Explore SOMA West

SOMA West is geographically the largest district in San Francisco and it contains a multitude of fascinating histories and resilient communities.

Its unique urban street grid, historic buildings, wide streets and small alleyways all resulting from its fascinating past as an industrial, working class neighborhood that is inextricably linked to the larger history of San Francisco. Located in the heart of the City and boasting convenient transit access as well as freeway access, the neighborhood has faced and continues to face many challenges that have been met with creativity, ingenuity, and optimism by community members who have fought to make it more livable for all.

Patrons seated outdoors at Eagle Plaza in front of the Eagle Bar — The newly completed Eagle Plaza at 12th and Harrison is a brand new public space in SOMA, is the world’s first Leather-themed public space which is a neighborhood community gathering space, managed in support of San Francisco’s Leather, Fetish, Kink, Queer and LGBTQ culture and community.

Group of people dancing outdoors at District Six, formerly SOMA StrEATfood park. There is a picnic table with beer on top. — District Six is a premium open-air creative event space located in the heart of San Francisco. They are home to Sundaze Brunch & Marketplace, Social Fit Club, and The Friday Night Market. They host weekly themed events, including live entertainment, rotating food trucks and vendors, and are available for event space rental.

Arts & Culture

South of Market has a rich and storied history, full of art and cultural expression.

Art is everywhere in SOMA: Art institutions like SOMArts, Artspan, and St. Joseph’s Art Society, to galleries and studios showing renowned local and international artists. SOMA is also home to world-renowned designers, architects, makers, chefs, and musicians. You can find it around every corner on large-scale murals and inspired small-scale guerrilla interventions. Because the neighborhood is so large and diverse, art is what unifies our district's identities.

Dia de Los Muertos Exhibition Installation shot featuring an illuminated colorful sculptural altarpiece in the center and colrful paintings lining the gallery walls — SOMArts Annual Day of the Dead Exhibition, Credit: Graham Holloch

Artist Mariela Montero crouched on the pavement as she paints a large chalk mural on the ground during an event on Moss Street — Artist Mariela Montero creating a chalk mural at the Moss Street Block Party Event

Cultural Districts

SOMA is home to two of the San Francisco's Cultural Districts: SOMA Pilipinas and the SF Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District. These districts’ layered, complex histories are woven into the fabric of our SOMA and make it the rich, storied place that it is today. We are honored to be their neighbors and support the significant work to keep their communities in place and their cultures visible. Both districts have robust programming, events, and projects happening throughout the neighborhood.

Large group photo of various members of SOMA Pilipina Community — SOMA Pilipina Community Members at the Moss Street Block Party

Brightly painted sidecar tricycle that has been converted into a mobile karaoke machine (TNT Traysikel SideCaraoke) Words painted on the tricycle: — The TNT Traysikel Sidecaraoke at SOMA SINGS! Event

Three men from the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District Representatives at their community booth during SOMA Second Saturdays. The Leather District map is in the background — The Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District at SOMA Second Saturdays event

Shopping:

SOMA West is home to an eclectic variety of places to shop for whatever your needs may be. From the convenience of big box stores like Costco and Best Buy; to boutique home furnishing and luxury fixtures, from incredible natural wine, to bike shops and adult stores that have become neighborhood institutions.

Eat & Drink

SOMA West boasts some of the best restaurants, delis, coffee, and libations in the City. Whether you are in need of a fantastic cup of coffee, want to feast on one of the the best sandwiches in town, or you want to splurge for a Michelin starred meal that might be one of the best in your life, we have just what you need.

The line of people waiting in front of Deli Board — Deli Board - rated among the top sandwiches in SF

Nightlife

The nightlife scene in SOMA is legendary, with good reason. As home to the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District, we are proud to host many of the City's iconic nightlife businesses catering to the LGBTQ and Leather communities. These inclusive spaces draw in visitors from around the world. The neighborhood also has plenty of spaces have outdoor seating to enjoy the sunshine. Catch some of your favorite drag performers, dance your heart out, have a quiet drink in an artful setting, or sit down to watch the Warriors game. SOMA West has something for everyone.

Picture of people in a parklet outside of DNA Lounge at night — DNA Lounge is a late-night, all ages San Francisco nightclub featuring live music, DJ dancing, burlesque shows, and private parties.

Getting Around SOMA West

SOMA has a walking score of 97, a transit score of 100, and a bike score of 93, making it an incredibly convenient place to be.

SFMTA Transit Information

As a relatively flat neighborhood, SOMA is convenient and popular for cycling. Two major protected bike lane projects are in the works on Folsom Street and Howard Street, which will drastically improve the safety of cyclists. You can learn more about the City’s plans for the two corridors here.