My daughter lives in the Mission and I try to visit twice a year. Even though I've been to the city more than a dozen times, I fine new places to visit and things to do each time. Some of the highlights this time include:
Walking from the Buena Vista on Hyde Street near the wharf to the Round House at the Golden Gate Bridge. Incredible views of the bay, Alcatraz and of course the bridge. It was packed so we ubered back to the Buena Vista, my dad's favorite place. Monet in Venice at the de Young was exceptional. I hope it travels to other cities.
Meandering in Chinatown; eating dim sum on a Wednesday morning with 50 aunties and uncles we heard from the street. Japantown with Daiso, Sasa sushi, Kinokiyuna, a great used bookstore and more. If you're a fan of sake, True Sake - America's first sake wine shop - in Hayes Valley is a must visit.
The views from Coit Tower and the bracing uphill walk, and a stop at City Books along the way. The neon night lights of North Beach, its Italian restaurants and maybe a drink or two at Tony Nik's. The Hotel Julien, two blocks from Van Ness and the Munibus south to the Mission. Holding the rails and skiing the street on a rain slicked 27 express.
You want Chinese? Try Hai Ky Mi Gia (Chiu-chow wonton/duck soup), Phở Tân Hòa (Vietnamese Chinese Pho), Dragon Beaux (fancy dim sum). Burma Superstar is well worth a visit, but not nearly as good as my mother in law's cooking. And of course, Dacha our #1 Eastern European restaurant bar none.