A Summer Morning at Dolores Park

We spent a summer morning at Dolores Park. The skies were clear, downtown was visible across the rooftops, and people were spreading out on the grass.

Dolores Park on a summer morning with downtown SF skyline in background

We joined a SF City Guides walking tour. The tours are free, volunteer-led, and cover different neighborhoods and themes.

After the park, we walked to Mission Dolores—the original mission that gave the neighborhood its name.

Mission Dolores basilica exterior with white facade and towers

Admission to the Mission is $7 (as of 2022). We looked from outside instead.

Mission Dolores entrance at 320 Dolores Street

Misión San Francisco de Asís at 320 Dolores St. Built in 1776—the oldest building in San Francisco.

Mission Dolores historic adobe chapel next to basilica

For more Mission spots, Cafe Valencia has Brazilian snacks. Stonemill Matcha near 16th Street BART does good tea. St. Francis Fountain serves old-school brunch.

For hilltop views looking down over the park, Bernal Heights and Dolores Heights gives you the full panorama from above.

See our complete Mission District Guide for more neighborhood recommendations.