South of Market SoMa – From Salesforce Park to SFMOMA

Welcome to SoMa—short for South of Market—a dynamic district where gritty history meets glossy innovation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, museum lover, foodie, or just someone who loves exploring neighborhoods that constantly reinvent themselves, SoMa has a little something for everyone. Best of all? You can experience this cultural kaleidoscope from the comfort of a private, open-air Jeep tour of San Francisco!

The Past Lives of SoMa: From Horse-Drawn Days to High-Rise Heights

Before It Was Hip: “South of the Slot”

SoMa’s roots stretch back to the mid-1800s, when it was nicknamed “South of the Slot,” referring to the cable car tracks along Market Street. The city’s early visionaries like Jasper O’Farrell planned Market Street as a grand boulevard to link the city’s bustling downtown with what was then the new southern frontier.

Earthquakes and Industrial Ambitions

The 1906 earthquake devastated SoMa, but out of the rubble rose a more industrial zone with wider streets, warehouses, and rail yards—all designed to serve the city’s working-class community.

Culture on the Tracks

Streetcars once crisscrossed SoMa, and the area gained fame for its working-class grit, artistic communities, and even a nod in the Grateful Dead’s 1989 song Picasso Moon. By the 1960s and ’70s, SoMa was also home to San Francisco’s leather subculture, a defining chapter in LGBTQ+ history.

Modern SoMa: A Mosaic of Art, Tech, and Transformation

Tech Giants Meet Creative Souls

Walk (or ride!) through SoMa today, and you’ll see LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Salesforce campuses neighboring boutique art spaces and converted warehouses. This collision of industries gives the neighborhood an energy that’s hard to resist.

The Changing Skyline

Projects like the Transbay Transit Center, Salesforce Tower, and One Rincon Hill have reshaped the skyline—and the vibe. New developments continue to rise, adding luxury condos, rooftop parks, and cutting-edge architecture.

Museums Galore: Art, Culture, and Stories That Stick

SoMa is the museum hotspot of San Francisco. Here’s where to go:

SFMOMA – San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

• • What’s the Deal? One of the largest modern art museums in the country.

  • Don’t Miss: The Living Wall, works by Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.

  • Location: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)

• • What’s the Deal? Celebrates Black culture and history with world-class exhibits.

  • Must-See: Thought-provoking rotating displays.

  • Location: 685 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Green Spaces and Sky-High Views

Yerba Buena Gardens

• • Vibe: Urban oasis perfect for a midday break.

  • Don’t Miss: MLK Memorial waterfall—an inspiring tribute and peaceful photo spot.

  • Location: 750 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Salesforce Tower + Salesforce Park

• • Vibe: Futuristic meets floral.

  • Fun Feature: The rooftop park floats four stories above the Transit Center, complete with walking trails and public art.

  • Location: 415 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

For the Kids (and Kids at Heart): Children’s Creativity Museum

Imagination Unleashed

Located in Yerba Buena Gardens, this hands-on museum is a paradise for ages 2–12 (but adults love it too!).

• • Animation Studio: Create your own stop-motion masterpiece.

  • Innovation Lab: 3D printers and high-tech tools await.

  • Music Studio: Make a beat or record a tune.

  • Carousel on the Roof: Yep, it’s real—and adorable.

Location: 221 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Retail & Recreation: What to Do in SoMa

• • Big-Box Shopping: From REI to Nordstrom Rack, it’s a shopper’s paradise.

  • Walkable Streets: Perfect for exploring art galleries, boutiques, and urban murals.

  • Sports Fans Take Note: Oracle Park is just around the corner in nearby Mission Bay.

Flavor Tour: Where to Eat in SoMa

Whether you’re looking for bougie bites or casual comfort food, SoMa has it all:

Fancy & Fabulous

• • Saison – Michelin-star tasting menus. (178 Townsend St)

  • Omakase – Sushi art in omakase form. (665 Townsend St)

  • Alexander’s Steakhouse – Where Wagyu reigns. (448 Brannan St)

Casual & Cool

• • 21st Amendment Brewery – Pints + pub grub. (563 2nd St)

  • The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen – Comfort food at its finest. (1 South Park St)

  • HRD – Flavor bomb Korean burritos. (521A 3rd St)

  • Marlowe – The must-try burger. (500 Brannan St)

  • Zero Zero – Upscale pizza that slaps. (826 Folsom St)

Fun Facts About SoMa

• • “SoMa” is inspired by “SoHo” in New York City.

  • It’s divided into 100-vara blocks—double the size of normal city blocks.

  • The Children’s Park near Moscone features a restored carousel from Playland-at-the-Beach.

How to See It All? Hop Into a Jeep!

Want to see Salesforce Tower, SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens, and maybe catch the scent of sizzling Korean burritos—all in one smooth ride?

A San Francisco Private Jeep Tour is your ticket to comfort, fun, and discovery.

• Private Ultimate City Tour – Customize your route and hit the hotspots.

• Alcatraz Combo Tour – Morning city tour + afternoon Alcatraz adventure.

• Evening Jeep Tour – See the skyline light up after sunset.

Ready to explore SoMa and beyond in style? Book your private small-group Jeep tour of San Francisco today and let the adventure begin!