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Mission District, San Francisco

Shotwell Street, San Francisco, California

Description

The Mission is one of San Francisco oldest neighbourhoods and a key center of it Mexican-American ('Chicano') community. The name is derived from the Mission San Francisco de Asís ('Mission Dolores') built in 1776. It is centred around Mission Street and bordered by Potrero Hill to the east and Noe Valley & the Castro to the west with Dolores Park separating the Castro and the Mission. Besides Mission Dolores, highlights include the numerous street murals (such as on Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley), the annual Carnaval, the San Francisco Armory building and the food (incl. the Mexican taquerías)!

Access & Transport

There are 2 BART stations: '16th St Mission' at the northern end and '24th St Mission' as well as bus stops on 18th St (33) and the light rail J-line along Church st at the western edge of the district.

Instructions & Recommendations

Nearby attractions and points of interest include the Castro neighbourhood, the Painted Ladies (houses) and the Asia Art Museum.

Meta review

Often featured in travel magazines and suggested itineraries by bloggers but online reviews are actually quite mixed. Some murals are indeed works of art and bring a creative and bright side to the area but not all graffitis do beautify the walls and buildings could do with more maintenance. The real draw for most, are the trendy coffee shops and restaurants.

Environmental & Social

Urban environment with hardly any green space (Dolores Park isn't very large). Tourism isn't the main factor behind the ongoing gentrification and pressure on rents

Conclusion

A neighbourhood that is part of the city's multi-ethnic fabric and identity but that is unlikely to wow travellers beyond its hip F&B scene and some cool shops.

Key positive

Some impressive and enjoyable murals

Some excellent restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops

Key negative

Not much to see beyond the street art

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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