Mission District Food & History Walking Tour

Supplied by: Gray Line San Francisco

Overview

Join our exclusive sightseeing walking tour throuh San Francisco's Mission District and be part of an unforgettable exploration.

The tour starts at Mission San Francisco de Asis (also known as Mission Dolores), one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco. This chapel is home to exclusive religious art, and we will explore the rich history. You will be able to enjoy its gardens and explore the only cemetery within the city limits.

Just two blocks away you will find Mission Dolores Park. Formerly a Jewish Cemetery. Now one of the most popular and crowded parks in San Francisco. Spring and Summer months see the grass-lined with blankets as the locals enjoy community and sport. Moving through the park, we will pass Father Hidalgo’s statute making our way to see the “Golden Fire Hydrant”. This fire hydrant located at Church St. & 20th was the only functioning hydrant during the 1906 earthquake & fire. This single hydrant saved the Mission from destruction. This location being elevated affords a great view of the city.

We depart Mission Dolores Park to explore the surrounding neighborhoods where you will find extraordinary street art. You will enjoy the hidden wonders inside the Mission as well as the Mission Community pool, Bnai David’s Synagogue, and the Women’s building which hosts one of the most famous murals in San Francisco.

Our next stop will be at Café de Olla in the heart of the Mission. Café de Olla Restaurant makes everything from scratch, honoring the Oaxacan style cuisine where you will be tempted to taste typical Mexican dishes such as Quesadillas, Tamales, Tlayudas, and Tortillas, along with typical beverages such as Agua Fresca, Ice Caffe da Olla, and many other options. Cheer up and taste the “Chapulines”!!!

After enjoying the good meal, we continue our exploration of Mission Street. This vibrant and bustling community, full of traditional shops and old theaters. The pace of the locals conducting daily commerce is exciting, everywhere you look the unique architecture presents itself. Classic Victorian-style homes

throughout the district we will examine some of the most popular on Lexington St & San Carlos St., different architecture styles and cultures in only a few blocks!

Finally, you will arrive at the most popular area, 24th Street that connects Mission Street with Potrero Street. Along this 8-block stretch, you will be faced with so many tantalizing choices; tacos at La Taqueria or rather pick up some pastry at La Reina Bakery or some coffee at the original Philz Coffee shop.

Before the end of this awesome trip, our tour guide will show you the amazing Balmy Alley. On this famous Mission District Street, you will be amazed by an extensive collection of murals. Most of them are an expression of outrage over human rights violations and political abuses in Central America.