Dolores Park Playground

Mission Dolores Park is the heart and soul of San Francisco's outdoor social life, and for families, it is an unbeatable combination of a world-class playground, stunning city views, and proximity to the best casual food in the city. While tourists crowd Fisherman's Wharf, local parents are at Dolores Park on sunny weekends, and for good reason.

The Helen Diller playground at the park's south end, renovated in 2012, is one of the finest urban playgrounds in the country. The main play structure is a multi-story climbing tower with bridges, tunnels, and several slides of varying heights and speeds, including an enclosed tube slide that thrills kids up to age 10. A long rope bridge connects structures and challenges balance.

Swings for infants, toddlers, and older kids line one side. A separate, fenced toddler area with low structures and rubber surfacing gives parents of very young children peace of mind. The playground has rubberized ground surfacing, shade structures, and benches for watching parents.

Beyond the playground, the park's 16 acres of sloping lawns offer panoramic views of downtown San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and Twin Peaks. On sunny days -- and the Mission microclimate delivers more sunny days than almost anywhere else in the city -- the park fills with a festive, communal atmosphere. Families spread picnic blankets, musicians play guitar, dogs romp off-leash in the dog area, and vendors sell paletas (Mexican popsicles), elote (grilled corn), and churros.

Kids roll down the gentle grassy slopes, chase soap bubbles, and make friends with other kids doing exactly the same thing.

The location in the Mission District means exceptional food is steps away. La Taqueria on 25th Street consistently wins 'best burrito in San Francisco' awards and serves enormous, meaty burritos for $12-14 (cash only). Tartine Bakery on 18th Street has a legendary morning bun and croissants.

Bi-Rite Creamery across from the park's north end makes some of the best ice cream in California. You could eat your way through the neighborhood for days without repeating.

Practical notes: the park has public restrooms at both the north and south ends. The south-end facilities near the playground are cleaner and have changing tables. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks -- it can be tight on sunny weekends but the neighborhood has no meters on Sundays.

The J-Church Muni line stops at Church & 18th, one block from the park's north entrance. The 33 bus runs along 18th Street.