Here’s how to tour the murals that fill the Mission with color

The mural: Muralist, teacher and activist Juana Alicia brings the legend of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman doomed to roam the earth searching for the children she drowned, her story depicted in this moody blue, water-themed mural at 24th and York. The 30’ x 70’ work ties the myth to the plight of women and children the world over: the fight for water rights in Bolivia, Indian farm workers protesting the industrial dams and the unsolved murders of hundreds of female maquiladora workers along the U.S.–Mexico border.

Where to find it: On the wall of the Taqueria San Francisco at the corner of York and 24th Streets.

The mural: The MaestraPeace mural on the Women’s Building is one of the most ambitious pieces of contemporary public art not only in San Francisco, but arguably the world. Its title means “woman teacher of peace.” Seven women—Juana Alicia, Miranda Bergman, Edythe Boone, Susan Kelk Cervantes, Meera Desai, Yvonne Littleton and Irene Perez—worked with more than 50 volunteers to create this 12,000-square-foot mural. The work incorporates images representing the variety of cultures, accomplishments and belief systems of women throughout the world, from Yemayah, the Yoruba goddess of rivers and oceans, to artist Georgia O’Keeffe.

Where to find it: The Women’s Building at 3543 18th Street between Valencia and Guerrero.

The mural(s): Balmy Alley has one of the highest concentrations of street art in the city. Approximately 33 murals line the narrow street, covering virtually every available space, including garage doors and fences. The murals here include tributes to Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe and Salvadoran activist Archbishop Oscar Romero, as well as up-to-the-minute commentaries on local themes including the challenges of gentrification in the neighborhood.

Where to find it: Balmy Alley between 24th and 25th Streets.

The mural: The late Father Jack Isaacs, pastor of St. Peter’s Parish, conceived of and commissioned this mural from artist Isaias Mata in 1992. It was created to mark the 500th anniversary of the Spanish conquest of America with Christopher Columbus’s 1492 arrival. The work explores the experience of the indigenous peoples of the Americas who were victimized by empire building. In 2013, Mata returned to the city from El Salvador to restore the mural which had suffered from rain and sunlight and was cracked and peeling, according to El Tecolote.

Where to find it: St. Peter’s Parish at the corner of 24th and Florida Streets.

The mural(s): Clarion was the second Mission District alleyway to get the mural treatment, undertaken by artists of the Clarion Alley Mural Project who were inspired by Balmy Alley. Since 1992, more than 900 murals have graced its walls. In a state of constant flux, the alley today boasts 126 extant murals, according to SF Mural Arts. While some are rooted in serious topics like the memorial Rave In Paradise by Mel Waters (created in loving memory of two Ghost Ship victims, Michela Gregory and Alex Vega), some are just plain fun, like Kenshin Tomoshima’s Memorial for Master Splinter (a fictional character from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).

Where to find it: Clarion Alley between 17th and 18th Streets.

The mural: Precita Eyes isn’t a single mural or even a concentration of several in a single location. Rather this mural arts nonprofit founded roughly a half-century ago by Susan Cervantes has a presence throughout the Mission and in other neighborhoods around the city. From their visitor center on 24th Street, Precita Eyes hosts tours of their favorites, including those created by muralists under the organization’s guidance. Inside the visitor center are some additional works, plus mural-themed T-shirts, maps and postcards as well as general art supplies.

Where to find it: 2981 24th Street at Harrison

The mural: This mural commemorates the Mission’s inaugural Carnaval celebration in 1979, today a springtime neighborhood tradition (happening May 24 and 25 in 2025). Painted by muralist Daniel Galvez in 1983 with help from Dan Fontes, James Morgan, Jan Shield and Keith Sklar and refreshed in 2014, the bright blues and purples reflect the diversity of this Latino neighborhood and the costumed musicians and performers that annually grace its streets.

Where to find it: 24th Street at Van Ness Avenue.

The mural: Rio de Janiero-born tattoo artist Lango Oliveira temporarily traded in his needles for a spray can in this untitled mural on the wall of JR Automotive on Shotwell at 14th. (Oliveira is now living in NYC as a tattoo artist.) Commissioned by the owners of the auto body shop that used to be here, Kevin’s Auto Mechanics, this haunting woman watches over the corner, keeping her eyes averted from onlooking passersby.

Where to find it: JR Automotive on Shotwell at 14th Street.

The mural: Naya Bihana or A New Dawn is painted on a fence and depicts three generations of Nepalese women toiling in the fields beneath the Himalayas and breaking the chains of oppression. London-born artist Martin Travers painted the mural in 2002 in response to the political upheaval taking place in Tibet. His work echoes that of revolutionary Mexican artists, including Orozco, Siqueiros and Rivera.

Where to find it: Balmy Alley between 24th and 25th Streets.

The mural: Salud was painted in 1997 by Oaklander Dan Fontes. It depicts a variety of residents who lived at the Bethany Senior Center at the time, doing various activities. This spirited nine-story mural (it’s a whopping 75 feet by 98 feet) shows people doing everything from Tai Chi and dressing up in Halloween costumes to joining friends for political protests and playing musical instruments. “The seniors kind flipped out when the neighbors started recognizing them,” says Fontes. “A small documentary film was made about the mural and it played at the Vic for a minute—pretty fun, too.” In 2018, Fontes returned with a crew of five to restore the mural to its current condition. These assistants included Desi Mundo, Kristine Holohan, Antoinette Johnson, Haley Summerfield and Gwen Perry.

Where to find it: It’s on the corner of 21st and Capp Streets at the Bethany Senior Center.