This reminds me of a total European style park nestled in a neighborhood that you didn't even know existed. The park itself is great. A few areas to eat, lots of grass and even a play structure, however manage the expectations with the play structure as it's mostly climbing. Plenty of street parking, and as mentioned it's surrounded by apartments, a few cafes and even what looks to be an auto body. It's got that residential warehouse vibes with beautiful brick buildings. Was there a tent hiding behind a bench with a homeless person? Yes. Did a few mentally unhinged people walk by yelling obscenities? Yes, I mean it's adjacent to SOMA and downtown SF, but what a nice little escape from the concrete, dirt and grime. While not your largest park, and not the best play structure for the kiddos, it's an escape from the city with a little green space, and for that it does its job so well! read more

South Park is a delightfully protected bit of San Francisco, one in which it's possible to hide from the City, except that it has the worst sort of neighbors. In the past ten years, the Park has fronted, in order: a French bistro (defunct); a "chocolate wine bar cafe" (defunct); and soon, a precious bakery and gift shop, a term I use in the British sense, to imply "excessively refined" and "affected." Leaving aside that service at the French place was atrocious, there's nothing inherently wrong with any of that. The problem is with the people that such places attract. Both the bistro and its successor filled their tables with local wastrels who prized cachet over quality. The bakery will open soon; I have no hope that they'll do better. But you wanted to know about the park. It's pretty, and fairly well-tended by the City, and though there are homeless people wandering through, they're only moderately aggressive, and if you pick your moment, you can occupy a bench, enjoy a pleasant rest, and listen to the faint murmur of traffic and children's voices while you catch the breeze and watch wannabe influencers queue for overpriced croissant and drinks. Sorry. When I speak of South Park, I can't not think of those morons. I love cities, but increasingly despise the new people who inhabit them. read more

Lovely green space and park where you wouldn't expect it. Close to downtown and all the concrete great little space that makes the most of the space it uses. Little play structure and maybe a rat or two walking in the bushes. They are very friendly. Views of the top of the Salesforce building reminds you just how close you are to downtown and how unusual this great park actually is. Well maintained and clean enough. I like the name too. It reminds me of that cartoon show of yesteryear. read more

I was staying overnight in the city and needed to get my steps in to close out my Apple watch rings. That excursion brought me to this park. It is a cool urban park that seems like an oasis in the middle of all the concrete. You get incredible views of the Salesforce building from here, especially at night. read more

See all

This is a chill little park. I wish it was a little more comfortable or pretty, but it's open and light and is prime cute puppy watching real estate. A few more picnic tables or a harder crackdown on the non-smoking regulations and I'd likely come here more often. Definitely much better for dog owners but all in all, a nice walk in the morning. read more

What a revamp! I still remember when this park was all sand and wooden structures. Now there's a huge future like structure for kids to climb up and a swing or two. There's a few benches and a couple of picnic tables sprinkled around the path of the park and lots of grass for dogs to run. It looks nice and clean, but it doesn't have too many options for kids at this playground. Definitely better for people who might be taking their lunch break, just passing through, or taking a quick call outside. There aren't any restrooms here, but there's a cafe across the way, burritos a few steps up and a grilled cheese spot that is pretty good when you head up to 2nd street. Oh! There's also a Blue Bottle, so if you'd like to take your work from home situation to a work from park one, this would be a sweet quick stop. read more

Remember the last scene in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine" when Cate Blanchett's character went completely bonkers and walked aimlessly into a park and sat on a bench talking to herself much to the chagrin of the woman next to her (scene: http://bit.ly/2qjAZ5v)? This is where the Woodman shot it as you can see the South Park Cafe in the back. Well, I don't live in the immediate area and probably last visited when I wolfed down an order of the short rib bibimbop from HRD around the corner. Jamie W. and I recently took a stroll in the area to take in the park's $3.8 million face-lift, and we were impressed. Understand first that South Park has always felt more classically European than any two blocks of the city as the oval-shaped park evenly splits South Park Street between Second and Third Streets with a curved line of buildings on both sides giving it an enclosed, exclusive character. Yet, it isn't exclusive at all as there are low-income SROs sitting next to what remains of the dot.coms, as well as media and design firms and long-standing restaurants like The Butler and the Chef. When things started to feel rundown, it just seemed like a waste given the obvious opportunity of urban renewal at hand. Well, it finally and gratefully occurred this past year with little assistance from the struggling tech firms. There are artistically pleasing ADA-accessible paths made with staggered concrete slabs (photo: http://bit.ly/2rcYtIQ), as well as improved lighting and even little stands for people to lean against or leave their cups of Blue Bottle coffee while they rearrange themselves.There are fresh benches as well as large concrete seating areas for easier people-watching and picnicking. The highlight is an undulating multi-purpose play structure that's ideal for kids (photo: http://bit.ly/2rd0Dby), not so much for entitled hipsters who should stay off (photo: http://bit.ly/2pK177T). read more

