The Mission District’s liveliest outdoor hangout

Noteworthy for: Dolores Park is probably the best place in San Francisco to experience the city’s particular brand of youthful, eccentric and irreverent fun.

Talk of the town: The famous Truffle Man, who sells mushroom chocolates and marijuana cookies, is a favorite face for many.

Filled with hipsters, hula-hoopers, drum circles, budding trapeze artists, dancers, DJs, crowds of picnickers and much more, this beloved San Francisco stomping grounds is a parade of characters. Vendors regularly stroll past selling cold beer or homemade baked goods, and you never know what you’ll come across such as the ‘Hunky Jesus Costume Contest’ that takes place every Easter Sunday.

Come any afternoon (though particularly on weekends) to sunbathe on the grass, admire the excellent views or just soak up the atmosphere. Locals love their park – so much so, there are several nonprofit associations dedicated to protecting its unique character, such as Dolores Park Works, whose webpage is listed here.