SoMa Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to SoMa with our comprehensive travel guide, including everything from must-see attractions and hiking routes to food and drink recommendations.


Introduction to SoMa

South of Market, also known as SoMa, is a neighborhood located in the heart of San Francisco and is the largest district in the city. This culturally diverse neighborhood is a hub for tech startups and boasts an impressive collection of museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks. With its blend of modern architecture and industrial warehouses, SoMa offers a unique experience to visitors.

List of Places to Visit in SoMa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, located at 151 3rd Street in Yerba Buena Gardens, is one of the most popular modern art museums in the country. The museum has an extensive collection of more than 33,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and media arts. With seven floors of galleries, a rooftop sculpture garden, and an award-winning restaurant, the SFMOMA is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

AT&T Park

Home of the San Francisco Giants, AT&T Park is located at 24 Willie Mays Plaza and is considered one of the best ballparks in baseball. With its picturesque views of the San Francisco Bay and unique design, AT&T Park is a must-see for sports fans.

SoMa Pilipinas

SoMa Pilipinas, located in the heart of the neighborhood, celebrates the rich culture of Filipino Americans in San Francisco. Visitors can explore the galleries showcasing art from Filipino artists and sample traditional Filipino food in the restaurants located in the neighborhood.

Natural Attractions of SoMa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Yerba Buena Gardens

Yerba Buena Gardens is an urban oasis in the heart of SoMa, featuring 5.5 acres of beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and public art installations. The gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of San Francisco.

Mission Creek Park

Mission Creek Park offers visitors a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park features a walking path, bike trail, and scenic overlooks of the San Francisco Bay.

South Park

South Park, located in the center of the neighborhood, is a small park that offers a great vantage point to see the surrounding architecture.

Hiking/Biking Routes of SoMa

Embarcadero

The Embarcadero is a scenic waterfront promenade that runs along the eastern edge of SoMa. Visitors can enjoy views of the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Bay while biking or walking along the route.

Bay Trail

The Bay Trail is a 500-mile trail that circles the entire San Francisco Bay. The trail passes through Mission Bay, a popular area in SoMa, where visitors can enjoy views of the water and the city skyline.

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate parks offer hiking and biking trails that weave through lush forests and gardens. The park is located just outside of SoMa and is easily accessible by bus or car.

Best Things to Do in SoMa: Activities and Tours

GoCar Tour

One great way to explore SoMa is by taking a tour in a GoCar. The GPS-guided tour allows visitors to see the most popular sites in the neighborhood while learning about San Francisco’s rich history.

Wine Tasting Tours

SoMa is home to some of the best wineries in the country. Visitors can take a wine tasting tour and sample some of the finest wines while enjoying the scenic views of the Bay Area.

Segway Tour

Another fun way to explore the neighborhood is by taking a guided Segway tour. The tour takes visitors to popular tourist destinations while providing interesting facts and information about the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for SoMa

Day Activity
1 Visit SFMOMA and explore the Yerba Buena Gardens
2 Take a GoCar tour and visit AT&T Park
3 Enjoy the outdoors at Mission Creek Park
4 Visit the historic sites in the neighborhood
5 Explore the wineries in SoMa
6 Experience the nightlife in SoMa
7 Relax at Golden Gate Park

Food and Drink Scene of SoMa

Must-Try Dishes

San Francisco Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is famous for its sourdough bread, and SoMa is the place to go to try the best of the best. The sourdough bread is made using a natural starter that is unique to the area, giving it a distinct flavor.

Mission-Style Burritos

A staple of the Bay Area, Mission-style burritos are packed full of rice, beans, meat, and salsa, and are sure to satisfy any hunger.

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness Crab is a local delicacy and is served in many of the restaurants in the neighborhood. Visitors should try it steamed with garlic butter for the best experience.

Local Beverages

Anchor Brewing Company

Anchor Brewing Company, located in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, is a historic brewery that has been making beer for over 100 years. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and sample some of its famous craft beers.

Sightglass Coffee

Sightglass Coffee is a local favorite and has been serving up some of the best coffee in the city since 2009. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the stunning architecture of the coffee shop.

Bar Agricole

Bar Agricole is a popular bar in SoMa that specializes in craft cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients. With its dimly lit and cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring the neighborhood.

Where to Stay in SoMa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is a luxurious hotel located in the Yerba Buena neighborhood. With stunning views of the city, fine dining, and a full-service spa, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day in SoMa.

Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel

For those on a budget, Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel offers affordable accommodations in the heart of SoMa. The hostel has a communal kitchen, free breakfast, and organized activities for guests.

Axiom Hotel

The Axiom Hotel offers boutique-style accommodations in the heart of SoMa, featuring unique design elements and modern amenities. With its prime location, visitors can easily walk to all the nearby attractions.

What to Buy in SoMa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Ghirardelli Chocolate, located in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can purchase the famous chocolate squares in a variety of flavors to bring back home.

San Francisco Cable Car Replica

A smaller and more affordable souvenir to bring home is a cable car replica, which can be found in many of the souvenir shops in SoMa.

Local Culture and Customs of SoMa

SoMa is a culturally diverse neighborhood that is home to many different communities. Visitors should be respectful of the area’s history and customs and embrace the unique culture found in the neighborhood.

Best Time to Visit SoMa

The best time to visit SoMa is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be aware that this is peak tourist season, and accommodations may be more expensive.

Do’s and Don’ts of SoMa

Do:

  • Visit the SFMOMA
  • Try the local food and drink
  • Explore the outdoors with a hike or bike ride

Don’t:

  • Leave belongings unattended in public areas
  • Ignore local customs and traditions
  • Disrespect the area’s history and culture

Safety and Health

Safety in SoMa

While SoMa is generally a safe neighborhood, visitors should take precautions to prevent theft and be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Health in SoMa

Visitors should be aware of the air quality in the area and take precautions if there is poor air quality. The neighborhood is also home to many medical facilities, making it easy to find medical care if needed.

Getting to SoMa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near SoMa

San Francisco International Airport is the closest airport to SoMa and is located just 14 miles south of the neighborhood.

Bus Stations Near SoMa

The Transbay Terminal, located in the heart of the neighborhood, is the main bus station serving the area.

Other Options

Visitors can also take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) or Caltrain to SoMa, which are both convenient options.

How to Get Around in SoMa

Visitors can easily explore the neighborhood on foot, by bike, or by public transportation. Buses and trolleys run throughout the neighborhood, making it easy to get around.

Where to Go Next from SoMa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Golden Gate Bridge

Just a short drive or bus ride away from SoMa is the Golden Gate Bridge, a must-visit for anyone traveling to San Francisco. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk across the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the city and the ocean.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf, located just a few miles north of SoMa, is a tourist hub with many shops and restaurants, as well as popular attractions like Pier 39 and the sea lions.

Conclusion

SoMa is a unique neighborhood that offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to world-class museums and dining. With its blend of modern and historic architecture, as well as its diverse community, SoMa is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to San Francisco.

New skyscrapers over Yerba Buena Gardens New skyscrapers over Yerba Buena Gardens San Francisco Museum of Modern Art from Yerba Buena Gardens San Francisco Museum of Modern Art from Yerba Buena Gardens A view of left field and the bleachers on a gorgeous day for Giants baseball A view of left field and the bleachers on a gorgeous day for Giants baseball