San Francisco's Famous District Is An Artsy Gem Brimming With Breathtaking Murals And Awe-Inspiring Charm

San Francisco might not be California's largest city (that crown officially belongs to Los Angeles, of course), but the seven-by-seven-mile metropolis packs quite the outsized punch. It's "The Healthiest City in America," and a gorgeous destination chock-full of iconic (albeit terrifying) hills and eclectic neighborhoods. But beyond the picturesque postcard moments (and trust us, the city has many!), San Francisco is made up of several different districts, each with their own unique charm and vibe. And none are quite as artistic and rebellious as the Mission District.

The Mission is a vibrant enclave — one of the oldest in San Francisco — made famous for its colorful murals, mouthwatering eats, and a vibe that feels equal parts rebellious and radiant. Here, the streets act as an open-air art gallery. Each stunning piece shares stories of resistance, heritage, and hope. If you're looking for awe-inspiring charm in a city where self-expression is pretty much its middle name, the Mission District is most certainly where you need to be.

Wandering around the Mission grants visitors so much more than mere Instagrammable moments — it's a cultural landmark with roots that run deep within the city. Balmy Alley, which is located between 24th and 25th streets and Treat and Harrison streets, is one of the city's most concentrated collections of murals, the oldest dating back to the '80s.  Here you can discover large-scale pieces that speak to human rights, social justice movements, and Latin American culture. Clarion Alley is another must, located between 17th and 18th and Mission and Valencia streets in the Mission. This block offers a more eclectic street-art-meets-activism vibe, representing voices from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled artists.

If you want to learn more about the mural movement and the pieces themselves, we highly recommend booking a tour with a group like Precita Eyes Muralists, a community-based organization that offers Saturday walking tours. Led by locals, the hour-and-a-half tours start at around $25, with special discounts for seniors and children, and will give visitors insight into the historical and cultural significance of the mural movement.

The Mission District is located just 13 miles from the San Francisco International Airport (one of the most breathtaking airports to land at). We highly recommend using ride share or public transit — The BART train is easy to use and incredibly commuter-friendly for exploring the city. Of course, if you're coming from elsewhere in California, driving or renting a car is always an option. But be forewarned that the hilly streets and city traffic are something you'll need to get used to.

San Francisco is far from one of the most budget-friendly vacation destinations in California, but you can definitely find reasonable hotels if you know where to look. Hayes Valley and SOMA are cute areas that sometimes offer decent deals, but expect to pay anywhere from $99 to $350 or more per night.

Aside from stunning murals, the Mission also has some of the best food in the city. Try the 12-course tasting at the two-time Michelin-starred Birdsong or the more casual, but equally as coveted, La Palma Mexicatessen if you prefer something more classic. And since you're in the area, you'll definitely need to grab a picnic from Rhea's Market and Deli and hang out at Dolores Mission Park — it's kind of a must. Whether you're an art lover, foodie, or just love to get into the underbelly of the city, the Mission District is more than a must-stop in San Francisco, it's the heart and soul.