Mission District food and history Walking Tour: Small group

San Francisco , United States

Mission District food and history Walking Tour: Small group

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(2 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Be part of our exclusive sightseeing walking tour through San Francisco’s Mission district. We will explore the food and history of one of the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco. Dive deep inside its culture by trying delicious Oaxaca Mexican food and visiting the oldest church in SF Mission Dolores, classic Victorian architecture, and of course, the numerous murals celebrating the past and present Latin Culture.

Available options

Mission District Tour

What's included

Narrated food and history walking tour of Mission District.

Entrance fee to Mission San Francisco de Assis.

Plenty of stops with Photo opportunities.

Food tastings (Mexican Oaxaca food / second stop that could be Tacos, Pastry or Coffee).

Detailed itinerary

The tour starts at Mission San Francisco de Asis (also known as Mission Dolores), one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco. This chapel is home to exclusive religious art, and we will explore the rich history. You will be able to enjoy its gardens and explore the only cemetery within the city limits.

Stop 2

Just two blocks away you will find Mission Dolores Park. Formerly a Jewish Cemetery. Now one of the most popular and crowded parks in San Francisco. Spring and Summer months see the grass-lined with blankets as the locals enjoy community and sport. Moving through the park, we will pass Father Hidalgo’s statute making our way to see the “Golden Fire Hydrant”. This fire hydrant located at Church St. & 20th was the only functioning hydrant during the 1906 earthquake & fire.

Stop 3

We depart Mission Dolores Park to explore the surrounding neighborhoods where you will find extraordinary street art. You will enjoy the hidden wonders inside the Mission as well as the Mission Community pool, Bnai David’s Synagogue, and the Women’s building which hosts one of the most famous murals in San Francisco. Our next stop will be at Café de Olla in the heart of the Mission. Café de Olla Restaurant makes everything from scratch, honoring the Oaxacan style cuisine where you will be tempted to taste typical Mexican dishes such as Quesadillas, Tamales, Tlayudas, and Tortillas, along with typical beverages such as Agua Fresca, Ice Caffe da Olla, and many other options. Cheer up and taste the “Chapulines”!!!

After enjoying the good meal, we continue our exploration of Mission Street. This vibrant and bustling community, full of traditional shops and old theaters. The pace of the locals conducting daily commerce is exciting, everywhere you look the unique architecture presents itself. Classic Victorian-style homes throughout the district we will examine some of the most popular on Lexington St & San Carlos St., different architecture styles and cultures in only a few blocks!

Finally, you will arrive at the most popular area, 24th Street that connects Mission Street with Potrero Street. Along this 8-block stretch, you will be faced with so many tantalizing choices; tacos at La Taqueria or rather pick up some pastry at La Reina Bakery or some coffee at the original Philz Coffee shop.

Before the end of this awesome trip, our tour guide will show you the amazing Balmy Alley. On this famous Mission District Street, you will be amazed by an extensive collection of murals. Most of them are an expression of outrage over human rights violations and political abuses in Central America.

What's not included

not included

Hotel Pick up or drop off.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note this is a walking tour, we kindly advise you to use comfortable clothes and shoes and be ready for some walking.

Meeting point

The tour starts from 16th St. Mission San Francisco de Assis, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

Important notes

* Remember to be present at the departure point 15’ before the departure time set. Tour will start without delays at times set.
* You can reach us at tours@glnorcal.com or (415) 353-5310 between 10:30am to 6:30pm local time PST ONLY, if you have any questions about your booking.

About San Francisco

San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours for a tour $45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature/Park Half-day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.

Entertainment/Shopping/Dining Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining

Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.

Bread Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.

Seafood Contains shellfish

Mission Burrito

The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.

Main Course Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.

Dessert Contains dairy, may contain nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Marin Headlands Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge Spa day at a luxury hotel Picnic in Golden Gate Park Wine tasting in Napa Valley Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.

13-22°C 55-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe

Getting there

By air

San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown

By train

Emeryville Station, Richmond Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

North Beach Haight-Ashbury Mission District Castro Marina District

Day trips

Sausalito

15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.

Napa Valley

80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight

Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.

Muir Woods National Monument

25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.

Festivals

San Francisco Pride • June Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August Union Street Italian Festival • October

Pro tips

Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions