With hundreds of murals lining just a few blocks, San Francisco’s Mission District is one of the densest creative displays in the country, depicting everything from Central America’s political struggles and local street life to the women’s movement and pop culture (Michael Jackson!). One of the best ways to see the murals is with the nonprofit Precita Eyes; their weekend walking tours, usually led by Patricia Rose (a human Wikipedia of murals and an artist herself), provide an up-close experience of the artistic and historical significance of the works. The walk takes you down Balmy Alley where 40 amazing murals decorate a narrow stretch between Folsom and Harrison streets. The first mural painted here was in 1971. Today old and new works share the space and because acrylic paint is used, the art maintains its vibrancy. After cruising around the Mission looking at intriguing art, refuel with some tasty authentic Mexican food. Roosevelt Tamale Parlor (2817 24th Street) has melt-in-your-mouth crab enchiladas with tomatillo sauce. Artistic impressions all around.

TIP: If you’d rather see the murals on your own time, pick up a map at Precita Eyes and opt for a do-it-yourself outing.