South of Market, Neighborhood and gay village in San Francisco, US
South of Market is a neighborhood in San Francisco that stretches from Market Street to the waterfront, mixing art galleries, tech offices, and contemporary residential buildings throughout the area. The district features wide streets, numerous restaurants and shops, and public spaces where people gather.
After the 1906 earthquake, the area shifted from a residential neighborhood with grand homes to an industrial and commercial district with wider streets for business traffic. Throughout the 20th century, it became a hub for artists and later developed into a significant center for the LGBTQ+ community.
This neighborhood has been a center for San Francisco's queer community for decades, with bars, clubs, and gathering spaces that still shape daily life here. Walking through the streets, you notice how locals have built a strong sense of belonging and shared identity in these spaces.
The neighborhood is well connected by public transit, with several bus lines and BART stations providing direct access to downtown and other areas. Visitors benefit from wearing comfortable shoes and setting aside time to explore side streets where many restaurants and shops are located.
The annual Folsom Street Fair in September is a large street event rooted in the neighborhood's leather and fetish culture that raises substantial funds for local charities. The festival draws visitors from around the world and represents a key tradition for the area.
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