Click MAP to locate destinations preceded by yellow numbers.

The vicinity of 16th and Valencia streets is a good spot to begin exploring the Mission District, a diverse neighborhood that's home to much of San Francisco's "edgy" culture. Order a latte to go at 35 Muddy Waters (521 Valencia; 415-863-8006) and, as you sip, stroll by the neighborhood market that has wildly colored piñatas hanging from the awnings. The area teems with restaurants of virtually every ethnic cooking style, and store upon store of "pre-owned" objects: used clothing, used books, used kitchen appliances, used furniture. For offbeat entertainment, check out the posters and flyers taped to every streetlight pole.

Make your way toward 17th St. and stop at 36 ODC/S.F. Performance Gallery Theater (3153 17th St.; 415-863-9834) for dance and multidisciplinary performances. While you're there, pick up flyers for other performances around town. The nearby 37 Dancers Group (3252 A 19th St. Studio B; 415-920-9181) presents new dance and works in progress, and sponsors the April–June Edge Festival, "choreography on the cutting edge." 38 The Marsh (1062 Valencia; 415-826-5750) is a breeding ground for new performance. The popular Monday Night Marsh features works-in-progress.

On 24th St., stop in at 39 Galeria de la Raza/Studio 24 (2857 24th St.; 415-826-8009). Galeria exhibits Chicano and Latino art in all media, and Studio 24 shows fine art prints and Latin American folk art. On the next block, 40 Brava Theater Center performs new plays with a feminist and multicultural aesthetic in the historic York cinema house (2789 24th St.; 415-647-2822). 41 Theater Artaud (450 Florida; 415-621-7797), which books local and touring dance companies, music and theater, is located in an old canning factory at 42 Project Artaud (499 Alabama; 415-621-4240), the oldest and best-known artist coop on the West Coast, and a model live/work space for 100 artists. Project Artaud also houses 43 Southern Exposure Gallery (401 Alabama; 415-863-2141) and its visual, installation and performance art by mostly local artists.

"Strange View," from Dancer's Group Theater's Edge Festival

Galeria de la Raza/Studio 54