South Beach
South Beach is one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing neighborhoods in San Francisco. It's an attractive, affluent neighborhood featuring some of the city's best dining, nightclubs, and boutiques. It's no wonder that this once-industrial neighborhood is at the hub of the City on the Bay's apartment boom, given its central location, superb weather, and easy transit access.
What was once an industrial shipping sector has now become one of San Francisco's most desirable neighborhoods. Also, this lively neighborhood is located nearby Mission Bay, SOMA, the Financial District, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
Before it became a popular area to spend a night out on the town or live in one of San Francisco's most upscale neighborhoods, South Beach was once known as Steamboat Point. It was a large area containing boatyards, warehouses, and plenty of fishing piers. The neighborhood was originally developed in the 1850s as an industrial center for shipping and fishing. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company had its headquarters there. The PMSC was essential in the city's growth since it was the first trans-Pacific service to connect the United States and Asia, kicking off the huge East-West commerce that would dominate the century.
It became a desirable place to live as industries began to leave the area and new apartment buildings were constructed. The neighborhood continued to grow in popularity and by the 1980s, it had become one of San Francisco's hippest places to live with a number of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. It's now a hotspot for young professionals and artists who were attracted to its industrial trendy aesthetic and central location.
Popular Places
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
The modern art collection housed within the remarkable structure features exceptional touring exhibits, videos, and photographs.Pollack, Warhol, Matisse, Picasso, and O'Keeffe are among the permanent collection's artists, as well artists with Bay Area roots including Diebenkorn and Thiebaud. Get a coffee at the museum café, then explore the gift shop for unusual gadgets and art.
Alice Street Community Gardens
This little but surprisingly tranquil urban garden is maintained and groomed by 164 local elderly and younger handicapped persons, who each have their own patch for artistic expression. The garden is available during daytime hours with wooden picnic tables and produces everything from Chinese veggies to roses and daisies, all under the watchful eye of a 9-story artwork titled "Manila Village Mural."
Yerba Buena Gardens
This park across the street from the San Francisco MOMA serves as a cultural focal point for the South Market neighborhood, featuring two blocks of museums, events, and serene gardens. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts hosts art exhibitions, performances, and other activities.