If you think South Beach in
San Francisco features a sunny shoreline with white sands and crystal-clear waters, think again. This coastal neighborhood has big yachts, big buildings, and big crowds. But don't let this dissuade you from exploring the place, or even settling down here. What it may lack in that famous California tropical magic, it more than makes up for with its fun, urban liveliness. There’s a lot to see and do around here, from baseball games at Oracle Park to the much-beloved Embarcadero waterfront. You'll never get bored here, possibly to the point that you'll want to relocate to South Beach altogether!
Where is South Beach in San Francisco?
You'll find South Beach along the eastern coast of San Francisco. Though it's technically along the edge of the mainland, it remains one of
San Francisco's central neighborhoods. The area is not too far from the city center, Union Square, after all, and many of the city's prominent districts also border South Beach. No less than the Civic Center is to its west, the Financial District is to its north, and Mission Bay is to its south. Even when South Beach is among the smaller neighborhoods in the Bay Area, such proximity to these prominent districts helps keep it popular.
Is it Safe in South Beach, San Francisco?
Yes, it is. Generally speaking, South Beach stands out as one of the safer neighborhoods in the Bay Area, arguably even more so than its most central districts. Not only does it boast some of the lowest
crime rates in San Francisco, but the area, as a whole, remains relatively peaceful, too. It gets pretty lively as far as tourist attractions go, it's the kind of liveliness that rarely gets dangerous for locals and tourists alike. You can still have fun in South Beach and remain safe throughout your stay here, even more so if you take the necessary safety precautions.
What's The Vibe in South Beach, San Francisco?
Many would proclaim South Beach as the ideal waterfront neighborhood, and it's no surprise to see why. For one thing, local life reigns supreme here. Though other parts of San Francisco's coast tend to focus more on tourist attractions, South Beach is as local as can be. There are very few famous landmarks here, and most of the worthwhile things to do are things that locals prefer. At the same time, South Beach boasts a relatively peaceful vibe, considerably quieter compared to the rest of the city, especially the most central districts. Anyone
moving to San Francisco who’s hoping to live a quiet life will want to settle down here.
Is it Expensive in South Beach, San Francisco?
Without a doubt! This fairly quiet neighborhood may not seem affluent at first glance, but rest assured that it has some of the highest
costs in San Francisco. Is it the most expensive part of town? Of course not! The Bay Area still has wealthier and more exclusive neighborhoods. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean things are cheap in South Beach! Take the average rent here, for example, which is nearly $4,000.00 per month. This is already considerably higher than the city-wide average, which is $3,400.0 per month. Eating out in South Beach will also cost you around $15.00 to $40.00 per meal, specifically in either affordable or mid-range eateries.
What to See in South Beach, San Francisco
Part of why South Beach remains one of the quieter parts of town is its scarcity of notable landmarks. It's not that there's nothing notable to see in this neighborhood, it's just that you'll find most of San Francisco's most iconic sights i other districts. As for what is in South Beach, the most prominent is arguably Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants. This is the best place to catch a ball game in the Bay Area! And while you're already there, don't miss out on a peek at the Oakland Bay Bridge. It may not be as famous as the Golden Gate Bridge, but it's just as impressive.
What to Do in South Beach, San Francisco
South Beach is arguably the best place to truly live like a local in San Francisco. Relax in someone else's home, eat at the local diners, catch a game at Oakland Park, and hang out by the coast, where you'll see the Oakland Bay Bridge in all its steel glory. The slower-paced lifestyle here allows you to take a breather while staying near the city center. You'll still feel a tinge of San Francisco's urban madness here, but it's not so rampant that it'll overwhelm you to no end. You can still take it slow, but find all sorts of excitement at South Beach!
The Best Restaurants in South Beach, San Francisco
Despite its more chill vibes and largely local atmosphere, South Beach still contributes to San Francisco's reputation as a bona fide foodie destination. The place still features many fabulous eats, ranging from a variety of cuisines to different price ranges. South Beach Cafe at 800 The Embarcadero is a favorite staple for many, beloved for its flavorful Italian-American menu and relaxing ambiance. Prospect on Spear Street, on the other hand, is a more upscale hotspot known for its sumptuous seafood and awesome cocktails. It's one of the best places for Happy Hour in San Francisco.
South Beach boasts some of the best places to eat in San Francisco, especially:
- South Beach Cafe at 800 The Embarcadero
- Delancey Street Restaurant at 600 The Embarcadero
- La Mar Cocina Peruana San Francisco at 1 1/2 Ferry Plaza
- Red's Java House on Pier 30, The Embarcadero
- Original Joe's on Union Street
- Movida on 2nd Street
- Ocean Beach Cafe on La Playa Street
- Prospect on Spear Street
- Ozumo San Francisco on Steuart Street
- The View Lounge on Mission Street
What to Know About Renting in South Beach, San Francisco
As already mentioned, renting in South Beach is pretty expensive. The average rent here is already nearly $4,000.00 per month, one of the highest in the entire city. Considering that the city-wide average is only $3,400.00 per month, this further proves that South Beach truly is one of the pricier parts of the Bay Area. And on top of all that, $4,000.00 per month mostly applies to the smaller
luxury apartments to rent in San Francisco, namely studio flats and one-bedroom properties. Getting a bigger place will mean paying a bigger rent per month, possibly up to $8,000.00 to $10,000.00 per month.
As far as waterfront neighborhoods in San Francisco go, South Beach is among the best of the best! This entertainment hub has amazing eats, awesome shopping, and a lot more that never fails to lure in locals and tourists alike.
