San Francisco is proud of their burritos, and for good reason. Spend an afternoon exploring the Mission District and eating the best burritos on this Mission burrito walking tour.
Burrito Walking Tour Overview
Distance: ~3 miles
Estimated time: 3-4 hours with stops
Difficulty: Easy
Mission District Walking Tips
- Start hungry: You’ll want to sample food along the way.
- Cash or card: Some small spots on this tour only accept cash.
- Take your time: Part of the fun is wandering the streets, stopping for murals, and browsing shops.
- Layer up: San Francisco weather changes quickly, the Mission is sunnier than many neighborhoods in SF, but it is best to be prepared.
How Many Burritos?!
I know what you are thinking, I can’t possibly eat more than one burrito! But how many half burritos can you eat with some walking in between? Maybe just two halves, but that’s enough to get a sample of different burritos and get a good tour (and taste) of the Mission District in San Francisco.
This is my map of a walking burrito tour and more things to see and sample in the Mission District in San Francisco.
The Map: Mission Burrito Walking Tour
The Walking Route
This route covers the main streets in the Mission including 24th Street, Mission Street, and Valencia Street. You will pass murals, unique shops, and share two burritos. For this tour, I chose burritos that are a good contrast from each other, one traditional and a modern fusion burrito. There are other spots on the map in case you want to try another highly recommended burrito in the neighborhood.
Get your friend that likes to share food and spend an afternoon sampling burritos. I live in Noe Valley which is just a 10-minute walk downhill to the Mission. Here is where I took a friend that was visiting recently.
A. La Mexicana Bakery
Begin the tour by picking up some pan dulce at La Mexicana Bakery. This is a small shop that is cash only and to-go only. I love the orejas (elephant ears). Snack on them while you walk or save some for dessert at the end.
Walk 24th Street
Continue wandering down 24th Street, officially Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, and admire the many murals and shops along the way. Some notable stops that are on the map are La Palma Mexicatessen for their homemade tortillas, Balmy Alley for the murals, and a mural on the corner of 24th Street and Shotwell.
B. Taqueria El Farolito
The first stop to eat a burrito is Taqueria El Farolito. It is divey and cash only. Order a Super Burrito with your choice of meat (I love the carnitas) and ask them to cut it in half so you can share with a friend. Order a beer, find a seat, and wait for them to bring your order. There is a patio out back but don’t expect anything to be clean or fancy here.
Walk Mission Street
After polishing off your first half burrito, head up Mission Street. The main streets in this neighborhood run parallel to each other, Mission and Valencia. Even though they are only a block apart, they contrast from each other drastically. Mission Street is the more historic street that still maintains the historic Latin feel. Parallel Valencia is the gentrified hipster street with vintage shops, trendy restaurants and bars. I love walking visitors through both to experience the contrast.
C. Detour to Gravel & Gold and Lexington Street
Take a detour over to 21st and Lexington to stop into a cute boutique, Gravel and Gold and admire the colorful ceramics, plants, and clothes. Head up this block of Lexington Street and admire the house painted a gradient from yellow to turquoise about halfway up the block as well as the historic homes. This street is part of the Liberty Hill Historic District.
Back to Mission Street
Make your way back to Mission Street and continue until Clarion Alley.
D. Clarion Alley Murals
Cut through to Valencia Street along Calrion Alley and admire the murals. This is one of the best mural alleys in the City, perfect for slowing down to enjoy the public art.
Valencia Street
Turn south on Valencia and head towards your next burrito stop. Take note of the difference in Valencia from Mission Street.
E. Fort Point Brewery and Dandelion Chocolate
Stop in to Dandelion Chocolate to sample the chocolate. Next door, Fort Point is a great place to take a break for a beer. You can create your own flight with 3 or 6 samples to taste. I love the KSA and Super Natural Cider.
F. Paxton Gate
Pop in to Paxton Gate to check out the taxidermy that looks like art. They also have succulents and a small garden in the back. Next door, the Pirate Supply Store is another unique shop worth checking out.
G. Señor Sisig
Next stop, another half burrito. Señor Sisig creates Filipino burritos. They started out as a food truck and this location is their first brick and mortar store. My favorite order is the Señor Sisig Burrito with chicken, medium spice level. Ask them to cut it in half. You can eat here, or take your burrito to Delores Park to eat.
H. Dolores Park
Last stop, eat your burritos and pan dulce (if you have any left) while admiring the view and people watching in Dolores Park. Make sure to check out the view of downtown from the corner of Church and 20th Street.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this burrito tour of the Mission. Let me know if you take the tour or have any favorite places in the Mission.
If you like this walking tour, I have a popular post about the best way to walk up to Twin Peaks from Noe Valley you should try next.
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