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Excelsior
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Mission Street’s southern stretch, family neighborhoods and McLaren Park next door.
The Excelsior runs along the southern part of Mission Street. Its largest open space is John McLaren Park, which San Francisco Recreation and Parks calls the city’s second-largest park. Its 312 acres hold more than 7 miles of walking trails, along with the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, a golf course, McNab Lake and the newly renovated Coffman Pool. On Mission Street, the Excelsior Branch Library at 4400 Mission Street opened to the public on October 1, 1967.
Balboa Park Station, at 401 Geneva Avenue, is the BART stop for the area, and Muni’s J Church and K Ingleside light rail lines also stop there. Along Mission Street, the 14 Mission bus stops at Geneva Avenue on its way to Daly City, and the 29 Sunset crosses the neighborhood on its way to Balboa Park Station. For a family day, ride the 14 to the library, then go on to McLaren Park for the trails and McNab Lake.
Sources: SF Rec & Park, McLaren Park, SFPL Excelsior, BART Balboa Park, SFMTA 14 Mission, SFMTA 29 Sunset.
About Excelsior
The Excelsior sits in the southern part of the city, with Mission Street as its commercial main street.
John McLaren Park, the city's second-largest park after Golden Gate Park, is next door to the east.
Our neighborhood lines are based on DataSF's Analysis Neighborhoods, adjusted where visitors use a smaller area or a different name: Dogpatch and Fisherman's Wharf stand on their own, and the Richmond and the Sunset are each kept whole.
What to See
John McLaren Park
San Francisco's second-largest park at 312 acres, with more than seven miles of trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, McNab Lake and open meadows just above the Excelsior. Check Muni for current routes to the park edge.
Jerry Garcia Amphitheater
Outdoor amphitheater inside McLaren Park, renamed for Jerry Garcia in 2005. It hosts concerts and community events, so check the Rec and Park calendar before heading up.
Crocker Amazon Playground
Big neighborhood park with an accessible children's play area, picnic area, five lighted soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, tennis, basketball, bocce and a skate park. Parking and restrooms on site.
Things to Do
Mission Science Workshop, Excelsior
Hands-on science space for kids and families. The Excelsior site holds free drop-in days every Tuesday, and donations are welcome. Hours are not posted online, so call 415-594-9165 before you go.
Excelsior Branch Library
Public library with weekly storytimes for toddlers and for families, including a bilingual English and Spanish session, plus monthly watercolor and art clubs for kids. Open seven days a week, with shorter Friday and Sunday hours.
Walk Philosopher's Way in McLaren Park
A 2.7-mile trail with 14 plaque stations carrying quotes and park history, passing forest, grassland and marsh. The goal of finding each plaque suits school-age kids. Trails are mixed paved and unpaved, so wear sturdy shoes.
Where to Eat
Restaurante San Vicente
Casual Salvadoran spot known for pupusas, including loroco and chicken-and-bean, served with tangy curtido. Sit-down tables and an easy price for a family.
The Halfway Club
Neighborhood bar and restaurant with a $12 kids menu (cheeseburger, hot dog, pasta, grilled cheese) and a patio. Entrees run about $16 to $24. Kitchen opens at 5 pm on weekdays and 12:30 pm Sunday; confirm its all-ages policy by phone.
Freshito
Casual snack and dessert shop on Mission Street known for mangonadas, elote, crepes and paninis, and listed in the city’s Perfect Day in the Excelsior guide.
Upcoming in Excelsior
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