Spanish Colonialism, Latin American immigration, future-forward/backward hipsters, innovative humanitarianism (Kiva, 826 Valencia & Mission Murals), boutique coffee (Philz, Ritual & Four Barrel), gourmet eats (Tartine Bakery, Pizzeria Delfina & Dynamo Donuts), not to mention burritos (Taqueria Cancun, Puerto Alegre & Farolito)... the Mission rides fearlessly along the cutting edge.
The Mission itself was founded with the Mission Dolores (the oldest building in San Francisco) with now-über popular Dolores Park (across the street, Bi-Rite Creamery joined a little later and enjoys similar popularity) and the neighborhood is one of the SF's largest - adjoining with the Castro, Hayes Valley, SOMA, Potrero Hill and Bernal Heights.
For a video introduction - watch author Kevin Collins' 20-slides-in-5-minutes presentation about the Mission at Public Works :)
Otherwise, the Mission's sunny days and active nights delight - enjoy!
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_District,_San_Francisco,_California
