The Mission District is undoubtedly one of San Francisco's most cultural hubs, rich with significant history, creative art, and authentic cuisine. With the many sights and activities that this sunny neighborhood offers, many flock over to easily spend their entire day here.
Below is our ultimate day guide for anyone wondering where are all the best retail, food, and cocktail places are in its nearly two-mile radius, arranged from the morning until night.
See also: Our Ultimate Tourist Route For Optimally Sightseeing All Of San Francisco
View this post on Instagram
501 Dolores St / Website
We definitely recommend beginning your day at Dolores Cafe, as the view of the magnificent Dolores Park right in front of their wide windows pairs excellently with their delicious food for an amazing start to your day, not to mention the highly friendly service and large portions!
Another great, yet more exclusive option is Tartine Bakery located on 600 Guerrero for artisanal pastries, just be sure to get there early as lines around the block manifest fast!
View this post on Instagram
824 Valencia St / Website
After your filling brunch, you are then ready to traverse down to the bustling marketplace of Valencia Street, which is a hip, vehicle-free stretch brimming with trendy shops and eateries on either side. Apart from all the tremendous retail stores, our pick if you had to visit just one is the can't-miss Paxton Gate.
This is a wonderfully intriguing oddities shop and garden replete to the walls with fascinating taxidermy, crystals, cute jewelry, and decor of macabre curiosities. You definitely won't come across this anywhere else!
See also: Paxton Gate Is A Delightful Must-Visit Oddities Boutique In The Mission District
View this post on Instagram
3071 16th St / Website
No trip to the Mission is complete without indulging in the classic, yet divisive, rice-filled Mission-Style Burrito. Pancho Villa on 16th is a neighborhood staple for this invention, generously serving up homestyle Mexican fare in affordable prices. This is a fantastic lunch choice for a true feel of the local Mission stompling grounds.
View this post on Instagram
Dolores St & 19th St / Website
Why not take your burrito to-go for a meal with a view atop this famous park that overlooks the Financial District? Dolores Park is essential for anyone visiting not only its surroundings, but for everyone touring the city!
This is a lush and magical park that always alive with people hanging out having picnics, playing games, and even performing acrobatics or songs! You are guaranteed to have a blast at this gorgeous park, and bonus points if you snap some sightseeing photos at its very apex. We also recommend sampling some creative ice cream at the bottom of the park just across from Dolores Cafe at Bi-Rite Creamery on a perfect sunny day.
See also: The Ultimate Style & Food Guide For A Perfect Dolores Park Outing
View this post on Instagram
740 Valencia St / Website
Craving a sweet afternoon treat? Dandelion Chocolate is San Francisco's premiere in-house chocolate factory that will instantly bring out your inner child once you step inside. They offer a range of artisanal desserts, as well as their luscious European Drinking Chocolate, or spiced Mission Hot Chocolate for a zingy variation of a childhood classic. You can certainly taste the craftsmanship and care in their high-quality chocolates and other goodies.
View this post on Instagram
620 Treat Ave / Website
Southern Pacific Brewing is our choice for a novel happy hour bar, as their airy warehouse setting provides the perfect spacious atmosphere to enjoy refreshing draft beer and innovative food. Whether you decide to dine at their outdoor patio or inside their bright and expansive high-ceiling canopy, you can't miss out on their Sage Fries and Coconut Fried Chicken Wings.
View this post on Instagram
680 Valencia St / Website
Aside from all the amazingly endless and diverse restaurant options, we recommend Hawker Fare's traditional street-style Lao Issan cuisine for a different, hidden gem choice.
Not only are their cultural dishes of Homemade Penang Curry and Tamarind Egg Drop Curry Noodles divinely seasoned and complexly flavored, but their interior truly transports you into a "street" setting, along with their delicious tropical cocktails such as the Island Goddess with lychee-infused gin!
View this post on Instagram
777 Valencia St / Website
The Chapel is a brilliant concert venue that centers on more intimate show experiences with their mellow atmosphere and smaller space. Many underground or indie performers tend to play here, and it is a great way to spend an evening either planned or spontaneous for an affordable price, as you can get right up to the stage, observe from their balcony, and potentially even casually meet the artists afterwards.
View this post on Instagram
3464 19th St / Website
Lastly, whether you are coming from somewhere nearby like Dolores Park, or just from a show at The Chapel, simply walk around the venue's corner to discover Wildhawk, a swanky cocktail lounge that specializes in sophisticated martinis and other intricate concoctions. The sultry dim lighting and lounging sofas exude speakeasy vibes where you can relax, observe the fine decor, and even chat with the meny approachable bartenders, all while effortlessly sipping on a high-quality martini.
There is truly no other place like the artistic Mission District, and while this is not a comprehensive list, this guide will set you for a delightful day of discovery with plenty of unforgettable memories.
See also: Our Ultimate Guide To A Perfect Day Trip To Berkeley
Photography by: Leo Korman/Unsplash
