The Mission District of San Francisco is named after Mission Dolores, the oldest mission in California. The neighborhood is home to a large Hispanic population, a vast array of cuisines and vibrant public art. Active travelers have their choice of fun things to do from sightseeing on foot and bicycle and touring historic spots to eating authentic Mexican food and listening to the Mariachi bands on 24th Street.
Art Tours
Bring your camera when you visit the Mission District because this is one of San Francisco's most colorful neighborhoods. You'll see hundreds of public art murals on city blocks, bridges and restaurants. Clarion Alley features over 100 sponsored murals by artists such as Ricardo Gouveia and Chris Johanson. Precita Eyes Muralists artist-guided offers tours of over 70 murals in about six blocks. Bicycle tours are available by appointment.
Local Food
The Mission District is well-known for its authentic Mexican food and international cuisines. These restaurants are regularly in San Francisco magazine's Top 100 restaurants list, and they don't add lard, MSG or other preservatives so it's healthier, too. Cafe Gratitude has an extensive menu of vegan and raw cuisine. La Cumbre is a take-out style taqueria with odd paintings inside and great burritos with fresh ingredients. La Rondalla is a sit-down Mexican restaurant with a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Spanish Paella at Esperento is also on local listings of top eateries. If you're not sure what you want, just take a walk down Valencia Street and see which aromas appeal to you. Expect cuisines from Peru, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, India and Morroco.
Rock Climb
Spend the day rock climbing at Touchstone Rock Climbing and Fitness. The center has six locations in San Francisco and offers day passes that make a perfect plan B for a rainy day or if it's too hot to go for a run. The routes vary in difficulty and are marked by different colors. Gear such as the harness, shoes, belay devices and chalk bags can be rented at the facility.
Sports
Mission Dolores Park is located at the west end of the Mission District. The park has tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts and a playground. The top of the hill offers a panoramic view of the city and a quiet, sunny lawn to throw a Frisbee or take a rest. In the summer, the park shows movies on the lawn at dusk.
Walk
Take in the sights, the people, sounds and atmosphere with a walk through Mission District. A walk down Valencia and Mission Street from 16th to 20th streets will take you past wacky shops where you can find gems like vintage luggage, travel books and useful accessories like visors and sun glasses.
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