Attractions in Mission District (San Francisco)

Mission Dolores

The northernmost of the California missions founded by Father Junipero Serra, this mission is the oldest structure in San Francisco, dating from 1788. Walk inside and it is like Spanish Colonial San Francisco beneath roof beams held together with rawhide strips. The graveyard includes the remains of both noble colonial families and the Native Americans who were conscripted to build and then serve the Mission. The museum houses artifacts and manuscripts.

Dolores Park

This is one of the main hot spots in San Francisco and is the major meet-up place for many San Franciscans. Though it is not very large, it attracts crowds of people and the beautiful views make it worth the visit. Recreational resources include a few tennis courts, basketball courts, two soccer fields and a children's playground but most of all Dolores Park is often used as a venue for special events such as movies in the park. Its surrounding area is known for some of San Francisco's major culinary attractions: Delfina, Pizzeria Delfina and the Tartine Bakery. It is also a great place to chill with some ice cream from the Bi-Rite Creamery. Saturday hang-outs in the park are often events themselves; the park is always packed on weekends. Dolores Park is almost always sunny, the famous fog knows better than to ruin the oasis that is the park. Whether you choose to sit in Dog Beach (to the left at the bottom of the stairs), Hipster Beach (to the right at the bottom of the stairs, Speedo Ridge (top right of the park) or partake in actual activity at the playground or tennis courts you are sure to have a grand ol' time.

Women's Building Mural

The colorful mural that covers this building, Maestrapeace, portrays famous women of the last century. Images include Georgia O'Keefe and Audre Lord. Ten San Francisco artists and 80 female volunteers, some of them local schoolchildren, painted this mural in 1994. Not only is this most colorful mural in the city, it is also the largest. It is also, and this almost goes without saying here in the progressive Bay Area, a masterpiece of political correctness done in a disarmingly naive style.

Precita Eyes Muralists

The historic Mission District is home to many internationally famous murals. See 75 murals in just 6 blocks in an informative tour given by a professional muralist. Tours also include historic sites of community mural art and other points of interest. Check website for private tours, bicycle tours, and additional information.

San Francisco Community Music Center

Located in an old Victorian in the Mission District, the San Francisco Community Music Center was founded in 1921 with the idea that all people should have the opportunity to be involved with music. Various private and group lessons are available, focusing on different types of musical styles including jazz, western classical, Latin, and Chinese. The Community Music Center also holds low-cost concerts, often featuring professional musicians. Check their website for a complete schedule.

Mission High School

This is the oldest high school in San Francisco still located at its original site—between Mission Dolores and Mission Church with the Mission Creek running beneath the school. The lobby of the school leads to a theater which seats 1,750 and has two levels and a gold leaf ceiling. It also has two 35mm projectors. The school is proud of its ethnic diversity and welcome parents and community members to be involved in the educational process.

Cupid's Span

Cupid's Span is located on the waterfront near the Oakland Bridge in the magnificent Rincon Park on the Embarcadero. The structure is 60 feet high and is made up of painted fiber glass and stainless steel. Designed by two Swedish artist— Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, this eye-catching piece of work is a major attraction in the park.

Mission Murals

The colorful Mission District we can say is the capital of murals in San Francisco, as it has the greatest number of murals in this vibrant city. San Francisco has kept its tradition rich and diverse with murals painted on building walls, garage doors, fences and facades. The Latino community that resided in the neighborhood of Mission District in 1970s bought this unique tradition with them.