Things to Do in Union Square & SoMa During Your Trip to San Francisco
If you’ve been planning a visit to San Francisco, you’ve probably heard of Union Square and the area south of Market Street (also known as SoMa to the locals). Union Square is one of San Francisco’s most popular shopping and art centers. Fine art galleries create beautiful storefronts on Geary, Post, and Sutter streets, perfect for an afternoon of window shopping. Both bargain shopping and high-end locations are located at Union Square for a lively, one-stop shopping excursion. Additionally, frequent outdoor performances take to the platform in the midst of the bustle. During the holiday season, San Francisco’s holiday tree graces area. Interested in exploring these trendy areas during your trip? Then we’ve got a number of great suggestions for you, ranging from shopping, tours, museums and more. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Union Square and SoMa during your trip to San Francisco, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...
- Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
- Asian Art Museum
- SFMOMA
- AT&T Park Tour
- California Historical Society
- And more!
Save on Union Square & SoMa Attraction Admission
Admission to many of these top San Francisco attractions and activities and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.
Union Square Area AttractionsHop On Hop Off San Francisco Bus Tour
> Explore the city at your own pace with a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco. With a stop in Union Square, it couldn’t be easier to climb aboard for a day of sightseeing, or even just an hour or two before you find something that piques your interest. The best part? Your Big Bus San Francisco bus ticket is good for two whole days! Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Bus Tour tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
GoCar Tour
You won’t want to miss the chance to see San Francisco through the lens of this innovative attraction. The award-winning GoCar navigates through the city streets while you drive, directing you towards big name attractions and hidden gems, all while providing informative and enjoyable narration. Getting In: GoCar Tour tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
Asian Art Museum
Art lovers will relish a visit to this unique museum. Boasting one of the largest collections of Asian art in the West, this institution embodies San Francisco’s multicultural heritage with paintings, sculpture, prints, textiles, decorative arts, and more. Getting In: Asian Art Museum tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
Nearby Attractions in SoMa San FranciscoSan Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
This recently renovated museum houses amazing collections in a building that’s no less a work of art than the many pieces that line its walls. The largest modern and contemporary art museum in the country, the SFMOMA features everything from big names like Alexander Calder and Paul Klee to up-and-coming Bay Area artists. Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
AT&T Park Tour
Sports fan rejoice! There’s something exciting for you to explore in San Francisco at AT&T Park. Whether you’re a big Giants fan or just appreciate the sport of baseball, a tour of AT&T Park is a great way to see more of this striking waterfront stadium. Getting In: AT&T Park Tour tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum
This is another one for the culture buffs. The Contemporary Jewish Museum functions as a center where the art, literature, and culture of contemporary Judaism converge in one energetic space. It’s also a great place to learn about Jewish history. Getting In: Contemporary Jewish Museum tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
California Historical Society
The California Historical Society is a delightful local museum with rotating special exhibits and permanent collections dedicated to showcasing the stories of the city’s past. See historical San Francisco brought to life through special exhibitions about the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, politics, art, and much more. Getting In: California Historical Society tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
Yerba Buena Gardens
These gorgeous gardens, nestled in the heart of SoMa, are the perfect respite from busy city explorations. Featuring a number of public events, a highly acclaimed arts festival, and cultural installations, the Yerba Buena Gardens transcend what you think of as a typical urban green space. Getting In: Admission to the Yerba Buena Gardens is free.
Museum of the African Diaspora
A fascinating cultural institution in the heart of one of the most multi-cultural cities in America, the Museum of the African Diaspora features history and art about African peoples and cultures from around the globe. With frequent special exhibits on subjects like contemporary black masculinity and events like jazz and blues concerts, there is an eclectic variety of stuff going on at the MoAD at any given time. Getting In: Admission to the Museum of the African Diaspora is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.
Remember to Save on Attraction Admission
We hope you enjoy our top recommendations for things to do in Union Square and SoMa during your trip to San Francisco. And remember – many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go San Francisco Card, which can save you up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these great cultural options to your San Francisco vacation plans.