San Francisco Neighborhoods: SoMA
I once explored the situation of city and neighborhood nicknames in San Francisco, discovering that it’s okay by locals to hear you say San Francisco, SF or “The City” but not San Fran or “Frisco”. I also learned through the ensuing online discussion that SoMA is an okay phrase for the South of Market neighborhood, although there was distinct disagreement as to whether it was more locals or more tourists who called it that. I never really got any answers, but I’m content to call it SoMA myself – and I’m happy to spend my time there.
The SoMA neighborhood is the section of the city which is (of course) south of Market Street, lying west of The Embarcadero and east of The Mission. It extends down to one of its most famous attractions, the AT&T Ballpark, where The Giants do their thing during baseball season and other events take place throughout the year. It includes several other famous attractions, including SFMoMA and the Yerba Buena Gardens area, the Metreon, and some of the more well-known clubs in the city.
But the SoMA is a mixed bag. It’s not just the nickname that locals can’t agree on; it’s the whole concept of the SoMA which poses a conundrum for people living here. Of my social group, I’m the only one who consistently loves the SoMA. Some say that it’s okay to head there for certain venues but generally a place to avoid. Others say that the process of change the area is going through is nothing short of gentrification and they say this with an eye towards the negative end of the social impact of the change. But as for me, day or night, I can find something to do South of Market.
One of the more unusual hidden gems in this neighborhood is the San Francisco Flower Mart. Nothing much to look at from the outside, this neighborhood collection of warehouse storefronts is home to whole sale flower vendors who retail their natural plants all throughout the rest of the city. You can pick up seeds to plant or bouquets to gift people with or simply stop in to smell the fresh life perking up this hidden SoMA corner. You can wander from here to explore the small shops, local restaurants and other unique spots in the area.
Of course, I’m not naïve and I’m the first to admit that there are some sketchy parts of the SoMA so it’s not a bad idea to keep an eye out around you for uneasy activity, with 6th Street being the street I personally would say to avoid. However, even at night, there’s plenty of safe fun to be had in the SoMA. Nightlife places to check out vary greatly and include your basic dance clubs (DNA Lounge), your more underground clubs (Arrow), neighborhood bars (The Chieftain), risqué venues (Bondage-a-Go-Go nights at Glas Kat) and high class transgender entertainment (Asia SF). If you’re awake all night on San Francisco weekends, you can dance without being told to leave from Friday through Sunday at End Up.
Next San Francisco Neighborhood Pick Will Be The Financial District.
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