The Mission District in San Francisco is home to a vibrant community of culture, food, museums, and history. But one of its favored attractions is its colorful outdoor art gallery – the Mission District murals. The streets are filled with more than 1,000 beautifully painted murals, both old and new, each one telling a unique story and offering a peek inside the area’s culture.
The best way to see these colorful displays is on foot, so grab your shoes and use our guide on where to see Mission District Murals.
Balmy Alley
No list about where to see Mission District Murals is complete without a mention of Balmy Alley. Here is where you will see the most concentrated collection of murals in San Francisco. With the first mural dating back to the mid-80s, this is where it all started. While a self-guided tour is a great way to view these murals, there is also a guided tour available from Precita Eyes Mural Arts.
Visitors can even find a mural of the Inn San Francisco with Marty (the owner/innkeeper) and his dog Marshmellow.
A quick and easy 15-minute walk from Inn San Francisco, visiting Balmy Alley makes a great way to start your day exploring the Mission District.
Between 24th & 25th Street, along Treat and Harrison Street
Clarion Alley
Photo provided by Clarion Alley Murals Instagram
As a place that wants to be free, the murals of Clarion Alley represent this sentiment. From the “End Apartheid” to “Bangkit Palesina!” the political stance is clear and so is the talent. Inspired by Balmy Alley, there are over 700 murals painted onto the side of buildings and garages. Known for its sense of community, Clarion Alley hosts a variety of community events that support the artists and community.
Between Mission Street and Valencia Street.
Carnaval Mural
Bring out the wide-angle lens for this one. The Carnaval Mural is a staggering 24 feet tall and 75 feet wide mural located above the House of Breaks. Created from the inspiration of several artists, it is also known as “Golden Dreams of the Mission” and was painted in such a way that the paint details create an illusion that the building itself is of Victorian style.
At the corner of 24th and South Van Ness Ave.
Women’s building – the MaestraPeace Mural
Photo provided by Women’s Building Instagram
The Women’s Building is internationally recognized for its MaestraPeace Mural, which honors the important roles women play throughout the world. This work of artistic achievement is one of the best visual tributes to the contributions of women throughout the world’s history.
Precita Eyes
One of the most recognizable places to see Mission District murals is at the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitor Center. Built around the idea of community mural art, this non-profit celebrates culture, community, and the arts in a fun and unique way. Take a self-guided tour or join in on one of their many designated tours to better understand the background and inspiration behind these murals.
As one of the many things to do in the Mission District, taking a stroll through the streets to view these colorful pieces of art is well worth the time. One of the best ways to discover the Mission District neighborhood is with a stay at the Inn San Francisco. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, we are minutes away from the best restaurants, bars, and nightlife in town.
