Mission District: gastronomia e história

The tour begins at Mission San Francisco de Asis, also known as Mission Dolores, one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco. This chapel houses unique religious art, and we will delve into its rich history. You can enjoy its tranquil gardens and explore the only cemetery within the city limits.
Just two blocks away is Mission Dolores Park, once a Jewish cemetery and now one of San Francisco's most popular and lively parks. During the spring and summer months, the lawn is adorned with blankets as locals gather for community and recreational activities. As we make our way through the park, we will pass by the statue of Father Hidalgo and make our way to the 'Golden Fire Hydrant' at Church St. and 20th. This fire hydrant was the only working hydrant during the 1906 earthquake and fire, saving the Mission from destruction. Its elevated location offers a fantastic view of the city.
We will leave Mission Dolores Park to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, where you will find exceptional street art. You will discover the hidden gems within the Mission, including the Mission Community Pool, the Bnai David Synagogue and the Women's Building, which houses one of San Francisco's most renowned murals.
Our next stop will be Café de Olla, in the heart of the Mission. Café de Olla restaurant prepares everything from scratch, honoring the Oaxacan style cuisine. Here you will have the opportunity to savor typical Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, tamales, tlayudas and tortillas, along with traditional drinks such as Agua Fresca, Ice Caffe da Olla and many other options. Dare and try the chapulines.
After indulging in a delicious meal, we will continue our exploration of Mission Street, a vibrant and bustling community filled with traditional stores and old theaters. Locals engage in daily commerce at a lively pace, and the district's unique architecture is a feast for the eyes. You'll find classic Victorian-style homes along the way, with a closer look at some of the most popular on Lexington St and San Carlos St, which showcase different architectural styles and cultural influences in just a few blocks.
Finally, we'll reach the popular 24th St, which connects Mission Street to Potrero Street. Along this 8-block stretch, you'll be spoiled for choice, whether you're savoring tacos at La Taqueria, shopping for pastries at La Reina Bakery or enjoying a coffee at the original Philz Coffee shop.
Before concluding this fantastic tour, our tour guide will lead you to the incredible Balmy Alley. This famous street in the Mission District is adorned with an extensive collection of murals, most of which express outrage over human rights violations and political abuses in Central America.