20 Best Things to Do in Chinatown, San Francisco

The Dragon's Gate is a traditional stone archway erected in 1970. It has three portals: one for vehicles and two for pedestrians. Each pedestrian portal features a male and female stone Chinese guardian lion.

The gate, located at Bush Street and Grant Avenue, serves as a southern entrance to Chinatown and is a significant cultural attraction showcasing the community's uniqueness. Additionally, visitors can enjoy exploring nearby bargain souvenir shops, tea shops, and delicious Chinese cuisine.

Strolling along Grant Avenue, one of the free things to do in San Francisco offers a rich cultural experience. This main street is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, unique shops, and delicious Chinese cuisine.

Additionally, you can explore stores selling traditional and modern goods, admire ornate buildings, and visit the iconic Dragon's Gate at the southern entrance of Chinatown. It's a great way to soak up this famous neighborhood's sights, sounds, and flavors.

Portsmouth Square is a historic park known as the "Heart of Chinatown." It's a popular gathering spot with a rich history, including being where California's first public school was commemorated and where the American flag was first raised in the city.

Today, it's still bustling with activity, from chess/checkers players to Tai Chi practitioners. Families will enjoy its amenities like playgrounds and restrooms. If you're interested in Chinatown's culture and history, don't miss Portsmouth Square.

Exploring Stockton Street Markets is an authentic and lively experience. It's the main market street where you'll find fresh produce, unique Chinese shops, and bustling activity which makes this place one of the main attractions in Chinatown San Francisco.

Locals come here for affordable groceries and traditional goods like live seafood and herbs. Visiting these markets is a must for anyone wanting to experience the real charm of Chinatown.

The Chinese Cultural Center in San Francisco's Chinatown is a must-visit for art and culture enthusiasts. It's inside the Hilton hotel, near Portsmouth Square, easily reachable by public transport, making it a must-visit destination.

The center displays contemporary and traditional Chinese art, hosts cultural events, and has a Design Store with unique Chinese-inspired items. It's popular among both locals and visitors, and entry to exhibitions is free. Guided tours and seminars are also available.

The Tin How Temple, also called Tianhou Temple, is the oldest Taoist temple in San Francisco's Chinatown and one of the oldest Chinese temples in the US. Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, it was built in 1852 by the Cantonese clan association.

Visitors can pay respects by following the scent of incense up three flights of stairs. Inside, Mazu sits on the central shrine surrounded by lanterns donated by devotees. It's a must-see for tourists interested in Chinese culture and a place of worship for believers.

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco's Chinatown is a historic landmark and California's first cathedral, built in 1853. It survived the 1906 earthquake and fire and still serves the local communities today.

Moreover, it's home to the Holy Family Chinese Mission, the city's only Catholic Chinese parish. Combining Roman Catholic and Chinese culture, it's a fascinating destination for visitors. You can attend weekend masses and learn about its history and significance.

Visiting the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in San Francisco's Chinatown is a special experience. Here, you can watch traditional fortune cookies being made. They bake up to 10,000 cookies daily on a rotating griddle wheel.

Additionally, you can also try unique flavors like chocolate and green tea and even customize your own fortunes. Open every day, it's a favorite spot for tourists seeking a unique San Francisco souvenir.

Exploring the hidden alleyways is a fascinating way to experience the neighborhood's history and culture. With 41 alleys to discover, each one has its unique charm, from colorful buildings to traditional shops.

Also, visitors can stroll through streets like Waverly, Ross, and Joice, observing daily life and gathering spots for residents. It's a must-do activity for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Chinatown's vibrant culture. These alleyways are one of the best attractions in Chinatown San Francisco.

The Chinese Historical Society of America Museum provides a captivating look into Chinese American history. Housed in a landmarked Julia Morgan-designed building, the museum showcases personal narratives and historical accounts of immigration challenges.

Established in 1963 and moved in 2001, visitors can explore permanent and rotating exhibits featuring local artists and historical artifacts. It's a great opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical heritage of the Chinese American community.

Discover the world of tea in San Francisco's Chinatown through a guided tasting experience. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants will delve into the diverse array of Chinese tea varieties, mastering the art of brewing and discerning their distinct tastes.

Through guided tastings, attendees will deepen their appreciation for the nuances of different tea varieties, gaining insights into their origins and cultural significance. Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of Chinatown as you savor each sip and discover the timeless allure of tea.

Watching a Chinese opera in Chinatown is a cultural treat. The Great Star Theatre is a notable venue for Cantonese opera performances, offering a glimpse into this vibrant art form. With its blend of music, singing, and elaborate costumes, these performances provide a unique cultural experience for all.

As a community-driven venue, the Great Star Theatre continues to host a variety of exciting productions, making it an ideal place to enjoy Chinese opera in the heart of Chinatown.

Wandering around Chinatown's Night Market is a fun and unforgettable thing to do in the San Francisco Bay area that offers a unique cultural experience. It features live performances, traditional art, and a variety of food from over 30 vendors.

Designed to bring the community together in a safe space, it's free to attend but RSVPs are encouraged. Held monthly during summer, it's a popular event where you can immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Chinatown.

Visiting Coit Tower is a must for anyone seeking breathtaking city views. Perched on Telegraph Hill, the tower offers panoramic vistas, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge. An elevator ride takes visitors to the observation deck for stunning views.

The tower also houses murals depicting the city's history, painted by local artists. A registered historical landmark, Coit Tower is a beloved attraction for tourists and locals, best enjoyed during the daytime to avoid crowds.

Guided walking tours such as All About Chinatown Tours offer an engaging exploration of the history, culture, and food. These tours cover markets, schools, temples, and more, showcasing the community's resilience and vibrancy.

Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors learn about local landmarks and stories, making it informative and enjoyable. Some tours even include tastings of Chinese specialties and visits to the fortune cookie factory, adding a delicious twist to the experience.

City Lights Booksellers in North Beach, near Chinatown, is a renowned independent bookstore founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Known for its focus on world literature, arts, and progressive politics, it's a popular spot for book lovers, offering a wide selection and hosting author readings.

Open daily from morning till midnight, it's easily accessible by public transportation and is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and fans of the Beat Generation.

Notre Dame Des Victoires Church stands as a historic Catholic establishment, established in 1856 to cater to French immigrants during the Gold Rush era. The church, modeled after a renowned church in Lyon, France, endured damage from the 1906 earthquake.

Despite this, it continues to be a significant aspect of San Francisco's French community and has been recognized as a historical landmark since 1984. It is one of the captivating and must-see attractions in Chinatown San Francisco.

EscapeSF offers an exciting and immersive escape room experience with various themed challenges like "The Alcatraz" and "Escape from Antique Room." Participants collaborate to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and accomplish specific objectives within a set time limit to "escape" the room.

Designed for groups, including friends, families, and team-building events, EscapeSF promises an engaging and entertaining adventure in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, making it a popular activity for visitors seeking interactive entertainment.

Exploring North Beach is a great way to experience one of the city's oldest and liveliest areas. You can join a guided tour to learn about the history, architecture, and culture of the place. The tour usually includes stops at landmarks like Washington Square Park, Coit Tower, and the Beat Museum.

Alternatively, you can explore the neighborhood on your own, at your own pace, and see a variety of dining, cafes, and shops, perfect for food lovers and shoppers.

Indulging in dim sum is a delightful experience you won't want to miss. You can enjoy a variety of traditional and modern dim sum dishes, served throughout the day at renowned restaurants like City View Restaurant, Good Mong Kok Bakery, and other local favorites.

It's a communal and interactive way to savor a diverse range of Chinese delicacies, making it an amazing food item you must try in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown.