Neighborhoods
The Mission district was San Francisco’s historically Latino neighborhood. Because its warmer micro-climate, it has become one of the more desirable areas in San Francisco.
There are lots of restaurants, bars, and shops along Valencia and Mission streets. Dolores Park straddles the Mission and Castro neighborhoods.
354 locals recommend
Mission District
The Mission district was San Francisco’s historically Latino neighborhood. Because its warmer micro-climate, it has become one of the more desirable areas in San Francisco.
There are lots of restaurants, bars, and shops along Valencia and Mission streets. Dolores Park straddles the Mission and Castro neighborhoods.
Castro is the historically gay neighborhood of SF. There are lots of shops and restaurants.
As the neighborhood has gentrified, it is much more mixed and everyone is welcome.
293 locals recommend
The Castro
Castro is the historically gay neighborhood of SF. There are lots of shops and restaurants.
As the neighborhood has gentrified, it is much more mixed and everyone is welcome.
Noe Valley has become one of the more desirable neighborhoods in SF. It has great shops and restaurants.
The main street area runs along 24th St, between Dolores and Castro streets
94 locals recommend
Noe Valley
Noe Valley has become one of the more desirable neighborhoods in SF. It has great shops and restaurants.
The main street area runs along 24th St, between Dolores and Castro streets
Mission Terrace
Be sure to check-out Balboa Park!
Food scene
Love the pizza here and a great story. The owner started his business with a small oven attached to the back of his bike.
I’m told he got the recipe for the dough from Tartine Bakery. If you know Tartine, then expect deliciousness.
109 locals recommend
PizzaHacker
3299 Mission StLove the pizza here and a great story. The owner started his business with a small oven attached to the back of his bike.
I’m told he got the recipe for the dough from Tartine Bakery. If you know Tartine, then expect deliciousness.
One of my favorites. The food is spectacular and the service is top-notch.
Reservations can be made with OpenTable. My advice is to reserve as soon as possible.
71 locals recommend
Rich Table
199 Gough StOne of my favorites. The food is spectacular and the service is top-notch.
Reservations can be made with OpenTable. My advice is to reserve as soon as possible.
If you are looking for something besides burritos and tacos, nopalito is my favorite for casual Mexican food. Be sure to try the margarita with mezcal instead of tequila.
Nopalito does not take reservations. Typically about a 15-30 minute wait.
306 locals recommend
Nopalito
306 Broderick StIf you are looking for something besides burritos and tacos, nopalito is my favorite for casual Mexican food. Be sure to try the margarita with mezcal instead of tequila.
Nopalito does not take reservations. Typically about a 15-30 minute wait.
Decor is a bit mish-mash but the food has been really good. The grilled whole fish was amazing.
Golden State Grill
4448 Mission StreetDecor is a bit mish-mash but the food has been really good. The grilled whole fish was amazing.
Parks
Located a short walk, Balboa Park has a lot of amenities.
There is a kid’s play area, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball field, skateboarding park, and an Olympic sized swimming pool.
35 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Located a short walk, Balboa Park has a lot of amenities.
There is a kid’s play area, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball field, skateboarding park, and an Olympic sized swimming pool.
Golden Gate Park is the city’s largest park. It is also very beautiful.
Here you’ll find many museums, including the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flower, and many others.
You’ll even find bison in the park!
1721 locals recommend
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is the city’s largest park. It is also very beautiful.
Here you’ll find many museums, including the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flower, and many others.
You’ll even find bison in the park!
Dolores Park is one of the more beautiful parks in San Francisco, with a gorgeous view of the SF skyline.
In addition to plenty of hanging out space, there is a kid’s play area, basketball, and tennis courts.
46 locals recommend
Mission Dolores Park
19th StreetDolores Park is one of the more beautiful parks in San Francisco, with a gorgeous view of the SF skyline.
In addition to plenty of hanging out space, there is a kid’s play area, basketball, and tennis courts.
Groceries
Whole Foods Market
3950 24th StSafeway
625 Monterey BlvdRed Sea Pizza and Market
1801 San Jose AvenueCorner market convenience store. They also deliver pizza
Traveler advice
Getting around
MUNI is San Francisco’s light rail system
In this neighborhood, it runs along the streets and is convenient if going to Noe Valley or Castro.
Because it runs along city street, it can go a little slow, so I do not recommend for going beyond these 2 areas.
Rides are $2.75 each way. Note that they do not make change train.
Getting around
Get to downtown quickly
BART is San Francisco’s underground train and can get you to Mission and downtown quickly.
Rides are $2.50 each way. Note that if you have a Clipper Card, the cost is $2.00
Getting around
Look for parking on Paulding, San Jose, Havelock or Arago
There is plenty of street parking. Because Raleigh is a cul de sac, I recommend looking for parking on Paulding, San Jose, Havelock, or Arago St.
Please do not park in the driveway or in the red zone in front of the house.
Note street signs; the city cleans the streets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday (8-11am) and your car will be ticketed (~$80).