Location: SoMa
Top Things to do in SoMa
Top 10 Shopping in SoMa, California (CA)
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. Flax Art & Design
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
FLAX art & design, the Bay Area's most well-loved retail art supply business, has been serving the creative community since 1938. Our stores are conveniently located in Downtown Oakland, and along San Francisco's north side waterfront at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Whichever location you choose, as customers often say, FLAX is a "candy store for the creative". A family-owned business headed by Howard Flax, who represents the third generation along with his brother Craig and their sister Leslie Flax Abel, FLAX has a long history supporting artists and the Bay Area arts community.
2. The art of shaving
3. The Grand Newsstand
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
A modern newsstand, conveniently perched on San Francisco's main thoroughfare. Stocked with predominately local publications, ranging from art, zines, politics, diy, music, poetry, news, and beyond.
4. Berggruen Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The gallery specializes in the exhibition and sale of 20th-century American and European paintings, drawings, sculpture, and limited edition prints. We exhibit the work of major American post-war artists as well as younger contemporary artists. The gallery also presents exhibitions of a historic nature by artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Ellsworth Kelly, Alexander Calder, and Henri Matisse.
Reviewed By Frank-in-SF - San Francisco, United States
On January 18, I attended the opening of Berggruen's latest show, John Alexander: Landscape and Memory & Mark di Suvero: Sculpture. I have enjoyed the events I've attended at the gallery. This was my second opening and in November I attended an artist talk on the works of Helen Frankenthaler, subject of their last show. The talk was led by two very knowledgeable scholars, and was very informative. The Frankenthaler paintings were beautiful and evocative. This opening, like the previous one, was well-attended. The di Suvero and Alexander works are obviously not as important as the Frankenthalers, but were interesting on their own and in juxtaposition; the sculptures are abstract and the paintings are figurative. In addition to the usual white wine and sparkling water, the gallery served vodka and some juices. In addition, the artists were in attendance. The facility itself is very impressive, an ultra modern space in a historic building. It's three floors are connected by a gorgeous glass and stainless steel staircase. (There is also an elevator.). I highly recommend a visit to Berggruen, especially because it's located across the street from SFMOMA and in between two other excellent galleries, Gagosian and Crown Point Press, which are also worth a stop.
5. Fog City News
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Home to over 50 chocolate producers, the Bay Area is a mecca of artisan chocolate. Since 2001, Fog City News has curated one of the largest selections of fine chocolate in the US. The staff has tasted thousands of chocolates to ensure the offerings are “the best of the best”. Periodicals from all over the world, sassy greeting cards, and unique gifts make Fog City News a one-of-a-kind store.
Reviewed By thepathtaken - San Francisco, United States
I have been coming here as long as I can remember. My son and I have bought hundreds of chocolates here. Our favorites are the Donnelly Fresh Cream BonBons that are only available days before Christmas and Valentine's, we never miss a visit on those days. The selection changes. I send all of my clients here and when my daughter comes to town, this is a must stop. Ask for sampling...kept behind the counter. Adam and his staff know their chocolates like a sommelier knows wine. He can even tell you chocolate makers to visit if you are in another large city. And then there are the Greeting Cards. My son, daughter, friends, and office mates expect to receive cards from Fog City's collection of Naughty Greeting Cards for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. I've tried to give the standard variety but can no longer get away with it. Magazines for the plane, train, auto, beach...the largest selection...you will find just about anything, obscure and common. Go for the obscure and expose your mind to something new and exciting.
6. Barbary Coast Dispensary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By JulianSFCA - San Francisco, United States
This is such a great dispensary. They have a great selection of bud and edibles. You can tell that this was an old bar built probably in the 1920s. Great knowledgeable budtenders. It has a great lounge where you can relax and enjoy your purchase.
7. The Box SF
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
There is nothing like The Box SF in the USA. It is a historic General Store and Mercantile with a Letterpress Shop inside. We have over 15 Million items of Printed Design History for sale including, Books, Posters, Ephemera, Labels, Games, Tins, Packaging, Toys and Advertising. We look like a museum, but everything is for sale! We have tours available for groups of 4 or more where you will learn about Printed Design History, Letterpress Printing and Stone Lithography. We also have a few surprises in store for you! Stop by, you won't be sorry. For tour information call 415-602-9500. Hours sometimes vary on weekends so always call ahead to insure we are here.
8. The Museum Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Lovers of art books will especially appreciate the selection at this shop in the Museum of Modern Art.
9. Alexander Book Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Gooner10-8 - Dublin, Ireland
We discovered this wonderful Bookstore, on 2nd St. in downtown SF, on our first Trip to this great City many years ago, and we make a point of coming back whenever we're in Town. This time - Thursday March 12th - we just about managed to fit it in, as the evolving Coronavirus threat, and an imminent Travel Ban, forced us to abandon our original schedule. They have an impressively wide range of Books & Magazines, well laid-out on 3 levels, offering a truly pleasant experience, in these days when traditional Bookstores are, sadly, so rare. And, on some past occasions, Staff Members here have made extra efforts to help us find just what we were looking for. Closing-time was not far off, so we made our selections pretty promptly - the Sales Assistant was both friendly and competent, as well as having a wry sense of humor, which we also appreciated. 'More than worth at least one visit!
10. 111 Minna Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
For nearly 20 years 111 Minna Gallery has been in the business of art and leisure, consistently winning awards for best art gallery, best bar, and best happy hour. We host a diverse array of events; from art openings, book readings, and film screenings, to bands and DJs, to product launches and corporate shindigs. 4700sqft with two bars and two rooms, we also do private events for groups of 50-500. There is something for everyone. Please check our website to see our calendar of upcoming events!
Reviewed By irenebU7226AR
Cute Gallery with wonderful staff. Enjoy the calm atmosphere and the fantastic Art from a verity of artists
