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San Francisco: Mission District Walking Food Tour

1. San Francisco: Mission District Walking Food Tour

The Mission District is one of San Francisco's most interesting and eclectic neighborhoods, combining a range of influences into one unique culture. This food tour not only lets you skip the lines and taste delectable delights at a number of notable establishments, but it also offers some insight into how the Mission has grown into such a beloved locale. This tour will show you San Francisco's hidden gems, history and best eats. You can stroll the sidewalks in front of colorful Latino markets, smelling the delicious aromas wafting from first-class cafes along this diverse neighborhood's main streets. The Mission District is a neighborhood that manages to always delight visitors, yet remains beloved by San Franciscans. Whatever your taste buds seek, the Mission delivers! This 3-hour walking tour includes 5 tastings at different establishments. They are subject to change, but usually include 5 of the following places: • Taqueria Cancun (est. 1985): The most perfectly marinated meat tacos in SF • Mission Chinese (est. 2010): Where founder Danny Bowien has been nominated for a James Beard Rising Chef Award • Delfina Pizza (est. 2005): Delicious Neapolitan inspired thin crust pizzas • Tartine Bakery (est. 2002): The best French-style bakery in San Francisco, where you'll get to skip the lines • Ali Baba's Cave (est. 2003): The most delicious and moist falafel in San Francisco • Craftsman and Wolves (est. 2010): Where the paths of food and design intersect As you stroll from tasting to tasting, your guide will point out and explain the culture, history and landmarks of the area. You'll see colorful Latino markets, Diego Rivera-inspired murals and much more! Whether you're a visitor in town for only a few days, or a local born and raised, you're sure to learn something on this informative tour.

San Francisco: Mission District Food & History Walking Tour

2. San Francisco: Mission District Food & History Walking Tour

Dive into the history and culture of one of the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco on a guided walking tour of the Mission District. Sample local cuisine and sip coffee as you learn about the history of this area. Begin your tour at one of the oldest buildings in the city, Mission San Francisco de Asis. Often referred to as Mission Dolores, this chapel is home to exclusive religious art. Unearth its rich history, enjoy the chapel gardens, and visit the only cemetery within the city limits. Next, make your way to Mission Dolores Park, formerly a Jewish cemetery and today one of the most popular parks in the city. Wander through the park, passing by Father Hidalgo’s statue and the Golden Fire Hydrant, the miraculous hydrant that saved the Mission District after the 1906 earthquake. Leave the park and set out to discover the surrounding neighborhoods and marvel at extraordinary street art. Stop at Café de Olla in the heart of the Mission. This restaurant makes everything from scratch, honoring Oaxacan-style cuisine. Sample local dishes like quesadillas, tamales, tlayudas, and tortillas and sip on typical beverages such as Agua fresca or ice caffe da olla. Having refueled, continue your tour as you wander down Mission Street, a vibrant street lined with traditional stores and theatres. Spot the diversity of architectural styles that dominate the area, from Victorian to stick-style houses, to mixed-use Mission Revival buildings. Follow your guide as you head towards 24th Street, an 8-block stretch that will tantalize you with an array of food choices, from tacos to pastries. Finally, visit Balmy Alley, a famous street in the Mission District area known for its extensive collection of murals. Delve into the themes behind these striking artworks, most of which were painted as an expression of outrage over human rights violations and political abuses in Central America.

San Francisco: Mission District Food and Culture Tour

3. San Francisco: Mission District Food and Culture Tour

Take an interactive walking tour of one of the United States' best cultural and culinary neighborhoods, San Francisco's Mission District. Be entertained by stories from your expert guide as you sample Latin American cuisine. Meet your guide at the meeting point and hand over the cash for the food so they can pay for the entire group at each of the stops, minimizing waiting times and ensuring you get more for your money. Then, set off on your walking tour and make 4 culinary stops. Hear about the history of the city and learn about the Mission's unique food culture as you walk along the mural-lined streets between the restaurants. See some of San Francisco's coolest historic sights, explore a thriving arts district filled with murals, and, of course, visit a few select restaurants. Come hungry and get ready to dig into all the Mission District has to offer.

SF: Mission District Mural Art and Food Tour with Tasting

4. SF: Mission District Mural Art and Food Tour with Tasting

Meet your guide in front of the Misión San Francisco de Asís. Established in 1776, the Mission has been a witness to all of San Francisco's history including the California Gold Rush and the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Truly historic! Next, take time to contemplate the Clarion Alley Mural Project, established by a volunteer collective of resident artists using public art as a force for marginalized communities and social justice causes. The project has produced over 700 murals by artists of all ethnicities, ages, and levels of experience. The tour has an answer to any growing hunger pangs, the home of the Mission-style burrito–Taqueria La Cumbre. Sit down to a sampler plate of their tacos and virgin margaritas, both highly praised by locals (and Anthony Bourdain!). Fun fact: Classic Latin-Rock Santana once worked at La Cumbre! Next up is Dandelion Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in the Mission District. Learn how their chocolate artists roast, crack, sort, winnow, grind, conch, and temper small batches, then mold bars by hand. Before leaving, enjoy a Brownie Bite Flight featuring different chocolates. Prepare yourself for The Women’s Building, a Mission District of San Francisco institution. It has helped thousands of women gain access to social services, workshops, wellness classes, and community connections. The building’s exterior features the MaestraPeace mural, a testament to the courageous contributions of women through time.

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Frequently asked questions about Mission District Street food

What are other things to do than Street food that are worth visiting in Mission District?

The other unmissable things to do in Mission District are:

Which Mission District Street food are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

These Mission District Street food are taking additional COVID-19 precautions:

Other Sightseeing Options in Mission District

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What people are saying about Mission District

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 6 reviews

This tour was great - a big reason for that: Blair!! Our tour guide, Blair, was so great! Easy going and friendly. Then the FOOD!! Everything was delicious!! But also the sites, murals and institutions that make up the Mission District tour… I feel very informed -and full.

Very exciting trip with our local guide Eric - who was born and raised in the neighborhood. Can definitely be recommended. We came to places we would not have found ourselves. Nice local food.

Great tour! Eric is a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Would highly recommend!

Spud was excellent! Learned a lot about the city and enjoyed great food!

Enjoyed the food stops. Wish there was a bit more history included.