Mission/Bernal Heights: San Francisco

Surrounding Mission Dolores—the oldest building in San Francisco—is the sunny Mission District, a whirl of colors, smells, and experiences that span the Americas. A little gritty, but a lot of fun, the Mission boasts myriad bars, restaurants, cafes, and galleries, where you're bound to see hipsters fresh off their fixed-gear bikes, indie fashionistas, foodies, young urban nightlife-seekers, and a vibrant Latin community rubbing elbows.

While there's plenty of art on display in the Mission's galleries, it's the neighborhood's public art that truly shines. Stroll up Balmy Alley and nearby lanes for a striking array of murals; the San Francisco Women's Building and Precita Eyes Mural Center are also great bets. On a warm, clear day, scenic Dolores Park is packed, offering views of Downtown and a glimpse of San Francisco's trademark characteristics: gourmet food carts, mobile DJ's, a lively gay scene spilling over from the neighboring Castro district, diverse families at play, and citywide residents seeking some vital rays of sun.

Valencia and Mission streets are the area's dining and nightlife arteries, although one should strongly consider a detour on 18th Street between Guerrero and Dolores for pastries at Tartine, rustic Italian at Delfina and its adjacent pizzeria, and otherworldly ice cream flavors at Bi-Rite Creamery (yes, the lines are worth braving). However, abundant trendy eateries aside, the Mission's culinary heart and soul lie in its signature Latin cuisine. Tearing into a bulging burrito at one of the area's ubiquitous taquerias is a must; we especially love Papalote, Pancho Villa, and Taqueria Cancun. © NileGuide