See all

I always forget that South Park exists. I'm not sure if it's JUST a park or an actual neighborhood. I guess anything in San Francisco can be considered a neighborhood. Why not? The actual park itself is so cute. It's a quiet place to hang out (except during large social events in the city) and it's mostly locals that live or work nearby. I also like bringing my dog here. Lots of people-watching for him (and me) to do. There's a good number of eateries around the perimeter of the park and even more within a few blocks. I've only been to Blue Bottle, and that's always a good experience when you're just wanting something simple to catch up with a friend. Gotta try the restaurants before I move out of the city, though. Can't wait to explore more! read more

South Park is one of my favorite greener getaways in the city. South Park is surrounded by the small restaurants, cafes, and apartment complexes. It's a great place for families with children, couples, and anyone looking to take a short cut to mission street. The innovative playground is one large metal structure constructed with monkey bars, a built in slide, a tire swing, steps, and more. On a beautiful day, you can also see the Salesforce Tower. read more

See all

Quiet, peaceful park. Very quaint, and there is plenty of seating area. The playground is very nicely designed and very pleasant to look at. It looks very fun to play on as well as adding to the urban landscape. I wish there was a park like this near where I live. There's also a swing, which is super comfy- I'm sitting on it as I'm typing this and don't feel like getting up. T_T read more

South Park - park - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The little park that could. This area has turned into an area of $$$ restaurants. My uncle used to have a factory here. How different it looks now, probably thanks to the tech/software/game companies nearby... and maybe the ballpark. It's still quaint, except flocked by cute restaurants. I like the butler and the chef. Pass on the American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, though. Public Bikes is here; I like to window shop. read more

South Park - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

A great renovated park that tends to be abused by the yuppie tech types who overflow trash cans with their waste from Whole Foods and park side cafes. These entitled fuc*s have no regard nor obligation to the cleanliness of such a wonderful space and ruin it for everyone else with their self entitlement. This is why San Francisco has gone to sh!t these past few years. You are the filth that makes all of us look bad in tech and the downfall of gentrification. Learn the definition of accountability before coming back and take your trash with you if the can is full. As people claiming to have class, you show none. read more

A park for hipsters and homeless. Plenty of Macbooks and crooks. If you're a mother or father, don't bother. I did a quick drive-by and was going to leave as it looked a bit sketchy but parking was free so I thought I'd at least have a look around. Walking paths appeared nice but I'm not the only one who didn't feel safe here. I barely entered the park before I noticed one visitor ended up packing away his Macbook and walking away briskly. Another was probably too focused on his work to notice the drunk on the other side of the park yelling at no one. The other park patrons looked like you'd bum a cigarette off them but not the type you'd be sitting around asking them whether they're comfortable through this Covid pandemic to have their kids go back to school in September. The park itself would be nice if it was located in a different part of the City. Tough balance. If you plan on swinging by here for any length of time, just keep both eyes open. I really wouldn't advise sitting around with a laptop even if you're at the nice coffee shop across the street which I was a customer of. Didn't feel safe enough to stick around at the outdoor seating, but the coffee was decent. I'd hit this place up again, but only for the coffee and maybe a sandwich. If I hang out at the park, I'm not sitting. read more

Hidden Europe in the heart of SOMA. 2 hour parking, jack London alley...the secret to quick onramp at 2/Bryant for the BB.... LOVE love this park. Ate lunch here recently on a super sunny, brilliant day. read more

