I have just booked a B&B near Mission Dolores (4 nights at the end of the month). It is my first trip to SF and after browsing through the messages posted on that site I am really wondering what kind of neighborhood it is? safe, unsafe; friendly, touristy...etc
Thanks in advance for your help

Aude, Mission Dolores is a residential area, not touristy. It is primarily a Latino neighborhood, so you'll be in the heart of awesome burrito world. Along the streets Mission and Guerrero there are quite a few fun restaurants and bars. I think it's relatively safe, and there are many less people with their hand out as compared to the tourist centers of the city. But, you are not near Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, etc. You'll need to rely on public transportation or cabs to get to the "sights". Enjoy.

Aude,

I would definitely keep away from the Mission Dolores area. It sounds as if SF has really gone downhill judging from what I have read on some of the posts on this site. I had a hospital rotation at SF General hospital back in 1997, which is in the Mission District about 2 miles from Mission Dolores. Back then it was a pretty scary area in the day, I could just imagine what it must be like now. Most all of the store fronts and homes had iron bars on the windows and doors. That about says it all.

My husband and I visited the area last summer {in the daytime}, and felt perfectly safe. People were friendly and offered suggestions of where to eat. However, it prob. wouldn't be my first choice for lodging, and I'm not sure that I'd feel super safe there at night. {We stayed in the Marina district, and did feel safe strolling at all hours}. Still, you'll probably be o.k., just be careful.

I swear, the nonsense that gets posted about SF! I ride my bike through the Mission every day, once in the morning, once late at night. It's not Beirut. The Mission is a "bohemian" neighborhood, the area around the Bart Station (Mission & 16th) is seedy, and should be avoided at night, but otherwise it's a lively area. Great eating, great clubs, tons of young people. Mariachi's, flower sellers, people eating outdoors. You won't be alone, It's not Disneyland, but if you like fun parts of town, the Mission is great. And it has the best weather in the city. (We have micro climates). You will have to take public transit to get around, but your innkeeper should be able to help you out.

Aude, John {and possibly Susan as well} sounds like he's from the area and knows what he's talking about - so give his advise the most creedance and have a great time!

Aude,

I agree with George. If you can,find another place to stay. It is just not worth it to take a chance in the Mission.

Aude: yes, John lives there and is very comfortable there. I get into SF fairly often and am also usually comfortable in the Mission. BUT - I would NEVER recommend that a visitor from elsewhere who is concerned about safety should stay in the Mission.

I don't know where you are from - but Think of a big city nearby with an interesting, ethnic neighborhood where you feel OK going to dinner but also has bad sections where folks who don't know the neighborhood could get into trouble. Well that perfectly describes the Mission. Perfectly OK if you know the area - but not so good if you are a stranger.

I personally would look elsewhere.

Tell us about your personal experience in the Mission, don. What scared you so bad?

The Mission is a very fun place for those who like to feel the pulse of the City. I've never had any problems there, except for parking.

The Mission is notoriously a high crime area, especially after dark. Once the sun sets there is a very different population that settles in. I completely agree with Janis. Its okay for people who know the neighborhood. There are alot of drug dealing and shooting incidents in the area. That is why San Francisco General Hospital, which is in the Mission, gets so many shooting victims from the area coming through the emergency room.

A different crowd does take over the Mission at nightfall, but they're not jacking tourists - they're eating at Andaluz, or Slanted Door or Ti Couz. Willy Sutton robbed banks because that was where the money was. Criminals that prey on tourists are waiting for you down at Fisherman's Wharf!

And I believe that most shooting victims end up at SF General because that is the hospital in the city that takes the most emergency victims and people without insurance.

Can I just take a moment to mention San Jose? We don't have problems like those mentioned above in our great city, the largest in the bay area mind you. In fact no one dies in San Jose, no one gets arrested, and there certainly aren't any shady characters walking the streets like in The City.. err.. San Francisco.

Thanks for your reply. I am quite use of living in a big cities (Paris, Tokyo, NY)and thereforth there drawbacks. We are not looking to stay in Disneyland but a real neighborhood. I guess we will have to ask our innkeeper the places we should avoid or the things we should be aware of.
Thanks again and have a nice sunday!

Susan Spike

I rotated through SF General and there was a disproportionate number of shooting victims coming in from the Mission area as compared to other area of town.

Jacob, sounds like you'd know better than me, I was just under the impression from what I read in the papers that SF General gets the bulk of uninsured and emergency victims. And, I've spent many fun evenings in the Mission with my friends who live there and felt perfectly safe. As John mentioned, some of the city's best restaurants are located within the Mission, plus there's a fun movie theatre, the Roxie, and jazz club, Bruno's. Parking in the Mission is a nightmare because it's such a popular nightlife spot. Of course, it's not Disneyland but as for SF nightlife it's one of my fave areas.

Susan spike,

Don't forget to bring your bullet proof vest the next time you go to the Mission. Please stop misleading people in thinking that this is a safe area. It most certainly is not. It is a GHETTO!!

Jimbo is working hard for the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

Jimbo, or it' actually Susan Spike, how are things at the SF visitor's bureau?

xxxxx or Earl or whatever.. I'm not Susan. I'm your coworker! Duh. Ain't San Jose grand?!