The Best Day Trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest Chinese enclave outside of Asia. It was established in 1848, the same year the first Chinese immigrants arrived in California aboard an American ship called the Eagle. Today, the neighborhood centers around Grant Avenue and Stockton Street and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.

I’ve done lots of research in Chinatown and this day trip itinerary hits all my favorite spots.

➞ If you are looking for more, check out my favorite things to do in San Francisco.

Get an Egg Tart at AA Bakery

First things first: fuel. And there’s no better way to kick off the day than with an egg tart from AA Bakery. These golden little beauties are flaky, buttery, and filled with silky, custardy goodness that might just make you forget croissants ever existed.

AA Bakery bakes them fresh daily, and while you’re there you can also grab other classics like pineapple buns (which usually hide a sweet coconut filling) or their airy Japanese cheesecake.

Sip & Learn at Vital Tea Leaf

Next, head to Vital Tea Leaf for a tea tasting experience that’s equal parts relaxing and eye-opening. This family-owned teahouse has over 300 types of tea—white, green, oolong, black, herbal—you name it. And the best part? You can sample before you buy.

If you’re lucky, you might get your tasting guided by Uncle Gee, their legendary 90-something tea master who’s full of wisdom and personality. He’ll size you up and tell you exactly what tea you need based on your energy, age, or even your love life.

You’ll sip everything from floral jasmine to “Blue People” ginseng oolong and probably walk out with a bag of tea you didn’t know you needed. Because in Chinese culture, tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life.

Go to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

From there, take a stroll over to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, a tiny little spot tucked away in Ross Alley where, since 1962, fortune cookies have been made the old-fashioned way—by hand on a rotating cast iron griddle.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the sweet smell of fresh cookies and the sight of workers expertly folding fortunes into the warm, pliable dough. They make up to 10,000 cookies a day, and you can watch the process. Plus, they typically hand out a few samples, so you can taste before you buy.

➞ If you’re just going for the photo opportunity, there’s a tip jar by the griddle, and they really do appreciate the support.

Wander Ross Alley

Since you’re already in Ross Alley, take your time wandering through it. This narrow lane is the oldest alley in San Francisco and once housed brothels, gambling dens, and 10-cent barbershops. Today, it’s filled with colorful laundry strung above your head, hanging red lanterns, tucked-away doorways, and a rich (sometimes dark) history.

In the 1800s, this alley had a reputation as a rough-and-tumble spot, and there were even legends about it being the place where spirits could cross over more easily into the world of the living. Spooky? A little. Fascinating? Absolutely.

Lunch at House of Dim Sum

Now that you’ve wandered and shopped a little, it’s time to eat again (because that’s what Chinatown is really about, right?).

Head to House of Dim Sum, a low-key spot that’s big on flavor and generous on portions. This family-run restaurant has been around since 1985, serving classic Cantonese dim sum at super reasonable prices. Think of dim sum like Chinese tapas—bite-sized, flavorful dishes meant to be shared.

We ordered a little of everything: siu mai, Shanghai soup dumplings, sesame balls, spinach dumplings, and BBQ pork buns. You’ll definitely leave full… but not full enough to skip boba.

Grab a Brown Sugar Boba at Chinatown Taiwan Fruit Tea

Right down the street, stop into Chinatown Taiwan Fruit Tea and treat yourself to a brown sugar pearl latte. This popular drink is made with brown sugar boba that’s simmered for over two hours to get perfectly chewy and caramelized. Pair that with fresh organic milk, and you’ve got a sweet, creamy pick-me-up that’s basically dessert in a cup.

Tip: don’t forget to shake it up before drinking!

Visit Tin How Temple

For a peaceful moment amidst the hustle and bustle, head to Tin How Temple, one of the oldest still-operating Chinese temples in the United States. It was originally founded around 1852 and is dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess.

It’s not flashy or touristy—you’ll find it quietly tucked away on the third floor of a modest building. Climb the stairs, slip off your shoes, and step into a serene space filled with the scent of incense, golden statues, and tables of offerings. Worshippers still come here, but visitors are welcome to look, reflect, and even say a prayer

Stroll and Shop Through Chinatown

Now’s a great time to wander, shop, and admire some of the neighborhood’s vibrant public art.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Chinatown Murals, which are scattered throughout the area, especially near Grant Avenue. You’ll find large-scale artworks depicting Chinese mythology, immigration history, and local pride. For a full list, check out the Chinatown Public Art Map.

For shopping, make sure to stop by The Wok Shop, a family-owned staple that’s been supplying professional chefs and home cooks with woks and kitchen tools for decades. You can also pick up loose-leaf teas, herbs, fresh produce, or traditional souvenirs at shops all around Grant Avenue and Stockton Street.

Step Inside Old St. Mary’s Cathedral

Just a few blocks away is Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, one of the most historically significant buildings in Chinatown. Built in 1854, it was the first cathedral in California and has withstood earthquakes, fires, and everything else San Francisco has thrown at it. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass, marble columns, and rotating exhibits about the neighborhood’s multicultural history. 

Sip a Famous Mai Tai at Li Po Lounge

As the day winds down, make your way to Li Po Lounge, Chinatown’s famous dive bar—and the home of the legendary Chinese Mai Tai.

This place has serious old-school charm: red lanterns hanging from the ceiling, zodiac calendars on the wall, and a slightly gritty (but fun) vibe. The Chinese Mai Tai is their signature cocktail and comes with a punch (literally). It’s fruity, strong, and served in a tall glass with their secret recipe, which is actually trademarked by the U.S. Patent Office.

Grab one of those and maybe a Lucky Buddha beer (the bottle is shaped like a Buddha!).

End with Dinner at Four Kings

End your Chinatown day trip with dinner at the modern Four Kings, a nostalgic Cantonese restaurant run by chefs Franky Ho and Michael Long. Their mission? Recreate the flavors of their childhood in Hong Kong—but with a twist.

The place is small, loud, and full of energy—it reminded me of some Isakayas I visited in Japan. We ate things like claypot rice with Chinese sausage, creamy potato salad with tofu dressing, popcorn chicken, and pork chop rice with tomato egg. The “Fish Fragrant Eggplant” ended up being one of my favorites, even though I was a little skeptical at first.

➞ Reservations are tough to get. Your best bet is to go online to Open Table at exactly noon, this is when the reservations open. Or be prepared to line up an hour before they open for the first seating.

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