The SF Mission District also known as “The Mission”, is a neighborhood in San Francisco, California.  Visit these colorful murals, “Street Art” down alleys in the Mission District that are very popular among hipsters and others alike.  With 1,000 murals throughout the city, where you will find a great concentration of them here in this neighborhood.  Step into the culture, and visit a place that wants to be free.  A place where culture and dignity speak to us all.  Look for some 3D murals or styles that are mosaics or just painted pieces.

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You will find murals that date back to the 1970’s in back alleys, on sides of restaurants, schools, garage door, private residences and in some cases churches.  Lots of murals are in good condition, some peeling or damaged from cars and weather.

My research started on TripAdvisor then lead me to Google where I found out about the “CAMP program”. Let us take a look at two of the most famous street art mural locations, Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley with this popular mural guide.

“Popular murals easy to find with this guide. Step into the culture, that wants to be free. Where culture and dignity speak to us all”

Balmy Alley – SF Mission District

History 

Balmy Alley with its roots starting in the 1970’s gave the artists a place to express their outrage over human rights and political abuses in Central America.

Today the murals carry the meaning of human rights along with renovating deteriorated urban neighbors.  See the ever-changing murals by taking a tour or visiting on foot.

Location

Balmy Alley is located off 24^th Street in The Mission between 24^th and 25^th Street.  The alley is parallel to Treat Ave and Harrison Street.  See map for location and directions.

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Clarion Alley – SF Mission District

History 

Carrion Alley Murals Project is part of CAMP that uses public art as a place where culture speaks louder than rules, and social justice respect.   Established in 1992 by volunteer local artist and residents.  They were inspired by the murals of Balmy Alley from the 1970.

Murals are painted by artists from all ages, different experience levels and ethnicity.  With this share program with Indonesia artist have participated in large scale projects off site in Yogyakarta.

Murals are a form of “Street Art” which builds an understanding of respect among the communities.  Clarion Alley has a bohemian culture that dates far back to the 1960’s.  View these murals lined up on the gargle doors and walk in awe as you head swivels from side to side.

Location – Clarion Alley

Clarion Alley runs one block (560 ft long and 15 ft. wide) in San Francisco’s inner Mission District between 17th & 18th and Mission and Valencia streets.  See map below for location and directions.

Wall Mural Facts

• Mural Walls belong to an artist as long as they maintain their project.
• Artists repaint their walls every few months or years or maintain original mural.
• Artist moves away or mural not maintained another artist is selected.
• There are walls used a temporary space by artists for only a year or less.
• Artists are picked primarily if they live in the bay area after a proposal has been submitted and chosen.
• Artists have creative freedom for their wall.

San Francisco City Sites Map 

Waking Tours – SF Mission District

• CAMP (Clarion Alley Mural Project) at this time only offering tours to schools.
• San Francisco City Guides Mission Murals
  •      Free SFCG tours are available, but donations are always welcome.  How much do I donate you ask?  $5- $7 dollars per person.  Regular Tours offered on every other Saturday at 10:00 am.

Etcetera

The highlight of my San Francisco trip was locating and admiring these popular Street Art Murals in The Mission District.  I planned my trip early in the morning in order to find a decent parking space.  This also allowed me to take my own walking tour of Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley before the crowds then finish in time for lunch.  Keep in mind these murals are located in alleys and no restrooms are available.  Plus, it may not be uncommon to see some trash.

There are lots of traffic in San Francisco and parking becomes an issue.  On the weekend parking in some locations are free.  Enjoy your SF Mission District Mural search with this popular guide.

Look for this 1AdventureTraveler’s up in coming blog on more places to visit while in San Francisco plus day trips to Napa Valley Wine Country.  Looking for a restaurant suggestion while there check here.  I am now addicted to finding street art and not sure where this search will take me on my travels.

“Another 16 Cities with Amazing Street Art” from TrippinTurpins, is another amazing collection of street art world wide.  A great collection of Street Art from fellow travel bloggers including this 1AdventureTraveler.

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