13 Mission District Experiences Everyone Should Try in SF
Each San Francisco neighborhood has its own unique charm and culture, and the Mission District stands out as one of the best, a…
Mission District Food and Culture Tour
Eat your heart out in SF
$39 per adult
€36 per adult
£31 per adult
C$57 per adult
A$62 per adult
-
Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
$39 per adult
€36 per adult
£31 per adult
C$57 per adult
A$62 per adult
$39 per adult
€36 per adult
£31 per adult
C$57 per adult
A$62 per adult
-
Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
Highlights
- Chow down on one of San Francisco’s greatest inventions, the Mission burrito.
- Learn how residents like Carlos Santana helped arts flourish in the Mission District.
- Explore 24th Street, considered the heart of the Mission.
- Marvel at the colorful street murals and learn their meaning.
- See the rarest SF Victorians that survived the great earthquake and fire of 1906.
- Learn what Frida Kahlo loved about San Francisco and her Mission mural connection.
What you'll do
The Mission District is one of the country’s best cultural and culinary neighborhoods, and no part of San Francisco has a more vibrant food scene than the Mission. Be entertained by amazing stories and surprising local history while dining on some of the most authentic flavors this ...
The Mission District is one of the country’s best cultural and culinary neighborhoods, and no part of San Francisco has a more vibrant food scene than the Mission. Be entertained by amazing stories and surprising local history while dining on some of the most authentic flavors this city has to offer.
Your expert guide will lead you on a walk through these beloved streets, sharing tales of San Francisco’s early days and pointing out the historic Victorian architecture with its interesting paint choices. Learn about the Latinx community that made the Mission what it is today, and discover famed artist Frida Kahlo’s connection to the Mission mural.
You’ll be able to fill your camera roll with the outdoor art everywhere. Your guide will share the highlights at places like Balmy Alley, with murals dating back to 1972, and Calle 24, the Latino heart of the Mission, covered in colorful murals.
At each of the local eateries, you can choose to dine or not — your guide will recommend a dish. But more than just savoring the food (and it’s good!), you’ll hear the stories behind these shops that are icons in the neighborhood. It’s why we call it not just a Mission District food tour but our Mission District Food and Culture Tour!
Come hungry — leave changed.
Mission District food tour itinerary
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Mission and 24th streets
The neighborhood’s most storied crossroads and birthplace of Santana’s music
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Taqueria San Jose
Award-winning, family-owned taqueria, practicing “burritology” since 1980
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Calle 24 street art
Vibrant murals that have been an SF tradition for over 50 years
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Taqueria Vallarta
Beloved taqueria dishing out tacos that would meet the approval of streetside taqueros from Tijuana to Tulum
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Balmy Alley
An open-air art gallery with murals spanning from 1972 to 2024
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La Espiga de Oro
A bakery serving up a huge assortment of pastries and even fruit-flavored tamales
Plan your trip
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Tour ending point
Our tour will end at Balmy Alley.
Food
Your prepaid ticket covers the walking tour. Be sure to bring $30 in cash to cover food. Paying in cash lets us offer more food for less money.
Reviews
Dynamic and happy guide. Walk through different streets that we won't go naturally. See a lots of murals. I recommend it
— Karyne
Excellent culture and food experience
I’m so pleased we booked this tour! Eric’s commentary and passion for the area, its history, and the murals was what made the tour for us. He was so knowledgeable and his love for the area was clear.
Great tour of the Mission district
Eric was a wonderful and attentive guide. He grew up in the area and was able to give us firsthand information about the Mission. In addition, the food experience was delicious! We would highly recommend this tour to friends.
Meeting point
Meet your guide outside the Voss Gallery. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat that says “ExperienceFirst.” For easier navigation, you can paste this address into Google Maps: 3344 24th St., San Francisco, CA 94110.
FAQs
How much walking is there?
Guests will walk 0.7 miles and will be on their feet except when eating at the restaurants they visit. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking.
Is food included?
Your ticket covers the walking tour portion of this experience. Budget $30 if you want to try all three of our recommended dishes. We also recommend bringing cash since paying in cash gives you a discount at two of the restaurants.
Where can I park?
There is metered parking along the street throughout the area. The nearest off-street parking is at the Mission Bartlett Garage (3255 21st St.).
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, this tour is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
Are vegetarian or other dietary options available?
The restaurants can accommodate most dietary restrictions. There are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes! If you want to give the gift of SF (or any of our destinations) to someone else, you can purchase a tour gift card. Our gift cards are good for any of our tours, and they never expire.
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