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Chinatown Gate

Chinatown Gate: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Francisco: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

1. San Francisco: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Hop aboard a sightseeing bus for a tour of the City by the Bay and delve into the fascinating history of San Francisco and its legendary landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. The hop-on-hop-off route stops at the main points of interest all around San Francisco.  Experience the diverse culture, beautiful parks, stunning architecture, and picturesque views from the top of an open-air sightseeing bus. Hop off anytime and create your customized itinerary at your leisure. Explore 3 routes depending on your ticket purchase and enjoy photo stops at the Golden Gate Bridge on each route. With the Classic (24-hour) ticket, enjoy the Hop-on Hop-off service at your leisure for a full day and try the bike rental offer and ride along San Francisco's stunning waterfront. The Premium (24-Hour) and Deluxe (48-hour) tickets allow you to venture out to see the daytime and evening views of San Francisco with the panoramic Night Tour. Additionally, the Deluxe (48-hour) ticket includes the option to choose from either a bike rental, or admission to the USS Pampanito. Take a deep dive into the history of a World War WWII submarine or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito. San Francisco City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Sit back and enjoy the ride as you cruise through the city on an open-top bus. Learn about the unique history of San Fransisco while passing through Chinatown, Union Square, Civic Center, and the Alamo Square.  Panoramic Night Tour Board the night bus to explore the dazzling city of San Francisco at nighttime. Climb the historic Nob Hill for a stunning close-up view of the magnificent Grace Cathedral. The Night Tour is included in the Premium (24-Hour) and Deluxe (48-Hour) Tickets. Then, make your way across the grand Bay Bridge for picturesque views of the city skyline from Treasure Island, the World Fair site in 1939. After heading back to the city, continue along the Embarcadero to view the glittering lights of the Port of San Francisco.

SF: Alcatraz Ticket w/ 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Night Tour

2. SF: Alcatraz Ticket w/ 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Night Tour

See the best of San Francisco with this combined hop-on-hop-off ticket and Alcatraz Island visit. Explore the island of Alcatraz and enjoy 2 days of sightseeing with insightful commentary from a live guide. Tour the famous prison that has played a role in jailhouse folklore and the historic evolution of the West Coast. Learn more about the 14 unsuccessful escape attempts by over 30 prisoners and their fates. Your Premium Big Bus hop-on-hop-off pass is a great way to see the sights of San Francisco. Listen to commentary by live English-speaking guides, or enjoy pre-recorded audio commentary in 10 languages. Your 2-day ticket includes a full day of unlimited hop-on-hop-off and a 1-hour panoramic night tour. Explore one of San Francisco's most fascinating neighborhoods on a fun and informative walking tour of Chinatown. The tours are offered daily, and you can ask an agent for locations and time schedules. Also included are a bonus 1-hour bike rental (with the purchase of a 1-hour rental) and Players Arcade Drink and Game Tokens. Hop-on, hop-off tour stops include: Stop 1: Corner of Jefferson & Mason StreetStop 2: Holiday Inn Northpoint b/w Jones & ColumbusStop 3: Washington Square - Columbus & Union StreetsStop 4: Embarcadero Center - Corner Clay & Battery StreetsStop 5: Ferry Building - Market St b/w Stuart & Spear StreetsStop 6: Union Square South - Geary St across from Macy’sStop 7: Hilton Hotel - Corner Mason & Ellis StreetsStop 8: Civic Center - Fulton St b/w Larkin & Hyde StreetsStop 9: Alamo Square - Corner Fell & Pierce StreetsStop 10: Haight Ashbury - Haight & Shrader StreetsStop 11: Golden Gate Park - Music Concourse Drive Golden Gate ParkStop 12: Golden Gate Bridge- North Vista PointStop 13: Palace of Fine Arts - Richardson & Francisco StreetStop 14: Marina Neighborhood - Lombard & Fillmore StreetsStop 15: Lombard Street Corridor - Lombard & Gough StreetsStop 16: Union Square North - Post & Powell StreetsStop 17: Chinatown Gate - Grant and Bush StreetsStop 18: Portsmouth Square - Kearny & Clay StreetsStop 19: Pier 35 Cruise Terminal - The EmbarcaderoStop 20: Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf (then return to Stop 1)

