Discovering Mission Bay: San Francisco's Rising Gem with a Rich Past
Mission Bay in San Francisco is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a rich history. Long ago, it was home to canneries, railyards, lumberyards, and warehouses. Residents could tell the time of day by listening to the steam whistles that echoed across the water.
Those steam whistles sounded for the last time in 2017, and the neighborhood’s iconic shipyard shuttered its doors after more than 150 years. In its place came high-rise apartments, office buildings, swanky hotels, and must-try restaurants tucked away in surprising places.
Business is booming in this bayside community. Take a trip along 4th Street, and you’ll find a pleasing selection of shops and eateries.
Considering buying real estate in the area? Here’s what you should know about Mission Bay in San Francisco.
You’ll Find No Shortage of Things To Do
Wondering what to do in Mission Bay? Learn why this neighborhood can be a great place to call home.
Water Recreation
Given that Mission Bay sits alongside the water, you’ll find plenty of chances for aquatic activities. The neighborhood straddles the Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club, and it’s just a few blocks away from South Beach Harbor.
Cast your gaze out to the China Basin or Central Basin, and you’re sure to see a few boaters fishing or enjoying the sunshine.
Plenty of Parks
Mission Bay is close to an impressive number of parks, perfect for enjoying a picnic or taking your dog for a stroll. One of the most popular is Crane Cove Park, which the city built on the former shipyard site. It sits along the waterfront and features a dog run, two play centers, and views of historic restored cranes.
Bay Front Park is another beloved destination for residents. Here, you can enjoy views of the water while watching airplanes take off and land.
Mouthwatering Restaurants
If you’re a chowhound, you’ll be pleased to know Mission Bay is home to quite a few can’t-miss restaurants. Check out some of the following, which come highly recommended by locals and critics alike:
CAVANA: Features a rooftop bar that serves Latin-inspired cocktails and spicy South American cuisine.
Mission Bay Wine & Cheese: Pair a glass of your favorite vino with a delectable charcuterie plate, sandwich, or caviar.
ATWater Tavern: This eatery elevates basic bar food to another level. It’s seafood-centric and offers fantastic views of the water. Locals love the happy hour deals as well.
Casey’s Pizza: Forget the bog standard chains and try something new and exciting at Casey’s. Casey’s was known for its pizza trucks well before it launched its brick-and-mortar restaurant on 4th Street.
House of Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen: If you’re craving the zesty and exotic, you simply must try House of Tadu. Here, indulge in berbere-tossed lamb tips, rib-sticking stews, and delightfully chewy house-made flatbread.
The Ramp: Here’s another waterfront restaurant for you to try. This one draws crowds with casual eats served outdoors year-round.
Mission Rock Resort: Another waterside seafood restaurant for the list! This eatery is known for its fresh oysters and budget-friendly happy hour deals.
Jaw-Dropping Views
Mission Bay is known for its impressive high-rise buildings, and quite a few allow guests onto the rooftops to check out the views. The Sansome Roof Deck and The Glass Elevators aren’t situated in Mission Bay proper but just a few blocks away. These places make a nice pit stop after you’ve enjoyed a meal at one of the neighborhood’s fine restaurants.
Chase Center
Love sports and concerts? You’re sure to be thrilled with Chase Center, which serves as a major entertainment hub for San Francisco. Chase Center is the home of the Golden State Warriors NBA basketball team, and it regularly hosts concerts from superstars such as Metallica and Celine Dion.
Inside, stop by for a bite to eat at Gott’s Roadside at Thrive City or grab a cup of joe from Philz Coffee. You can also pick up a souvenir at the 10,000-square-foot Warriors Shop.
Stagecoach Greens
Stagecoach Greens is an exciting miniature golf course located in the heart of Mission Bay. Each inventive hole is San Francisco-themed and allows guests to explore the area’s unique history.
During your visit, check out holes such as Mission Bay Shipyard, Barbary Coast Saloon, and Ocean Beach Bonfire. If you get hungry, drop by The Watering Hole or check out one of the food trucks that regularly visit the course.
Stagecoach Greens also regularly hosts fun holiday events and is a great place for parties.
Dogpatch Boulders
Dogpatch Boulders is a rock-climbing center just a few blocks south of Mission Bay. It features more than 295,000 square feet of climbing space and challenges that will appeal to both novices and pros.
If you’re ready to show off your skills, you will surely enjoy the regular competitions this center holds. It’s perhaps best known for its Touchstone Climbing Series, which includes all-day events, games, refreshments, and prizes from popular climbing gear brands.
Other competitions include Woman Up and Battle of the Bay. Competitions are free to enter for members; entry costs $30 otherwise.