South Park used to be really run down and sad just a couple years ago. The new South Park is great for hanging out with friends and family. The playground is always bustling with little kiddos and the neighborhood folks can be found enjoying their coffee or lunch with their colleagues when it's sunny out. My doggo gives this park 5 stars. Paws down his favorite place to do his business and chase tennis balls. (That's all it takes to get 5/5 stars, apparently.) read more

A bit of a walk from the school I work at, but my preschool children love it here. It's nice that there are two area to play at -- one for the bigger kids and the other for the younger ones. The BIG KID SIDE of the Park: - two poles to slide down on - two slipper slides - three swings - two huge structures for climbing - sand, sand and more sand - no plastics, all metal The YOUNGER KID SIDE of the Park: - a colorful climbing structure - plastic slide - swings for babies and older kids It's a fun playground. I love sliding down the taller pole. I have to admit, I was too scared to try it at first, but seeing my 3 and 4 year olds doing it fearlessly, I was obligated to be brave and try it. THERE IS NO BATHROOM -- the cafes nearby usually do not mind my preschoolers using their bathroom, but we try not to make a habit of it. Always potty first before heading out to the playground :-)! *Keep a look out for sketchy characters. There was this one time when a man was freely smoking a joint while sitting on the bench* read more

A humble little park that you would never expect to exist in the midst of the SOMA district (unless you've lived in that area). JONASAPPROVED! read more

South Park - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Not for kids. Old equipment with a smashed snail spread all over one slide, old dirty sand, lots of wandering adults, some sort of police stop by an undercover car while we were here, dogs running off leash, people digging through trash cans.... The grass is green and not a lot of litter. read more

South Park - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of my favorite parks in SF, but still leaves much to be desired. I like Cafe Centro and the Butler and the Chef. Great during the week, but on Saturday only a few places are open, and on Sunday it's a complete ghost town. This is a great place to work, and seems like everyone at a startup agrees, yet there is no WiFi in the park or provided by any of the establishments around the park. Every time I'm at the park, I witness a domestic dispute from the same house, and several times the police have been called. It's a bit distracting and disturbing. The picnic benches are nice, but usually quite dirty and seem to never be in the sun. And at least 1 or 2 of the benches are monopolized by a sleeping homeless person. read more

Great place to sit and think if you are working around the area! It is fairly small compared to the pictures, but it is a nice quiet place. I've seen people socializing and bringing their kids to play on the art play structure. Parking can be a bit challenging but eventually you will find a spot. Definitely a park I will visit again if I am around the area! read more

Countdown to childhood regression: 5...4...3...2...1 Swings! Slides! Monkey bars which my ass is too heavy for! The short time that was spent here was pure, unadulterated bliss. read more

We fought violently that day. He was freaking out because he had misplaced his keys. We had been all over SF and back, they could be anywhere. We ripped the car apart looking for those damn keys. For some reason, amidst his tantrum, I directed him back to South Park. Woman's intuition. He fought me tooth and nail. I slammed the door and walked off to the benches. Where the keys sat. waiting. I would give anything to fight like that with him again. RIP BA. read more

(written by a non-parent who is also a responsible dog owner) Cute lil park. Nice & quiet, with lovely trees providing dapply shade. I'm happy to find another rare patch of greenery in the city, for myself & especially my dog. However, docked 2 stars because it's apparently frequented by those most inconsiderate & annoying blemishes to dog ownership: yupsters whose dogs are too good/precious/free-spirited to be leashed. I double-checked the signs. Yes, dogs are welcome to the park, as long as they are ON LEASH, AT ALL TIMES. Then looked back to the ladies with their sleek blow-outs & down vests, living out their J. Crew fantasies with their illegally off-leash, romping dogs. Funny, they (the people, that is) don't *look* illiterate. Hmm. Dog owners: it is your responsibility to keep your dog on leash, for its own safety, as well as the safety of others & their dogs. Not all dogs (or people, for that matter) welcome another that comes bounding up out of the blue to say hello & play. Not to mention the risk that because some people are too cool for the rules, some places might not want dogs *at all*. Thanks, non leashers, for ruining it for everyone in some places already. If your poor, glistening Irish Setter's spirit is so crushed by a mean ol' leash, consider moving to a farm in the country. Or at least the suburbs, with a nice big fenced yard. Or (gasp) learn to follow the rules that are there for EVERYONE'S (& everyone's dogs') safety. Thanks. I'll take my sweet ol' girl here from time to time, but will be on guard against roaming dogs of the yupsters living out their disillusioned, magazine-ad fantasies. read more