San Francisco: The Haunt - Ghost Hunting Walking Tour

3. San Francisco: The Haunt - Ghost Hunting Walking Tour

Prowl through Gold Rush-era neighborhoods after dark, armed with ghost-hunting tools to seek out paranormal activity in San Francisco. The Haunt is San Francisco’s real ghost-hunting excursion, with storyteller guides sharing dark tales of the city’s haunted past. Meet by nightfall in the Jackson Square Historic District, a Gold Rush-era neighborhood of eerie Victorian architecture. Your tour guide will outfit everyone with an E.M.F. meter that you’ll use throughout the paranormal investigation. From there, enter the old neighborhood, hearing about the forgotten graves and ships buried beneath. Down quiet alleyways, learn of the destruction of the Great Earthquake of 1906, and the residual hauntings that still plague the neighborhood. At any point, you might detect E.M.F. activity, and you'll investigate further using tools such as dowsing rods and a Spirit Box. In Chinatown, hear of the tragedies that mark the neighborhood’s past, including the true crimes whose energies still linger, from a mysterious death in a historic theater to the city’s biggest massacre at the Golden Dragon. End the investigation with a ceremony to honor whatever spirits joined the group with a ritual to ensure that nothing follows you home.

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

4. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Make your way around San Francisco with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Hop off to explore the city's best highlights or stay on the double decker to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city for two hours. Combine your ticket with a 1-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise to sail around the famous San Francisco Bay. Golden Gate Bay Cruise Arrive at Fisherman's Wharf and look for the red and white colors of the "Red & White Fleet" to find your boat. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach and take advantage of the bar onboard with drinks, snacks, and merchandise. Admire the famous swimming clubs of the Aquatic Park and the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier. Enjoy idyllic views of Crissy Field and The Presidio of San Francisco before the stunning image of the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. Cruise straight under the bridge as the sun shines and waves lap against the boat. Travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands to reach the shores of Sausalito, once home to the Flower Children. With Angel Island State Park to your left, finish your cruise outside the infamous Alcatraz prison. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Exchange your voucher at any of the bus stops and get ready to discover the city of San Francisco. Discover local parks and architecture as you listen to the digital commentary, available in 10 languages. The route of the hop-on hop-off bus includes stops at iconic landmarks from Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, and Little Italy. This flexible approach to sightseeing allows you to enjoy your day at your own pace.

San Francisco: Chinatown Food and History Walking Tour

5. San Francisco: Chinatown Food and History Walking Tour

Meet your tour guide at Dragon's Gate, the main entrance to San Francisco's Chinatown neighborhood, to begin your walking tour of Chinatown's most famous sights and hidden spots. As you wander this colorful and lively neighborhood, listen to commentary from your guide about Chinatown's history, culture, and present-day authenticity. Stroll down Stockton Street past busy markets selling some of the freshest and most exotic foods in the city. Pass by buildings designed like pagodas and have your camera out as you admire eye-catching Chinese decorations adorning the streets. Gain an understanding of Chinatown's religious culture and history as you visit the Old Saint Mary's Cathedral. Get a chance to taste traditional Chinese cookies and tea of your choice at Eastern Bakery where you can expect to get some inside cooking tips from the bakery owners. Go to Portsmouth Square and learn about the historical significance of this area for the Gold Rush, California's beginnings, and Chinatown's origin. Taste homemade dim sum at Delicious Dim Sum where you'll enjoy some of the best dim sum in the city.  Finish your tour with a memorable visit to a Fortune Cookie factory. Taste the fortune cookie, learn about the cooking techniques, and learn about the historical significance of fortune.

San Francisco 4-Hour Sightseeing Private Tour by Car

6. San Francisco 4-Hour Sightseeing Private Tour by Car

Travel in style and safety and experience a courteous, prompt, and safe transportation service on this 4-hour San Francisco tour that’s priced for a group of up to 6 persons. This is an easy and cost-effective way to get to know the city of San Francisco and the Bay Area. Avoid the crowded bus tours, parking hassles, and map searches, and start your San Francisco visit without delay. Some examples of places you might visit include Fisherman’s Wharf, Washington Square, the Embarcadero, Union Square, the Civic Center, Alamo Square, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and Pier 39. Your driver will take you wherever you’d like to go in the city. Most customers choose to take a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and to see the Legion of Honor, Treasure Island, Sutro Baths, and other sites that are away from San Francisco’s central area. This program is available to both corporate and personal travelers.

San Francisco: 6-Hour City and Muir Woods Tour

7. San Francisco: 6-Hour City and Muir Woods Tour

Meet the tour operator outside Fisherman’s Wharf. After a brief roll call board the bus and travel to your first stop. Over the next 6 hours you’ll be treated to stories about the neighborhoods, diversity, and geography of the area. Exit the bus at several stops for photo opportunities and exploration of the area.  Stops include San Francisco's famous China Town and Little Italy. There will be several amazing photo opportunities including two stops to view the Golden Gate Bridge. Other areas of interest include Tenderloin, a neighborhood central to the local art scene, and Haight Ashbury the birthplace of the "Summer of Love." You will also spend over an hour in the majestic Muir Woods Redwood National Park admiring the redwoods. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy lunch in the Mediterranean atmosphere of the Sausalito waterfront. 

