Is the Mission District worth visiting in San Francisco?

I had never in my life heard of San Francisco’s Mission District until I arrived in the city famous for the Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz Island. On a whim, I decided to explore this Latin heart of San Francisco as part of my four day itinerary and found it is filled with all the life, vibrancy and culture that makes the soul soar. Is the Mission District in San Francisco worth visiting? Oh hell yes.

What is the San Francisco Mission District?

The San Franscisco Mission District is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the bay area and is a melting pot of Latin and Chicano/Mexican cultures and cuisines. The area centres on Mission Street, where latin-owned businesses thrive.

The area’s famous church, Mission Dolores, is the oldest building in all of San Francisco. So for all the lively and coloruful vibes this neighbourhood exemplifies, there’s also a huge amount of history here to be explored.

Is the Mission District worth visiting in San Francisco?

In a few hours, I fell hard for the Mission District. Colourful murals. Quaint tacquerias. Pastry shops. This spot in San Francisco feel at odds with the rest of the city. This is the San Francisco vibe I wanted to uncover.

This beating heart of San Francisco’s latino quarter is now a haven for street art, with over 500 works of street art in the area to explore.

It is also home to the most tantalising San Francisco-Mexican food which is some of my favourite Mexican cuising in the United States.

Where to stay to visit the Mission District?

The Mission District is accessible from most parts of San Francisco, so it is absolutely possible to explore this area on a day excursion, rather than staying in the neighbourhood. I personally stayed around Union Square, which was nice and central and very easy to access all parts of San Francisco. Close to the Mission itself, Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast is a cute accommodation option just a stone’s throw from the action.

In Union Square, CitizenM has great rooms featuring king sized beds for maximum comfort. Alternatively, the Four Seasons Union Square is wonderfully located and very spacious.

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Street art that makes the Mission District worth visiting

The murals of the San Francisco Mission are the true heroes of the area. They depict culture, political movements, global issues and joy. I’m a street art lover from way back – I grew up in Melbourne after all – so this area was such a great find.

Here’s a selection of my favourite murals that make the Mission District worth visiting. Head to Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley to see painted garage doors and fences lining the small streets and keep an eye out for some of the amazing artworks seen below.

Women power

There is so much girl-power in the Mission District and I loved this mural that celebrates the strength of women through the generations.

Representing San Francisco’s Latin Past

This mural painted on a building in the Mission District shows how latinos have been the backbone of this area, creating industry and taking the country on their own backs.

A bit of colour in the alleyways

Is it wrong that I want to paint my driveway like this?

Where The Wild Things Are

One of my favourite childhood stories, I loved coming across this mural that celebrates the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

A very aesthetic driveway

Technology taking over our lives

Ironically, we’re here to take photos and explore the Mission District, but are we on our devices too much? This mural seems to think so.

The Lesbian Unicorns of Clarion Alley

Located in one of the Mission District’s most famous alleyways, the Lesbian Unicorns celebrate San Francisco’s inclusivity and diversity. The Mission District isn’t far from the city’s gay district, the Castro, so it is only fitting that this vibrant mural takes pride of place in Clarion Alley.

The amazing Women’s Building Mural

This mural alone makes the Mission District worth visiting for art lovers. Named the MaestraPeace Mural the artwork’s name means Woman Teacher of Peace and it is a huge feature of the area. Work began in 1993 on this remarkable work and it was completed in 2000.

The MaestraPeace Mural intends to symbolise the influence and contribution of women throughout the world, so it is only fitting that it was created by local female artists: Juana Alicia, Miranda Bergman, Edythe Boone, Susan Kelk Cervantes, Meera Desai, Yvonne Littleton and Irene Perez.

And lastly, just me in front of a super colourful wall, loving life in the Mission.

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