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Top 10 things to do in the Mission District

The Inn San Francisco is located in the Mission District neighborhood, one of the sunniest parts of the city! We love our neighborhood and want you to explore it fully so we outlined the top 10 things to do or see in the Mission District!

1. Check out Dolores Park

If you’re fortunate to have a sunny day in the city, head to Dolores Park immediately for sunbathing, a picnic, or simply to relax and soak up the incredible views of the San Francisco skyline.

Mission Dolores

2. Visit Mission Dolores

Though the original structure burned down, the adobe version that was built in 1791 is the one that’s still standing and holds the honor of being the oldest building in San Francisco. Less than 10 blocks from the Inn, you can visit this historical mission and see the only cemetery in the city limits and the beautiful gardens. The suggested donation for your visit is $7.

3. Dine out

It’s impossible to go hungry in the Mission District as we guess there are about 140 restaurants within 10 blocks of our inn! From Asian cuisine to lively taquerias, you’ll find something for everyone in your travel party. With a large Latin American influence in this neighborhood’s history, you’ll easily find plenty of Mexican, Central American, and South American restaurants and quick bites so you can join in on the debate of where the best burrito in the Mission District is.

Discover your favorite place to get the best burrito with our list of where to find the best Mission Burrito in San Francisco.  

Two homemade burritos in a white plate. Close up.

4. Take part in happy hour

Grab a cocktail or your favorite libation at one of the many bars and restaurants offering happy hour. Doc’s Clock is a local’s favorite (though it’s important to know they are a cash-only establishment), or you can check out the menus at Dalva, Trick Dog, ABV, or if you’re in the mood for a great beer then you’ll want to visit Shotwell’s.

5. Dinner and a movie

Reserve a table at Foreign Cinema for a fantastic date night of dinner and a movie! Indulge in delicious appetizer and dinner creations and then when the sun sets, turn your eyes to the far wall to watch the film (with subtitles). You can always request your waiter bring a set of speakers to the table if you want to listen in.

6. Urban Putt

Try your chance at a hole-in-one at this indoor steampunk miniature golf course. Built inside a Victorian mortuary, you’ll play your way through the city and even putt your ball over the 1906 earthquake on this 14-hole course. It’s less than a five-minute walk from the Inn!

7. View the Mission District Murals

The Mission District in San Francisco is home to a vibrant community of culture, community, food, and art. One of the best ways to experience this is by viewing the artful murals that fill the alleyways, storefronts, and sides of buildings. This outdoor art gallery offers more than 1,000 brightly painted murals, yeah one telling its own story. Be sure to use our guide about where to see the Mission District Murals during your visit to the Mission District. 

8. Pick up some treasure

San Francisco already has an eclectic vibe and culture but if you’re looking for a unique adventure in the realm of shopping, be sure to stop by 826 Valencia St. to visit San Francisco’s only independent pirate supply store. Whether you’re in the market for an eye patch or captain’s quills, you’ll find it in the shop. The shop is also the non-profit organization 826 Valencia which supports under-resourced students, aged 6 – 18, with its writing-tutoring center to inspire and empower students with their writing skills.

Related: Read here for a few fun facts about the Mission District.

9. See Galeria de la Raza

Since 1970, the gallery has celebrated the Chicano/Latino culture and hosted their works with bi-monthly exhibitions. The gallery is run by a non-profit arts organization and they also support young Latino artists.

10. See a film at the Roxie Theater

As the “second-oldest continual run cinema in the world,” the Roxie Theater is a 234-seat landmark in San Francisco. Since 1909, the theater has “pursued dreams over profit to strive to keep weird and wonderful alive in our little corner of San Francisco” and is a non-profit organization that focuses on the independent film community. Next door is the more intimate 49-seat Little Roxie that also screens one-of-a-kind films. 

BONUS:

Browse a bookstore

Quaint neighborhood bookstores are all the buzz, despite easy online access to books. The Mission District offers several opportunities to cozy up with your favorite book and cup of coffee in a  Choose from the pet-friendly local bookstore of Christopher’s or pick from a large selection of new and used books at Dog Eared Books. And if those aren’t enough hop on over to Borderlands Books; a specialty book shop with new used and rare editions.

Stay at the Inn San Francisco

Of course, the best part about visiting the Mission District is staying at Inn San Francisco as featured in the Cabbi Travel Blog! Located on Van Ness Street, between 20th and 21st, we are located in the heart of the Mission District, making our inn a great home base for exploring the Mission District neighborhood. Our Victorian-style inn offers unique accommodations, a daily breakfast buffet, and beautiful rooftop views of the city. Find the perfect room for your Bay Area getaway at our Victorian beauty. Of course, the best part about visiting the Mission District is staying in the Mission District at Inn San Francisco! Find the perfect room for your Bay Area getaway at our Victorian beauty. 

Book now until April 30th and receive 35% of your stay!

Inn San Francisco bedroom

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