Things to Do, Eat, and Drink in San Francisco's Mission District

If you have spent any time exploring San Francisco with me, you know the Mission District holds a special place in my heart. It is one of the sunniest, oldest, and most vibrant neighborhoods in the city, and after decades of showing buyers around the Bay Area, I still find new reasons to love it every time I walk down Valencia or 24th Street. Whether you are a longtime local, a client relocating to the city, or just someone planning a day trip into San Francisco, here is my guide to making the most of a visit to the Mission.

Things to Do

Start at Mission Dolores. The neighborhood takes its name from Mission San Francisco de Asis, completed in 1791 and still standing today as the oldest intact building in the city. The adobe walls, the original hand-hewn timbers, and the quiet historic cemetery out back make it well worth an hour of your time, even if history museums are not usually your thing.

Wander the mural alleys. Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley are the two most famous stretches, packed with decades of politically charged, colorful, deeply personal artwork. You could spend a full afternoon just walking these alleys and reading the stories behind each piece. It is one of the most authentic art experiences you will find anywhere in the Bay Area, free of charge.

Spend an afternoon at Dolores Park. This is one of the best public parks in any American city, in my opinion. Thanks to the Mission's famous microclimate, it tends to be sunny here even when the rest of San Francisco is fogged in. On a nice afternoon you will find people picnicking, playing music, and soaking in the view of downtown from the hillside.

Browse Valencia Street. This stretch is home to some of the best independent bookstores, boutiques, and vintage shops in the city. It is a great place to slow down, pop in and out of stores, and get a feel for the creative energy that defines this neighborhood.

Check out the Women's Building and Voss Gallery. If murals and public art caught your interest, these two spots offer an even deeper look into the neighborhood's artistic and activist roots.

What to Eat

La Taqueria on Mission Street has been serving burritos since 1972 and is considered one of the best taquerias in the entire country. If you want a true Mission experience, this is where I would send you first.

El Farolito is another neighborhood institution for late night burritos and tacos, a longtime favorite among locals looking for something quick, filling, and genuinely delicious.

Foreign Cinema is a special occasion spot, with a beautiful courtyard setting and a menu that draws on California and Mediterranean influences. It is a great choice if you want a sit-down dinner with a bit more polish.

Lolinda and Loló both bring South American flavors to the neighborhood, from Argentine steaks to Mexican small plates, and both have a lively, social atmosphere that makes for a fun night out with friends.

Bottega and Sangria & Salt round out the list nicely if you are looking for excellent Italian food or Spanish tapas paired with, unsurprisingly, great sangria.

What to Drink

Trick Dog is one of the most awarded cocktail bars in the city, known for reinventing its entire menu with a new creative theme every six months. It is a fun, inventive stop even if you are not usually a cocktail person.

True Laurel offers a more intimate setting with thoughtful, well-balanced drinks and a kitchen menu that holds its own alongside the cocktail list.

ABV sits right on Mission Street and has built a loyal following for its approachable, well-crafted drinks in a relaxed setting, perfect for starting or ending your evening.

Mission Bar is about as classic and unpretentious as it gets. If you want to sit down, grab an easy drink, and soak in the true character of the neighborhood without any fuss, this is the spot.

The Mission has a way of surprising you every time you visit, whether it is a mural you had not noticed before or a new restaurant that just opened its doors. It is one of the many reasons San Francisco continues to be such a special place to call home. If you are thinking about relocating to San Francisco or the surrounding Bay Area and want to talk through neighborhoods that might fit your lifestyle, I am always happy to share what I know from four decades of calling this region home.