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San Francisco, California / History

24th Street historic commercial corridor

The vibrant heart of San Francisco's Latino community, this historic corridor features the city's largest mural collection, over 200 small businesses, and a rich legacy of activism and culture.

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24th Street historic commercial corridor
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What is the 24th Street historic commercial corridor known for?

It is the center of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, often called 'The Heart of the Mission.' It is known for having the largest collection of murals in San Francisco and the highest number of Latinx-owned small businesses in the city.

What can I see and do in the area?

Visitors can explore a vast collection of murals, visit over 200 small businesses, and see distinctive lowriders throughout the neighborhood. There are also independent sidewalk vendors and temporary marketplaces selling handcrafted items and cultural goods from Latin America.

Are there any historic landmarks or legacy businesses to visit?

Yes, the corridor is home to St. Francis Fountain, San Francisco's oldest ice cream parlor, which opened in 1918. Additionally, Casa Sanchez at 2778 24th Street is a significant landmark associated with the development of the city's Latinx business community.

What is the history of this district?

The Mission District became predominantly Latino after World War II as people moved to work in local textile factories, canneries, and breweries. Central American immigrants also arrived following political upheavals in the 1970s and 1980s.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The 24th Street historic commercial corridor serves as the center of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, a neighborhood formally recognized by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in May 2014. Co-sponsored by Mayor Edwin Lee and Supervisor David Campos, this designated district spans 55 square blocks and was established to preserve the area's cultural heritage against the pressures of gentrification. The corridor's identity was shaped post-World War II as Latinos moved into the Mission District to work in textile factories, breweries, and canneries. This demographic shift was further expanded in the 1970s and 1980s when Central American immigrants arrived following political upheavals in their home countries. Today, the area maintains the highest number of Latinx-owned small businesses in San Francisco. Visitors will find a dense concentration of art and commerce, including more than 200 small businesses and over 100 independent sidewalk vendors. The district is world-renowned for its largest collection of murals in San Francisco and its unique temporary marketplaces that sell handcrafted items and cultural goods from Latin America. Historic landmarks anchor the street, such as Casa Sanchez at 2778 24th Street, which is significant for its role in the development of the Latinx business community. Another cornerstone is the St. Francis Fountain, the oldest ice cream parlor in the city, which opened in 1918 during the Spanish Flu pandemic and has operated for over a century.

Visitor tips

  • Keep an eye out for lowriders, a neighborhood staple since the 1970s, often visible at community events.
  • Visit the St. Francis Fountain for a taste of San Francisco's oldest ice cream parlor.
  • Explore the side alleyways to find some of the district's most iconic murals.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the Mission District, this corridor is flanked by other cultural hubs including the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center and the Brava Theater Center.

Sources

Evidence and links