The Mission District of San Francisco can be a refreshing contrast to the touristy areas of Fishermen’s Warf and Union Square or the swanky SOMA and Financial Districts. Here you will find a vibrant, down to earth, artsy and somewhat gritty neighborhood that embraces its Latin roots. Spend a day exploring this authentic and colorful neighborhood.

San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood has held tight to its cultural and historic roots. The Mission has been the home to Italian, German, Irish, Mexican and Central American immigrants coming to this neighborhood to get their start. Throughout the past century Latin American immigrants from Mexico and Central America have settled in the barrio south of Market Street, seeking political refuge and economic opportunity. Today the Latin heritage and immigrant history of the community shine through. Live music streams through the streets, ever-evolving art brightens the walls, and the small family owned markets, bodegas, and eateries are the neighborhood’s foundation.

Explore the murals and street art

A visit to the Mission District is not complete without strolling the streets to take in the barrio’s magnificent murals. As early as the 1970s the neighborhood’s members began to use art as a medium for depicting Latino immigrant experiences, struggles, and political injustices. Over the years this medium of self-expression has evolved, and murals reflecting the reality, experiences, and heritage of the community adorn the walls and alleys of this colorful and politically woke neighborhood. Mural walking tours are provided for free by the public library. Precita Eyes, a non-profit organization that manages the Mission District Murals, also offers a variety of tours starting at $15. However, a self-guided tour of the district’s murals can be easily accomplished by typing in Mission District Murals to google maps. Grab a pan dulce and cup of coffee at Bakery La Mejor, then set out to explore the barrio’s works of art.

Wandering through The Mission will all but guarantee that you come across at least some of its street art, but certain areas are more concentrated. If you are going to explore just one location, make it Balmy Alley off 24th Street. Artists began painting murals here in the 1980s as a response to outrage over political and humanitarian injustices in Central America. Today nearly every wall, garage door and fence has been painted with colorful and meaningful art. Many of the murals throughout this alley depict political and humanitarian themes such as human rights, immigration, gentrification.

To continue your walking tour, head down 24th St. toward Mission St. where you will come across the Cypress Street Murals. Further down 24th are the Lilica Mural Project and the Osage Street Murals. These two sites are not nearly as impressive as the previous two, but are still worth a visit. Next, head up Mission Street several blocks toward Mission Dolores where you will find Clarion Street Alley Art between Mission and Valencia Streets. The art here is more playful and urban. The Women’s Building on 18th Street between Valencia and Guerrero is another impressively painted structure.

Bite into a Mission burrito

Take a break from the mural tour to refuel with a signature Mission burrito. Ask 10 different locals for their favorite burrito spot, and you will get 10 different answers. My pick is Taqueria El Farolito. Here you will find the best super shrimp burrito outside of Baja Mexico. It is loaded with flavorful shrimp, avocado and creamy sauce. The nachos are also worth digging into and are served fully loaded. This place does not skimp on the good stuff. La Taqueria is another favorite locale, touted for their rice-free burritos. Taqueria Vallarta offers up a unique burrito selection, including a wide variety of vegetarian burritos such as the cactus burrito. Whichever burrito joint you choose, expect a no-frills atmosphere and delicious, reasonably-priced, big-ass burritos.

Visit Mission Dolores

After filling up on burritos and exploring the street art at the north end of Mission Street, make your way to Mission Dolores. Founded in 1776 by Spanish missionaries, Mission Dolores is the oldest building in San Francisco and the oldest intact mission in California. A visit to the Old Mission provides the opportunity to explore its historic architecture and stroll through the adjoining cemetery and gardens. Traditional native trees, shrubs, flowers and plants thrive in the garden cemetery that is the final resting place of the mission’s founders and earliest non-native inhabitants. It is also the burial site of many Ohlone Indians who inhabited the area before being driven out by the Spanish settlers. A donation of $7 for adults and $5 for students in suggested.

Take in city views at Dolores Park

Dolores Park is a great place to take a break after touring the district’s murals and mission. This park offers panoramic views of the city, and the bay can be seen on a clear day. It is a scenic spot to relax and enjoy the city views and offers easy access from the BART. It can get very crowded on a sunny weekend when friends and family will gather to picnic, play lawn games, and soak up the sun.

Grab a drink

After a long day of exploring the district, you’ve earned a drink! Wind down with a margarita and empanada at El Techo which serves Latin American street food, cocktails and beer from its rooftop patio. Come in for Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4-6 pm to enjoy a pitcher of sangria and views of the city. Or, stroll down the street to the patio at Tacolicious for a mezcal cocktail or a habanero passion fruit pasión cocktail.

Visit a Mom and Pop shop

If you are looking to take home a piece of the Mission District, visit one of the barrio’s many local markets, bodegas and specialty shops. Grab some fruit for tomorrow’s breakfast from one of the mercados selling fresh produce. Bring home some Middle Eastern spices from Samiramis Imports. Or peruse the rare books and works of art at Adobe Books, a mostly volunteer run bookshop, gallery and community gathering spot since 1989.

The Mission District has been hit hard by gentrification spurred by wealthy technology employees moving into this edgy neighborhood. While the neighborhood has experienced benefits such as a decrease in crime, rising rent prices are driving families and local shop-owners out of this traditionally working-class Latino neighborhood. Visiting local, traditional businesses in this district and saving the trendy $6 coffee shop purchase for another day will help keep the culture, history and vibe of this creative community intact. Try the agua fresca instead; you won’t be disappointed!