Monumental public murals cover nearly 600 facades of this largely Latino community.

• • Shopping: Eclectic yet affordable shops with books, art, furniture and used clothes.
• • Food: Delicious taquerias and tapas.
• • Nightlife: Casual and intimate bars or high-energy nightclubs with salsa dancing.
• • Park: Mission Dolores Park is a popular hangout on weekends plus it has one of the best views of downtown.

Enjoy shade trees and peaceful fountains at Yerba Buena Gardens.

• • Scene: An old industrial wasteland that became SF's alternative cultural center.
• • Shopping: Best Goodwill shopping, but watch out for the competition.
• • Nightlife: Theme nights and celebrity DJs make the area's club scene the city's best.
• • Arts: Local artists' studios dominate but the SF Museum of Modern Art is the top draw.