The Mission is San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood and often its sunniest. It grew up around Mission Dolores, which Spanish missionaries founded in 1776, and for much of the last century it has been the center of the city’s Latino community. Today it also mixes taquerias, panaderÃas and murals with cocktail bars, bakeries and boutiques, and it is one of the best areas in the city to eat.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco neighborhood guide. For food, start with our best burritos in San Francisco.
Mission Dolores
Mission San Francisco de AsÃs, which locals call Mission Dolores, is the oldest intact building in San Francisco. Builders finished the small adobe chapel in 1791, and it survived the 1906 earthquake. Next to it stands the larger basilica from the early 1900s, and behind is a quiet cemetery and garden. However, there is a small admission fee to visit the chapel and grounds.
Murals
In fact, the Mission has hundreds of murals. Balmy Alley, between 24th and 25th Streets near Harrison, has displayed them since the 1970s, many about Central American history and politics. By contrast, Clarion Alley, between 17th and 18th near Valencia, changes often and is more street art. The Women’s Building on 18th Street also displays the huge MaestraPeace mural.
Precita Eyes Muralists runs guided mural walks that explain the history behind the art.
Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park is the city’s favorite place to lie on the grass on a sunny weekend. Also, the upper southwest corner has one of the best skyline views in San Francisco, and the J Church streetcar runs along its western edge. It gets very busy on warm days, so arrive early for a good spot.
Valencia Street and 24th Street
First, Valencia Street has plenty of independent shops, bookstores, cafes and restaurants. Meanwhile, Twenty-fourth Street, the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, keeps more of the neighborhood’s traditional character, with panaderÃas, taquerias and produce markets. Overall, both are good for an afternoon walk.
What to eat and drink
The Mission is famous for burritos, but it is also home to bakeries like Tartine on Guerrero Street, ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery on 18th Street, and many of the city’s best cocktail bars and casual restaurants. In addition, food trucks and pupuserÃas are easy to find along Mission Street.
Getting there
BART stops at 16th St Mission and 24th St Mission, which put you at either end of the neighborhood. Also, the J Church streetcar serves Dolores Park, and the 14 and 49 buses run along Mission Street. However, parking is hard, especially on weekends.
Official resources: Mission Dolores, Precita Eyes Muralists, Calle 24 Latino Cultural District.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mission District safe?
In general, the main commercial streets are busy day and night. Like any city neighborhood, stay aware, especially around the BART plazas late at night.
What is the Mission District known for?
Murals, burritos, Mission Dolores, Dolores Park and its Latino culture.
How old is Mission Dolores?
Builders finished the chapel in 1791, making it the oldest intact building in San Francisco.
Why is the Mission so sunny?
That is because it sits in the lee of Twin Peaks, which blocks much of the ocean fog that covers the western neighborhoods.
Photo credits
Featured image: Markhenrik / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Murals: DestinationFearFan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.