Mission District Dining and Shopping in San Francisco, California - 24-Hour Travel Guide
Overview - San Francisco's Mission District is chock full of fantastic places to eat, shop, and relax. It also tends to have the best weather in San Francisco (weather here is very neighborhood-specific). The area described in this guide is all within easy walking distance of 16th St BART and the J-Church MUNI streetcar. Note: If starting your tour at 16th St BART, walk west on 16th St, then south on Valencia - walking south on Mission St is not the nicest as that particular block is somewhat run down. No worries though - overall the neighborhood is very safe.
Breakfast - There is really only one choice for breakfast in the Mission - Tartine Bakery, on the corner of 18th St and Guerrero. Absolutely incredible baked goods, including both sweet and savory items, coupled with delicious coffee and a comfortable (if busy) environment make this a great place to start you day. Don't be discouraged by the line - it tends to move quickly, and it is well worth the wait.
Morning - Stroll west on 18th St to Dolores Park, just one block up from Tartine. If you like, walk through the park to the top corner and admire the morning view (if the fog isn't too thick - if it is, come back in the afternoon, as the fog often burns off by then). Head north along Dolores St two blocks to the famous Mission Dolores basilica (one notch down from a cathedral).
Lunch - Now it is time to sample the Mission's "indigenous" food - burritos, tacos, and other Mexican delights. The very best example, which is also surprisingly affordable, is Pancho Villa Taqueria. From Mission Dolores, head east on 16th St just past Valencia. You'll see the brick arch windows of Pancho Villa on the south side of 16th St, just a block before you reach the BART station at Mission. I suggest ordering the plates - maybe a two-taco plate if you aren't too hungry (likely after that Tartine breakfast!) or a larger platter - you can even share. Be sure to try the fresh juices.
Afternoon - Let's shop! Head a half block back west on 16th St from Pancho Villa to Valencia street and take a left (to head south). There are great shops on both sides of the street for the next few blocks - they get thin at times, but it is worth walking along Valencia down to 22nd st and back. Keep your eyes open for the murals along the way, especially on the alleys off Valencia between 17th and 18th streets.
Dinner - Wow, so many choices for an amazing dinner. Some of my favorites include Farina, Pizzeria Delfina, Monk's Kettle, Tokyo Go Go, Bar Tartine, Delfina (reservations required, and hard to get!), Frtjz, Maverick, Little Star Pizza - I suggest you search Yelp.com to read some reviews and pick one that sounds good - though you really can't go wrong with that list.
After Dark - Again, there are lots of choices for bars and cocktails, mostly within one block of 16th st and Valencia intersection. On the corner of 17th and Guerrero is the charming 500 Club. I also like the bar at Farina, the cocktails at Range, and the excellent selection of wine and beer to go at Bi Rite market on 18th between Guerrero and Dolores. If the weather is nice, and you don't mind drinking from a paper bag, get some booze to go and head back to Dolores Park - if you are lucky it'll be movie night in the park and you can catch an outdoor flick!
Sleep - There are lots of places to stay in SF, but not many in the Mission District. The Elements Hostel is good, and there are a few bed and breakfasts. The best option, however, is to rent an apartment - search Craigslist.org or VRBO.com to find many options that are likely to be less expensive, more spacious, and better located that most hotels.
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