Highlights of San Francisco's Mission District

San Francisco is one of the World's most beautiful cities. With stunning views of the Bay Area, gorgeous Victorian architecture, sprawling greens and parks, and spectacular cuisine, San Francisco is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country and the globe. But, as with any tourist hotspot, knowing where and where not to go puts you dramatically ahead of the game and can end up saving you both time and money.

In San Francisco's Mission District, visitors and locals experience the storied vibrancy of the City first hand. Shops and restaurants spill out onto Mission, and Guerrero Streets. There are produce shops and seafood stands and cheap eateries. There are independent boutiques and second-hand bookstores. All the varied elements that complete a city can be found in the Mission District. It is not some non-descript strip mall of continuous Gap Stores or P.F. Chang's. There is real character in the buildings, stores, and most importantly people.

Dolores Park between Dolores and Church on 19^th contains one of the most complete and spectacular views of the City. From the

Bay Bridgeto City Hall and beyond, visitors are granted a unparalleled vista in one of San Francisco's public parks. Close by is Mission Dolores, the oldest building in San Francisco and the reason for the neighborhood's name. The park is tiered over three, ascending blocks and makes admirable use of the weirdly shaped space. There are terraces to sun-bath or toss a Frisbee, ledges to barbeque or rest on a bench and plateaus replete with tennis courts and basketball hoops. Mission Dolores Park is the epicenter for physical activity in the Mission District and populated at all hours of the day. It's a vibrant, stunning location.

826 , between 19^th and 20^th on , is another tourist-worthy destination. Posing as a Pirate store, the location is actually home to the nation's first, free creative writing center. A drop off tutoring location for under-privileged kids, 826 sells shoals of delightful bric-a-brac for the pirate loving tourist, and donates the proceeds to its founding charity.

Also in San Francisco's Mission District are a barrage of burrito houses and taquerias. The area is famed for its super burritos and visitors can literally throw a stone and find an authentic and excellent Mexican restaurant-La Cornetta (on 23^rd and Mission) and Papalote (24^th and Mission) are two personal favorites.

Visitors may notice a string of new and used bookstores populating the avenues of the Mission District. Borderline, Phoenix, and Dog-Eared Books are three examples of the charming small businesses at work in San Francisco. With a wonderful collection of new and used material and special emphasis placed on local writing and writers, these spots offer tourists some down to earth

San Francisco
flavor.

After spending the day spending your money in various restaurants and shops, be sure to check out the Mission District's bar scene. Along Mission and , dives and swank establishments run the avenues offering the finest and hippest drinks and clientele. The Lone Palm (between Guerrero and on 22^nd) is a great spot to relax and avoid the hustle of some of the more populated bars (Amnesia on and 20^th is one such location). The Mission Bar (on Missionand 23^rd) is another top choice for someone looking for well drinks. And a personal favorite of mine happens to be The Attic on 24^th and Mission (directly across from the BART station). Both of these establishments offer more moderately priced beers and liquors with fun, unassuming atmospheres.

Whatever you preference, the Mission District in San Francisco can fit the bill, at a bill you can foot.