Bottom of the Hill
This hot music venue is located just to the west of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. It’s been in business since 1991 and regularly features concerts from some of the most up-and-coming indie artists. Stop on by, and you could watch a performance from tomorrow’s next biggest musicians!
You Can’t Beat the Weather
If you’re looking for a place to avoid scorching summers and frigid winters, you’ll fall in love with Mission Bay, San Francisco.
In the summer, the hottest it gets is about 67 degrees in July. Winter temperatures are even more impressive, hovering around 50 degrees even in the middle of January. Not quite swimming weather, but still mild enough to go without a heavy coat.
Medical Care Is Minutes Away
At the heart of the neighborhood, you’ll find two great hospitals: UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. This can be reassuring if you have complex health issues or a child with special medical needs.
UCSF Medical Center is one of the nation’s best hospitals. U.S. News and World Report ranked it as the best hospital in both San Francisco and California, and it’s ranked as “High Performing” in 20 procedures and conditions. Some of those include heart bypass surgery, diabetes treatment, stroke treatment, and maternal care.
UCSF Benioff is a fantastic facility as well. U.S. News and World Report rated this hospital as the third best in California.
A Highly Convenient Location
Living in Mission Bay puts you just minutes away from I-280, I-80, and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge. That makes it ultra-convenient when you want to take a day trip or invite family for a visit.
Mission Bay is also a short trip from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Head north and enjoy a journey to Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Indian Tree Open Space Preserve, or Point Reyes National Seashore. As you can see, it’s easy to explore the great outdoors when you’re itching to get out of the big city for a while.
Mission Bay Welcomes a New School in 2025
If you have kids, the last thing you want is to drive them miles to school every day. Thankfully, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is developing a new school that’s expected to open its doors in 2025.
Aptly named Mission Bay School, the building will feature four stories set on approximately 2.5 acres. The school’s programming will include:
TK through fifth-grade education, as well as a high-quality pre-kindergarten program
STEM-focused lesson plans
Unique opportunities to prepare high school students for today’s hottest careers in Mission Bay, San Francisco
As you can see, Mission Bay has a lot to offer, but the best is still to come!
Some of Our Faves
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A true staple since 1981, Gus's Market, rooted in the heart of San Francisco, stands as a testament to the enduring charm of family-owned and operated businesses. Remarkably maintaining a warm 'mom and pop' charm amidst a rapidly evolving retail landscape, Gus's offers nothing short of a superior shopping experience. The customer is instantly roped in by an impressive variety of high-quality, locally sourced products, all delicately hand-picked in line with the diverse tastes of the local community. Gus's Market isn't just a business; it's an entity knitted into the fabric of the community, dutifully serving impeccable service with a neighborly touch. Whether shoppers find themselves at theMission Bay or any of the other locations, Gus's successful 40-year-old ethos of making customers feel like extended family resonates loud and clear, delineating the market's position as a celebrated local beacon.
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Dedicated to perfecting the cup of coffee, Phil's pursuit culminated into the first Philz coffee shop in 2003. Today, Philz has evolved into more than just a coffee shop, known for its skillfully roasted, sustainably sourced blends and its mission to 'better days' one personalized brew at a time. Remarkably, Philz manages to turn each coffee-drinking ritual into an extraordinary experience, simultaneously creating a cherished sense of community with every warm, sincere interaction.
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A haven for pet owners lauded for its impeccable service and wide array of pet supplies. Healthy Spot is not your regular pet store; it's a full-service pet care facility wrapped up with an invitingly friendly staff ready to go the extra mile. Here, the passion for animals shines through - the store not only offers grooming and pet sitting services but also hosts a selection of high-quality supplies eagerly awaiting every pet's needs. Customers swiftly commend the kindness and professionalism of the staff, reinforcing Healthy Spot's reputation as a thriving hub of pet care in San Francisco. Whether your pet needs a grooming touch-up or you're shopping for your furry friend, Healthy Spot is the definitive shop guaranteed to meet your pet care necessities.
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Item descriptiCorePower Yoga offers an enlightening and invigorating fitness experience combining yoga and gym facilities. With its consistently shiny and tidy interiors, the studio garners attention for its exceptional C2 classes and a dedicated team of skillful teachers providing personal attention to each individual. It has swiftly established itself as a favored fitness hotspot in the neighborhood, being only six months old. The facility's exclusive Black Tag membership, offered at an attractive rate of $124 per month with an additional two-week free trial, makes it an irresistible deal for fitness enthusiasts aiming for a holistic improvement. Despite its recent entry, the studio, with its extended operational hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, generously accommodates the everyday fitness schedule of its clientele.on
