Palette+Place: The Colorful Mission District, San Francisco

The Colorful Mission District, San Francisco, California by Wanderlust Designer
The Colorful Mission District, San Francisco, California by Wanderlust Designer

Even on a foggy day, the Mission District in San Francisco shines with color. The streets and alleys of this hip and trendy neighborhood are filled with murals and street art reflecting the artistic and diverse population that reside here. Although I lived in the city for over 10 years, and have spent many-a-night out at the bars and restaurants in this neighborhood, I had yet to photograph the amazing street art during the day. What a treat I was in for.

There are 2 alleys in “the Mission” that are most popular for the murals and street art, Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley. Most of these photos below are from Clarion Alley. The Mexican and Central American influences can be seen in many of the murals – Dia de los Muertos references are not only seen in the art, but also in some of the ironwork on an adjacent street’s sidewalks. Beyond that, I found the art to vary greatly– not only in style, but also content. A  graphic abstract “chicken” was mixed with flower power art, and even a little Dr. Seuss world. The mural of a lion had African influences, and the mural of the elephant seemed like it was straight out of India. Off of Clarion, I found many murals and street art that played with the architecture of the buildings – from incorporating smoke stacks to labeling drainage pipes.

Beyond the murals and the colorful art, the Mission is full of great shopping and dining discoveries. I was surprised to see some of my old haunts still going strong (still popular, I assume), but there are many new comers to the scene. If a little culture is desired, there is always Mission San Francisco de Asis or Mission Dolores to give you some essential California history. So, when in San Francisco, be sure to head to the Mission for an afternoon of color and culture, shopping and food, you won’t be disappointed.

Photo Essay from the Colorful Mission District, San Francisco

Mural on Clarion in the Mission District - Street Artist Unknown, Photo by Wanderlust Designer
Mural on Clarion in the Mission District – Street Artist Unknown, Photo by Wanderlust Designer
Muni Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Muni Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Dia de los Muertos Style Skull Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Dia de los Muertos Style Skull Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
San Fran Skull, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Dia de los Muertos Style San Fran Skull, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Senor Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Senor Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Believe Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Believe Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Flower Power Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Flower Power Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Dr. Seuss-Like Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Dr. Seuss-Like Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
African Inspired Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
African Inspired Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Mod Gal Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Mod Gal Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Woman Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Woman Street Art, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Using Nature with Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Using Nature with Street Art, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Building with Street Art, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Building with Street Art, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Swing Street Art, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)
Swing Street Art, Mission District, San Francisco (photo by Wanderlust Designer)

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