation and creativity while maintaining its edgy, urban charm.

Where to Stay

SOMA offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and style. Here are some popular options:

Luxury Hotels:

St. Regis San Francisco: Known for its elegant rooms and impeccable service, this five-star hotel is perfect for those seeking luxury.

The W San Francisco: Trendy and modern, The W offers a lively atmosphere with a rooftop bar and chic decor.

Boutique Hotels:

Hotel Zetta: A stylish boutique hotel with a playful vibe, including a game room and tech-inspired design.

The Clancy, Autograph Collection: Modern and comfortable, this hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

Budget-Friendly Options:

The Mosser: A charming, budget-friendly option with a prime location and cozy rooms.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel: A great choice for budget-conscious travelers, offering clean, communal accommodations.

If you prefer to stay outside SOMA but remain close, consider neighborhoods like the Mission District, Union Square, or South Beach.

Safety

SOMA is generally safe, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings:

Daytime Safety: During the day, SOMA is safe for walking. Stick to well-lit and busy streets, especially near popular attractions.

Nighttime Precautions: While nightlife in SOMA is exciting, it’s a good idea to travel in groups and use rideshare services after dark.

Homelessness: SOMA, like other parts of San Francisco, has a visible homeless population. Most individuals are harmless, but it’s best to remain cautious and avoid confrontations.

Getting Around

How to Get to SOMA:

Public Transit: SOMA is well-connected by public transportation. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Muni Metro trains stop at Powell Street, Montgomery Street, and Civic Center stations, all of which are within walking distance. Bus lines such as the 14, 30, and 45 also service the area.

Driving: Parking in SOMA can be challenging, but there are several parking garages, including the Fifth & Mission Garage and Moscone Center Garage. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during events.

Rideshare & Taxis: Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are popular and convenient for getting to and around SOMA.

Waymo (Self-Driving Cars): For a unique experience, try a Waymo. SOMA is part of Waymo’s service area, and it’s a fun way to experience cutting-edge tech while exploring the neighborhood.

Once you’re in SOMA, walking or biking is a great way to explore. Many streets have bike lanes, and you can rent bikes or scooters through apps like Lyft or Lime.

LGBTQ

San Francisco is known for its LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere, and SOMA is no exception.

Events & Nightlife: SOMA is home to iconic LGBTQ venues like Powerhouse and Oasis, which host drag shows, dance nights, and other events.

Folsom Street Fair: Held annually, this world-famous event celebrates LGBTQ culture and leather subculture, attracting visitors from around the globe. This is absolutely one of those “only in San Francisco” events that makes SF unique.