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San Francisco: Mission District Food & History Walking Tour – San Francisco, California
Join a guided walking tour of San Francisco’s Mission District and immerse yourself in the culture of this area by exploring its food and history.
EXPERIENCE:
Dive into the history and culture of one of the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco on a guided walking tour of the Mission District. Sample local cuisine and sip coffee as you learn about the history of this area.
Begin your tour at one of the oldest buildings in the city, Mission San Francisco de Asis. Often referred to as Mission Dolores, this chapel is home to exclusive religious art. Unearth its rich history, enjoy the chapel gardens, and visit the only cemetery within the city limits.
Next, make your way to Mission Dolores Park, formerly a Jewish cemetery and today one of the most popular parks in the city. Wander through the park, passing by Father Hidalgo’s statue and the Golden Fire Hydrant, the miraculous hydrant that saved the Mission District after the 1906 earthquake.
Leave the park and set out to discover the surrounding neighborhoods and marvel at extraordinary street art. Stop at Café de Olla in the heart of the Mission. This restaurant makes everything from scratch, honoring Oaxacan-style cuisine.
Sample local dishes like quesadillas, tamales, tlayudas, and tortillas and sip on typical beverages such as Agua fresca or ice caffe da olla. Having refueled, continue your tour as you wander down Mission Street, a vibrant street lined with traditional stores and theatres.
Spot the diversity of architectural styles that dominate the area, from Victorian to stick-style houses, to mixed-use Mission Revival buildings. Follow your guide as you head towards 24th Street, an 8-block stretch that will tantalize you with an array of food choices, from tacos to pastries.
Finally, visit Balmy Alley, a famous street in the Mission District area known for its extensive collection of murals. Delve into the themes behind these striking artworks, most of which were painted as an expression of outrage over human rights violations and political abuses in Central America.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore Mission District through its stories and foods
Immerse yourself in the history of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhood
Follow your guide through some of the district’s best-known locations
See the only fire hydrant to survive the 1906 earthquake
Marvel at vibrant street art that often tells a heartbreaking story
Taste traditional foods like tamales, tortillas, and tacos
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