SOMA
The SOMA (South of Market) neighborhood was once heavily industrial, but in recent decades it has been revived as an art and media hub, home to the SFMOMA, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and AT&T ballpark. Narrow, century-old alleys are being redeveloped into attractive public spaces, while warehouses have been turned into lofts, design studios, trendy restaurants and nightclubs.
topSights
SFMOMA
151 3rd Street
Tel: (415) 357-4000
Open Fri-Tue 11am-5:45pm, Thu 11am-8:45pm. During summer (last Sun in May –first Tue in Sep), open 10am. Closed Weds, Thanksgiving, Dec 25 and Jan 1.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was the first West Coast museum dedicated to contemporary art, and is considered one of the finest modern art museums in the world. The current SFMOMA building was opened in 1995 – a rooftop sculpture garden was added in 2009.
Yerba Buena Gardens
Bounded by Mission, Folsom, Third and Fourth Streets
Open daily 6am-10pm
Opened in 1993, this art and cultural center includes the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, offering live theater and rotating art exhibits, the Rooftop, featuring the Zeum Children’s Museum, an historic carousel, a bowling alley, and an ice skating rink, and the Metreon entertainment complex, housing a 16-screen movie theater and variety of restaurants.
Contemporary Jewish Museum
736 Mission Street between 3rd and 4th Streets
Tel: (415) 655-7800 Open Mon, Tue and Fri-Sun 11am-5pm, Thu 1pm-8pm. Closed Wed, the first day of Passover, July 4, the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving, and Jan 1.
Opened in 1984, this museum explores contemporary perspectives on Jewish art and culture. Exhibitions include modern art and historic objects, film, music, lectures and literary readings. In 2005, the museum moved to its new location within the historic Jesse Street PG&E Power Substation.
AT&T Park
Home of the World Series champion San Francisco Giants, this ballpark is one of the best in the county, offering spectacular views of the Bay. If you don’t have a ticket, pedestrians can watch up to three innings of the game for free at the Portwalk, just beyond the outfield wall. Behind-the-scenes public tours are also available daily (non-game days only).
topRestaurants
21st Amendment
563 2nd Street
Tel: (415) 369-0900
This sunny, spacious brewpub offers solid pub fare and a rotating selection of hand-crafted beers. Warning: it gets packed on Giant’s home game days.
AQ
1085 Mission Street
Tel: 415-341-9000
Inventive new and traditional Mediterranean cuisine, with a menu (and décor) designed to reflect the current season.
Benu
22 Hawthorne Lane
Tel: (415) 685-4860
Exquisite contemporary-American cuisine with global influences, from chef Corey Lee.
Chez Papa Resto
4 Mint Plaza
Tel: (415) 546-4134
A sophisticated, upscale version of the popular Chez Papa bistro, serving authentic Provençal fare.
Coco 500
500 Brannan Street
Tel: (415) 543-2222
Rustic California-Mediterranean dishes, handcrafted cocktails, modern but friendly décor.
Creamery
685 4th St
Ritual coffee, good sandwiches and scones, sunny outdoor patio.
Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery Street
Tel: (415) 512-1111
Have a decadent brunch under the arched glass roof of the Garden Court (the former carriage house of the original Palace Hotel). The lavish afternoon tea served here is another long-standing San Francisco tradition.
Town Hall
342 Howard Street
Tel: (415) 908-3900
Regional new-American cuisine, great service. Housed in a historic warehouse, the restaurant feels both hip and cozy.
Saison
178 Townsend Street (near Third)
Tel: (415) 828-7990
Daily tasting menu inspired by seasonal ingredients, as well as an over-the-top “Chef’s Counter” meal consisting of at least 20 courses. The food here is simply incredible! Two Michelin stars. Food & Wine named Joshua Skenes Best New Chef 2011.
South Park Café
108 South Park
Tel: (415) 495-7275
This charming restaurant has been serving simple but excellent French-California cuisine for over 20 years.
Una Pizza Napoletana
210 11th Street (at Howard)
Tel: (415) 861-3444
Wood-fired, thin-crust creations from renowned NYC pizzeria owner Anthony Mangieri. Expect a wait.
topShopping
Chaiken
116 New Montgomery Street
Tel: (415) 777-1895
Classic, well-tailored women’s clothing from local designer Julie Chaiken.
Chrome Industries
580 4th Street
Tel: (415) 820-5070
Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm,
Sat, Sun 10am-6pm
The ultimate in tough, cool messenger bags and travel cases.
Fog City News
445 Market Street
Tel: (415) 543-7400
Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm. Closed Sundays.
Thousands of newspapers and magazines as well as premium chocolate from all over the world.
Jeremys
Two South Park
Tel: (415) 882-4929
Open Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 11am-6pm, Thu 11am-8pm, Sun noon-6pm
Discounted, high-quality designer merchandise (nothing pre-worn). You might find a seriously marked down Louboutin, Chanel or Gucci treasure, as well as great deals on less lofty items.
Muji
540 9th Street
Tel: (415) 694-5981
Open Mon-Sat 10:30am-8pm, Sun 11am-6:30pm
The first West Coast location of this cool Japanese store, selling streamlined, reasonably priced housewares and apparel.
SFMOMA Museumstore
151 Third Street
Open Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 10am-6:30pm, Thu 10am-9:30pm
A great selection of art books, posters, jewelry and well-designed housewares.