South Park. It bares no resemblance to South Park, the cartoon. Instead, this was the "check in" point for our 2.5 hour scavenger hunt. It's a small & straight-forward park located off a hidden nook in downtown SF. There are a few benches, swings, a construction play area (under renovation), & ample greenery to picnic or lounge on. There are plenty of neighboring restaurants & shops. However, hours are shorter during weekends. Although parking is limited to 2 hours, there is metered parking a block up on 2nd Street. (Don't forget your quarters.) Overall: South Park is a cute little park to visit. read more

My has this park changed since I was a kid! Granted, the homeless people still frequent the benches, but it's quite a posh little area. You wouldn't expect it to be where it is, in the middle of SOMA. It's nice to see the charmingly European buildings amongst the renovated warehouses and modern new structures in the area. There are several cute and delicious cafes and bistros that are sure to keep you coming back for lunch. While there are still homeless in the park, I have never once been asked for money or help. They sort of keep to themselves or chat with each other. They're actually pretty nice if you talk to them like I do. Perhaps I wouldn't put this on the shortlist of a tourist, but if you're ever in the area stop by and enjoy the scene. read more

South Park is seriously a gem of San Francisco. Not everyone knows of this small circular space in between all the action of SoMa but, it has always had a calming a peaceful atmosphere. The park has been rebuilt and is open to the public with everything from a very cool tire swing, the craziest designed "monkey bars" ever, and a ton of seating to enjoy the beautiful area. Don't forget the cafe and taqueria in the area. They make the perfect addition to this area and I love stopping by Caffe Centro here. Make sure to stop by South Park next time you're in SoMa, you won't regret it! read more

This park has certainly changed a lot over the years, it truly is the little park that could! I love that the City has been giving it it's much needed attention, it looks lovelier each time I come back. I used to live a block away and would often be terrified walking my dog here, but there really wasn't any other choices! There would be homeless people sleeping and/or pissing in every corner, shady characters roaming around, and trash everywhere. Now it's entirely different! Luxury shops, quaint little cafes, even the surrounding townhomes have been transformed into multi-million dollar cool contemporary properties! read more

A stroll through this quaint little park nestled within The Little Neighborhood That Could will make you feel like you've been teleported to Old Town Chicago! Outlined with cute little cafes, art galleries, lofts, and cobblestone sidewalks, is lush green grass and lots of maple trees, which have changed to yellow, orange and red. And although it's December, the birds were singing full-force. Unexpectedly stumbling upon this park was such a nice retreat from the daily grind and now that I know it's there, I plan to spend lots of time on the swings! read more

So, I am torn between my need to be a young urban hipster (I say "need" because i am too friggin' old to actually be one.) and my role as responsible parent to three darling little girls. Why it is COOL . . . this is a great park to hang out in and eat lunch. There are some decent restaurants, good benches, dogs, etc. One just feels cooler, younger and hipper because of the experience. When the sun is out, the place fills up and feels like a community gathering space. In conclusion, until the play structure are improved, grab a latte and keep the kids in the stroller. Why it is DANGEROUS . . . the play structures are HORRIBLE,unless of course you are a Cirque De Soleil acrobat in which case they are just risky. The structures are too high, too many splinter possibilities, usually pretty dirty and are not blocked off in any way. It is my understanding that there are plans to improve this part of the park which would rocket my rating up to 5, no problem. read more

I looked thru the 74 reviews about this park. How on earth could all these people write about this park and ignore it's rich history? This is the OLDEST PARK in San Francisco. South Park dates back to 1854. Stumbling upon the lush oval-shaped area in SOMA makes a visitor feel as if they've instantly been transported to Europe. No surprise, since Gold Rush entrepreneur George Gordon modeled the park after an elite neighborhood in his native London. Many homeless people hang out there now but the park still retains a lot of it's charm. Worth a look. There are not always people in the park, often there are quiet times. read more

