If you’ll be in Chinatown for all of the festivities this weekend, be sure to take the opportunity to explore some local spots not far from the path of the parade! On Saturday evening, the parade route begins down Market Street at the intersection of 2nd Street, then continues along Geary, turning up Powell Street to round Union Square, then continuing along Post and down Kearny until the intersection with Columbus Avenue.
Whether you’re looking for some activities to fill your time before hitting the parade or looking to get away from the crowds, there are plenty of options to entertain your friends and family and delight your senses.
Shop
Shopping is one of the best ways to explore Chinatown. Hit the major streets like Grant and Stockton, but be sure to wander down some side streets, as well! Some of Chinatown’s hidden gems are tucked away in historic alleyways.
Jumbo Trading for organic tea, ginseng slices, and other health products
Impressions Orient for unique gift items, bamboo vases, and custom paintings
Anita Jewelry for custom jewelry, earrings, bracelets, pendants & necklaces
V & M Jewelry for hand-crafted jade items
Lion Trading for lucky items, red envelops, tea cups, and more
Eat
Newer Chinatown darlings Mister Jiu’s and China Live are excellent options for fine dining, but with the media coverage and Instagram fame come the crowds. There are several other small eateries offering authentic cuisines that you absolutely should not miss.
Joy Hing BBQ Noodle for the best chicken rice noodle
Toppu Ramen for Tokoyaki, curry rice, and Japanese steamed buns
Oolong Noodle for seafood noodle soup, the freshest sashimi in the city, salt & pepper Dungeness crab
Broadway Dim Sum for beer fish or duck
Little Paris for $1 curry fish ball special, Vietnamese sandwiches, and Bun Bo Hue (Vietnamese spicy pork foot soup)
Yuet Lee Seafood for the best Hong Kong-style seafood dishes in town
Sweets
No trip to Chinatown is complete without a little sweet indulgence. Keep up your energy for the day and get your sugar fix from these unique establishments.
Magical Ice Cream for hand rolled Thai ice-cream
iCafe for mango mochi or ham & egg buns
Puppy Bobar for savory crepes and creamy boba milk teas
Garden Bakery for wife cake and pineapple buns
Golden Gate Fortune Cookies to see how fortune cookies are made, plus free samples!
Dragon Papa for Dragon Beard Candy, hand-pulled candy made from maltose
See
Of course, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the art and culture that makes Chinatown so unique!
Chinese Culture Center
41 Ross Gallery
Chinese Historical Society of America Museum
Stylers Art Gallery
Parking
Park & Ride Program: Park at Golden Gateway Garage and validate your parking with a minimum $3 purchase at a participating local business. It’s a short walk to the heart of Chinatown or shuttle service is available from the corner of Washington and Davis.