Exploring 24th Street and Mission: A Vibrant Hub in San Francisco’s Mission District

24th Street, stretching eastward from the bustling intersection of Mission Street and the BART station, stands as a vibrant artery within San Francisco’s iconic Mission District. For generations, this stretch has been the commercial heart of the Latino community, a place where family businesses thrive and cultural heritage is proudly displayed. While the winds of change, in the form of trendy gourmet shops, have gently swept through, 24th Street retains its unique character and charm, offering an authentic taste of the Mission.

This area is renowned for its incredible concentration of murals and wall paintings, arguably the highest in San Francisco. This artistic richness is largely thanks to the influential Precita Eyes Muralists, a community-based arts organization that has transformed the neighborhood into an open-air art gallery. Balmy Alley, a nearby pedestrian lane, is a particularly celebrated epicenter of these vibrant murals, drawing visitors and art enthusiasts alike.

Stepping back in time, many of the established businesses that line 24th Street, from cozy shops to traditional bakeries, trace their roots back to the 1940s and 50s. This era saw a significant influx of workers from Mexico, who came to contribute to the city’s shipyards and factories and subsequently made the Mission their home. Among these enduring landmarks is the St. Francis Fountain and Diner, a beloved institution that has been serving the community since 1918, a testament to the street’s long and rich history.

Getting to 24th Street And Mission is easily accessible via BART. Simply take any BART train to the 24th Street Mission station from various points including Powell, Montgomery, or Civic Center stations. Venturing to this part of the Mission District offers a refreshing contrast to the typical downtown San Francisco experience and is remarkably easy to reach. For those interested in seeing the diverse facets of the area, a walk west along 24th Street towards Noe Valley reveals a fascinating study in contrasts as the neighborhood’s character subtly shifts.

• 24th Street at Valencia Street

• Mission Street at Valencia Street

• Houses at 24th Street near Valencia

• Entrance to the BART station at 24th Street and Mission Street

• Stairs leading down to the BART station at 24th and Mission Streets

• Inside the BART station at 24th and Mission Streets

• Murals in a parking lot on 24th Street near Valencia

• Shop window on 24th Street

• The Napper Tandy Bar, on Mission Street at South Van Ness

• Garage mural near 25th Street

• Houses on Folsom Street near 24th Street

• Houses on Folsom Street

• The 67 bus approaching Folsom Street from 24th Street

• Folsom Street, looking south from 24th Street

• La Palma Mexica-Tessen, on 24th Street

• 24th Street at Alabama Street

• Dominguez Mexican Bakery on 24th Street at Alabama

• La Victoria Bakery on 24th Street at Alabama Street

• Entrance to the mini-park at 24th Street and York

• Snake in the mini-park at 24th Street and York

• Tiled snake-head at the playground in 24th Street/York Mini-Park

• St. Francis Fountain

• La Reyna Bakery on 24th Street

• Exterior decor on side of house off of 24th Street

• Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream, on Harrison at 24th Street

• Dynamo Donuts, on 24th Street near York

• 24th Street at Hampshire Street

• Playground in Potrero del Sol Park

• Skating area in Potrero del Sol Park

• Rolph Playground at Potrero Avenue just south of 25th Street

• View west from walkway over Cesar Chavez Street

• Mural on store at Potrero Avenue

• Mission/24th Street info on other sites

• Precita Eyes

• Balmy Alley