Mission Dolores and other San Rafael, CA Off The Beaten Path Tips

While Mission Dolores is off the beaten path for San Rafael it is right in the heart of history of the San Francisco area. This was the first white settlement in the Bay area. Begun in 1776, while Jefferson and friends were fighting for freedom from England Father Francisco Palou celebrated Mass. Dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi it is where San Fransicso gets its name. What is left is the original chapel and cemetary. Added after the 1906 earthquake is a newly dedicated Basilica. This is a great little chapel, well cared for and loved. Sit in the pews and look up to see the ceiling design which was taken from native basket weaves. Explore the small museum and wander through the quiet and lovely cemetary. I was taken back 200 years in time for a little while. It is on a quiet street away from the main tourist or business activities. San Francisco has come a long way.

I got to it on the F-line trolley down Market Street ($1.25 fare). Entrance was $5

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Website: http://www.californiamissions.com/cahistory/dolores.html
Other Contact: 3321 16th Street, San Francisco