At-a-Glance

Once known as known as "the Mission lands" (that is, the lands belonging to Mission San Francisco de Asis, which holds the distinction as the oldest building in the City), The Mission District was once inhabited by the Ohlone people, a Native American tribe who populated much of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Towards the end of the 18th century, however, Spanish missionaries began settling in the area, bringing with them their religion, culture, and way of life.

Over time, The Mission has served many roles: as rancho and farm land; industrial space and housing plots for working-class German, Irish, and Italian immigrants; and, in its most recent iteration, as one of the City’s most culturally diverse — and highly desirable — neighborhoods.

In a Word

Hipster

Living Here

With so much to do and experience in The Mission, it’s hard to decide where to begin.

• If you're looking for a top-notch meal, take a stroll down Valencia Street—aka “Restaurant Row”—where you'll find hundreds of delicious options to choose from.
• Need coffee and a snack? Stop into Tartine Bakery or the Valencia Farmers Market.
• Creative types will appreciate The Mission’s active arts community and the colorful murals that span entire city blocks.
• And nowhere else will you get a sense of just how much of a community there is in The Mission than at the Mission Neighborhood Center

Good-to-Know

Dolores Park is a fantastic place to settle in with a good book or simply spend the day people watching. Bring the kids over to enjoy Friends of Dolores Park Playground. Although large, it fills up quickly on a sunny day, so come early and stay all day.

Why The Mission?

The Mission is a popular area that attracts a mix of people, from working-class Latino families to single professionals, artists, and others who thrive on its culturally diverse atmosphere.