See all

One of the best examples of "a little slice of heaven." Indeed. For those that are put-off by the homeless or other elements of urban life that might be present in South Park: fuck off and go back to Walnut Creek or Granite Bay or wherever you came from. What do you expect this place to be? Seriously, this is about as fantastic a park that you can find in the middle of a city. South Park is safe, surprisingly clean, and a true oasis (especially if you walk down Third Street to get there; the contrasts are are quite obvious and immediate). Again, if South Park frightens you or turns you off in any way, you need to seriously reconsider why you live in a city in the first place. read more

You wanna get your swing on? Do it. You wanna get your monkey bar on? Oh yeah, do that too. You wanna get your slide on? Do...wait...make sure it's clean and dry. It is? Ok...do it! I like this place because it's kinda just one of those random and hidden San Francisco gems. You are walking, you are talking, you look over and you're like, "Oh what? Greenery? In SOMA? Whatever is this?" When I first saw it, I thought to myself, "Now who is trying to make a mini-panhandle? There can be only one panhandle in town!" It's great that it was cleaned up by the folks in the business area, and that it's now more friendly and what-not. Still scary as shit at night. I had to walk through here once to a friend's house...BAH! Please do not attack me as I pass you. I will not interfere with you shooting up. But seriously...it's a great place to go during your lunch hour, swing your cares away, enjoy yourself, and go back to feeling like a kid again. That way, when you go back to your office and someone gives you shit, you can be in that child-like mind to say, "I know you are but what am I?" Yeah...classic... read more

Such a cute little park! It's right in the middle of SOMA and has tons of swings, benches and dogs running around. Very picturesque and I love the location. read more

Hidden beautiful park that was already around in the 19th century. In the city of buildings, it's a hidden gem. Only a couple of blocks from the AT&T ballpark. read more

South Park - Playground at South Park - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love love love discovering new spots, and having been to SF sooo many times, I'm amazed I had never heard or seen this place before. That's what you get for hanging with locals. This little circle feels every bit of Boston, or some sleepy corner of some bucolic European city. It's that nice. And doubly surprising to find it in SOMA the area of SF which is mostly warehouse-y and filled with conference halls and concrete. I wanna go back! read more

Sadly, in San Francisco, most play structures are reserved for children, but not the one at South Park. In fact, I've never seen a child on it, only adults. Actually I've never seen anyone on anything but the swings.... probably because the structure is TERRIFYING! It has the world's highest monkey bars at 1.5 stories high. And, at the same height, it has parallel bars. Yes, basically a set of monkey bars without the horizontal bars, because, you know, monkey bars are too easy. This jungle gym was designed for giants. Or fearless Ninja Warrior wannabes. Or those who don't take fall damage. At least the poles are fun to slide down. read more

I just moved into the hood...so I will get back on my impressions. I must say, on move-in day (today), I found a hypodermic needle by my front door. Okay, I'm not freaking out: it's the city and housing is and issue, as well as other things. But I did notice and it was not the best sign. I met my neighbor today too, and asked him how he liked the neighborhood...He paused and explained that he'd lived in the city for some time before and has been away for two years and just came back. The city that he came back too is unfamiliar...he doesn't like the changes. He commented about the tech industry and the impersonal feeling. There was more but I could tell he was trying to be considerate as I'd just moved in. I will be back with my own thoughts as I navigate the new hood. I've live in a nice loft and am ready to live life and explore. read more

an oasis amongst the concrete desert of SoMa. It's a great little green patch with trees picnic tables and a children's playground. great location and a gorgeous contrast to it's surroundings read more

I love South Park and I actually get the priviledge to work in South Park! So its nice to have the quiet oasis of trees and grass just out front whenever I need a break. There could be more food choices as far as places to eat, but its not a huge deal since there are plenty of choices just a few blocks surrounding the Park. Watch out for dog poop carelessly left behind by inconsiderate dog owners! I love dogs (I have my own) but please pick up after your pooch for us South Parkers! read more

South Park - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

A nice LITTLE park with a playground, benches, and picnic tables. There are a few decent restaurants nearby and its a nice place to have lunch during the week. THE SWING SETS ARE BOMB. They have long chains so you really fly. I hate swings with short chains that make you just feel like you're rocking back and forth. These are the kind that could be mildly dangerous but incredibly exhilarating. read more