The Mission

The city's sunniest, most vibrant neighborhood: Latino heritage, world-famous murals, and the best burritos in America. Walk Balmy Alley and 24th Street for street art, eat at La Taqueria, and see Mission Dolores, SF's oldest building. Buzzy, creative, and endlessly delicious.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mission safe?

The main corridors around Valencia, 24th Street, and Dolores Park are busy and generally fine by day. Parts of Mission Street and some blocks feel rougher, and it's a mixed neighborhood, so use normal city awareness, especially at night, and keep your phone and bag secure.

How do I get to the Mission by transit?

BART is the easiest way, with two stations right in the neighborhood: 16th Street Mission and 24th Street Mission. The 24th Street stop puts you at the start of the Latino Cultural District and the mural walks. The 14-Mission, 49, 22, and 33 buses also serve it.

Is the Mission worth visiting?

Very much so, especially for food, art, and atmosphere. It's one of the most authentic and lively neighborhoods in the city, blending deep Latino roots with a creative, hip edge. Between murals, taquerias, bars, and Dolores Park, it's a full, rewarding day.

What is Mission Dolores?

Mission San Francisco de Asis, known as Mission Dolores, was completed in 1791 and is the oldest intact building in San Francisco. The neighborhood takes its name from it. You can tour the historic chapel, the newer basilica, and the small cemetery in the courtyard.

Why is the Mission always sunny?

It sits in the city's warmest microclimate, sheltered from the ocean fog that blankets western neighborhoods. When the rest of San Francisco is gray and chilly, the Mission is often sunny and mild, which is why Dolores Park fills up on nice days.

How much time should I spend in the Mission?

Give it three to four hours minimum to do a mural walk, eat, and relax at Dolores Park. Food lovers and art fans can easily spend a full day. It's flat, walkable, and sunny, which makes lingering easy.

Where do I get the best burrito in the Mission?

La Taqueria on Mission Street, making burritos since 1972, is the most celebrated and has won national best-burrito honors. The Mission-style burrito, rice and beans and meat wrapped tight and grilled, was born here. Half the fun is arguing your own favorite among the many taquerias.

Where are the best murals in the Mission?

Balmy Alley, tucked between 24th and 25th Streets off Harrison, is the most concentrated collection, with work dating to the 1980s. Clarion Alley near Valencia is another highlight. Precita Eyes runs excellent muralist-led walking tours if you want the history and context.

Nearby in Ask San Francisco

• Hedge CoffeeCafé0.21 km · 3 min walk
• Doc's ClockBar0.4 km · 5 min walk
• YamoRestaurant0.48 km · 6 min walk
• Tartine BakeryCafé0.83 km · 10 min walk
• The 500 ClubBar0.89 km · 11 min walk