Every time I go to a new city, I look for a walking tour or guide. I absolutely love wandering and weaving through neighborhoods and stopping to try a local snack. So Balmy Alley in the Mission is one of my favorite spots. It combines walking, political history, and is surrounded by establishments that offer a variety of snacks.

The Mission has a long and vibrant history of street art. It can be found on almost every corner between Mission and Bryant Streets. Most of the art is influenced by the neighborhood’s Latin American roots and is similar to art you might find in Mexico City or Guatemala City.

Located on 24th street between Treat and Harrison streets, Balmy Alley has some of the most powerful depictions of human rights and political abuses in Central America and the United States. The picture above is a mural that depicts a more local economic issue, gentrification.

On your way to Balmy Alley stop at Osage Street and look at the murals in between the two large buildings. It will be a nice contrast to see how natural light can change the looks and feel of a mural.

If you would like to take the personalized Stefanie Boltz tour: start around 10:00 with a stop at Dynamo for some coffee (check the Dynamo Donut & Coffee article), wander the neighborhood looking a murals, and end with tacos at El Matete for lunch.