The best part of living in San Francisco has got to be the diversity in each area of this magical 7 x 7 land I've called home for just over three years. Has it really been that long? I remember unpacking boxes in my crisp white Victorian apartment on Haight & Masonic with high ceilings and long wooden hallways thinking about how culture shocked I felt and how different San Francisco was from my previous college life in Santa Barbara. Though the time has since moved me from that hazy street, I have found myself more eager every day to explore every inch of this city. Today I am presenting you with a somewhat how to guide of exploring the area around Dolores Park like a local. You will find recommendations of how to spend the perfect afternoon in this area to allow yourself to see the vibrancy along the streets. Visiting the Mission District always leaves me satisfied. I think it's the warmth and almost always sunny skies paired with the quaint boutiques and restaurants that really get me. The city feel is definitely more apparent here than my neighborhood, and that is one thing I appreciate. Being surrounded by murals, cafes, and a pretty great park is what city life is all about. Although not pictured here, if you have time, explore the inside of Mission Dolores, take a chocolate tour at Dandelion Chocolate, shop at Thread Lounge and check out the newly opened Ampersand, a lovely flower shop around the corner from Belljar.
E X P L O R E T H E M U R A L S A T C L A R I O N A L L E Y
{ Mission + Valencia & 17th + 18th }
{ Mission + Valencia & 17th + 18th }
S T O P I N A T B I - R I T E M A R K E T F O R P I C N I C S U P P L I E S
{ 3639 18th Street }
{ 3639 18th Street }
W A L K A F E W B L O C K S T O D O L O R E S P A R K
{ 19th & Dolores Street }
{ 19th & Dolores Street }
S O A K I N T H E S U N W H I L E E N J O Y I N G S K Y L I NE V I E W S
FUEL UP AT TARTINE BAKERY
{ 600 Guerrero Street }
{ 600 Guerrero Street }
E N J O Y H O M E - M A D E I C E C R E A M A T B I - R I T E C R E A M E R Y
{ 3692 18th Street }
{ 3692 18th Street }
S H O P L O C A L B O U T I Q U E S A L O N G V A L E N C I A S T R E E T
{ Belljar: 3187 16th Street + Thread Lounge: 724 Valencia Street }
{ Belljar: 3187 16th Street + Thread Lounge: 724 Valencia Street }
E N J O Y A M I D - A F T E R N O O N S N A C K A T C H I N O
{ 3198 16th Street }
{ 3198 16th Street }
Have you explored The Mission district? What are your favorite places to visit while in the area? Looking for even more San Francisco local guides and weekend getaway inspiration? Come chat with me on twitter, follow my adventures in the city on Instagram and stay connected with Sunshine Daydream through facebook.