South of Market Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South of Market which includes skyline, a city and a garden
South of Market featuring central business district, a city and a fountain
South of Market which includes skyline, a city and a skyscraper
South of Market featuring city views, skyline and a city
South of Market featuring city views and a city as well as a small group of people

From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

Explore South of Market (SoMa), one of San Francisco’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods. Home to many of the new tech companies and other start-ups flocking to San Francisco, the area is still fairly undeveloped. Many of its attractions center around three points: South Park, Yerba Buena and Folsom Street.

The neighborhood name comes from the area’s old nickname, “South of the Slot,” which referred to its location on the grittier side of the Market Street cable car line during the California Gold Rush. Today, find it a bustling area with a busy downtown vibe, largely following the city’s tech boom.

Enjoy a sunny day or people watch in the elliptical South Park, modeled after London’s Berkeley Square and New York’s Gramercy Park. Walk toward the waterfront promenade. Watch a ballgame at AT&T Park, home to the San Francisco Giants. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the Major League Baseball team or a casual observer, the ballpark is a delight for spectators. Enjoy its classic design and beautiful view across San Francisco Bay.

Investigate the world-class collections in San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, known as SFMOMA. The striking building with 21st-century additions is as interesting as the exhibits inside. See pieces by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe, among the 30,000 works in the collection.

Cross the street to Yerba Buena Gardens. Stroll through the beautiful gardens or go bowling or ice-skating. See the latest exhibit in the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts or take kids to Children’s Creativity Museum, formerly Zeum, an interactive technology museum.

Discover the exciting cultural scene of unique boutiques and restaurants around Eleventh and Folsom streets. Folsom Street is also home to the famous Folsom Street Fair, an annual celebration of the leather and fetish culture.

Find this sprawling area between Embarcadero and Eleventh Street, bounded between Market and Townsend streets. With its constant evolution, South of Market is always an interesting and entertaining place to visit.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best South of Market Hotel Deals

Hotel Garrett
Hotel Garrett
3 out of 5
112 7th St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$185 per night from 2 July to 3 July
NZ$185
2 July - 3 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (480 reviews)
"The staff were so friendly, professional, and accommodating. They made sure I did get what I needed. Gabriel was especially personable...with such a kind demeanor."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Hotel Garrett
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
4 out of 5
100 Channel Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$463 per night from 2 July to 3 July
NZ$463
2 July - 3 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,100 reviews)
"Parking in the area is difficult and seeing the valet from the street is a bit difficult for new people not familiar with the area"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

LUMA Hotel San Francisco
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
4 out of 5
780 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$375 per night from 3 July to 4 July
NZ$375
3 July - 4 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,252 reviews)
"The view was incredible. The room was clean. The staff was professional and courteous. The location was close to my business meetings and retail. I highly recommend this property."

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2025

San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
3 out of 5
701 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$390 per night from 26 June to 27 June
NZ$390
26 June - 27 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,627 reviews)
"Hotel was close to stadium and downtown area."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Soma House
Soma House
3.5 out of 5
121 7th Street, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (543 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Soma House
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
4 out of 5
50 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$327 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$327
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,394 reviews)
Downtown SF
"Room was clean, a view of downtown street which was beautiful during the day and night. Front desk service, Sara, in particular was very helpful! Disappointed that the bar and limited dining wasn't available until 5PM and no room service. The Market was available for delivery to room, though I did ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South of Market

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Downtown San Francisco

3/5(34 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(249 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Union Square
Chinatown showing street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(20 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Dragon's Gate is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Chinatown
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

4/5(16 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Embarcadero Center to TransAmerica Pyramid – discover Financial District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Financial District
Nob Hill showing street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4/5(59 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
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Mission District

4/5(6 area reviews)

You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. Southern Exposure is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.

Mission District

South of Market Travel Guide

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