San Francisco Neighborhood Focus South Of Market

By Author: William Hauselberg
Total Articles: 816
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The South of Market area of San Francisco is located north of Mission Street and below Market Street. It the urban renewal area of the city, and is commonly referred to as SoMa, as an abbreviation for South of Market. It was an area of revival, art, music and culture in the 1980's, but as rent rose, the artists who called the area home could no longer afford to live there. It transformed into a more affordable area in recent years, but is still known as a major nightlife district in the city.

Art Museums and Galleries

There are several great museums in the SoMa district, starting with the very popular San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. It boasts five floors of galleries, with paintings by some of the most famous artists of the last century, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Other fascinating museums include the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, the California Historical Society Museum and the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Art lovers should not miss the Artist's Alley, which is a giant exhibition space of more than 4000 square feet, home to works from 50 local San Francisco artists.

Landmarks ...
... in SoMa

The South of Market district in San Francisco is also home to many interesting historical landmarks. The San Francisco Transbay Terminal is the complex from which all forms of transport headquartered, and was built in the late 1930s to serve the growing population of the city. It is currently being renovated to be even bigger, and will likely remain a central feature of San Francisco. Another landmark in SoMa is the Ferry Building, a large complex with a recognizable clock tower. The clock bell chimes every half hour, and is a symbol of the city and has been since its in 1898. While in SoMa, don't miss out on a chance to visit the famed Charles Looff Carousel, which has been in operation on the corner of 4th and Howard Streets for over 100 years. Children from 1906 onwards have enjoyed the thrill of the beautiful and rare carousel.

One of the easiest landmarks to spot in SoMa (especially if you look upward) is the spectacular Millennium Tower located at 301 Mission Street. Millennium Tower is the city's premier luxury condominium building and is home to football legend Joe Montana. This breathtaking skyscraper is the tallest residential building in California and offers some of the most breathtaking views on the West Coast. At the base of the Millennium Tower is RN74, a unique and well-respected European restaurant owned by celebrity chef Michael Mina.

As you can see, the South of Market District in San Francisco is home to many great historical landmarks, attractions, museums and galleries. Whether you plan to explore the city alone, as a couple or with your family, you won't be disappointed with the wide range of activities and sights.

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