San Francisco: Private 2-Hour Tuk Tuk City Tour

8. San Francisco: Private 2-Hour Tuk Tuk City Tour

See the San Francisco sights you want to see and see them at a pace that suits your group with a private tuk-tuk tour. Your friends and family can cover more ground in an eco-friendly Tuk Tuk than they ever could on foot. Climb San Francisco’s tallest hills in this small but mighty vehicle. Marvel at the sparkling San Francisco Bay and city skyline, and enjoy the sights and smells of Fisherman’s Wharf. Your experienced, entertaining tour guide narrates your 2-hour excursion, stopping often for Instagram-worthy photos! Meet your tour guide in Fisherman’s Wharf. Private tours are perfect for 5 riders per Tuk Tuk (6 guests are ok with a group that includes children and adults). Larger groups can rent multiple Tuk Tuks to cruise around together. Tour highlights may include: Fisherman's Wharf, Dungeness crab stands, and picturesque fishing harbors, The Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Point located underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park (De Young, Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers), Haight Ashbury, The Castro and the Castro Theatre (optional stop), Mission Dolores Park and street murals (optional stop), Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies, City Hall, Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House, Asian Art Museum, Union Square, Dragon’s Gate in Chinatown, and Lombard Street - the most crooked street (traffic permitting)

San Francisco: Self-Driving Tour via the Golden Gate Bridge

9. San Francisco: Self-Driving Tour via the Golden Gate Bridge

Experience San Francisco on this self-guided tour via an app that functions as a guide, narrator, and map. Learn about the city while visiting top attractions and must-see spots. Enjoy a tour that’s been developed by local guides, creative writers, and professional voice artists. Start your experience by downloading the app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one (download instructions received via email after booking). After downloading the app, begin your tour at the Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies is one of the city’s top attractions. These beautiful, colorful homes exemplify Frisco’s funky culture. From there, hear about the city’s unique history and how it became one of the most progressive cities around. Head into the city’s tech quarter and spot big-name headquarters like Uber and Twitter. Get a crash course on how the city became the go-to spot for the most cutting-edge tech produced anywhere. Then, swing by San Francisco City Hall. Get the inside scoop of how Hollywood uses this building as a stand-in for Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Building in all sorts of films. After that, ride down Lombard Street, also known as the most crooked street in the world. This picturesque, winding road has been another Hollywood staple for ages. Next, climb Telegraph Hill for a look at the famous Coit Tower and unbeatable views of the city. Get help identifying some of the most famous structures that make up Frisco’s skyline. Afterward, it’s on to Chinatown and Manilatown. Hear about the long, often embattled, history of both historic districts. Experience the rich culture of these spots. Turn onto Stockton Street and get a look at something else you won’t see every day: cable cars. Get a history lesson on these quirky little cars and learn why they are still used today. At last, reach the waterfront, home to some of the best foods and drinks in the city. Finish off your tour with astonishing views of the bay.

San Francisco: 2-Hour Private Group Tuk Tuk Night Tour

10. San Francisco: 2-Hour Private Group Tuk Tuk Night Tour

Experience San Francisco by night in a tuk-tuk, a modern-day rickshaw that puts nothing between you and the sparkling City by the Bay. Have a blast on a 2-hour private group tour, enjoy panoramic views, and listen to live commentary from your guides. During your tour, marvel at the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and ominous Alcatraz Island from bustling Fisherman's Wharf. Cruise through the back alleys of Chinatown, breathe in the delicious aromas of dinners in North Beach, and feed your Instagram with glittering shots of the most gorgeous city in the world. Tours start at Fisherman’s Wharf at Umbrella Alley. Private tours are limited to 5 adult riders per tuk-tuk (or 6 riders if the group includes children and adults). Tour highlights include: • Fisherman's Wharf, Dungeness crab stands, and picturesque fishing harbors • Maritime Park and historic ships at Hyde Street Pier • Marina Green with views of Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Bay • Views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field • The Palace of Fine Arts • Marina district • City Hall, Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House, Asian Art Museum • Union Square • Dragon’s Gate and Chinatown • Jackson Square historic district • Transamerica Pyramid, Embarcadero Center, and Financial District • Ferry Building and Embarcadero • Exploratorium and cruise ship terminal • Broadway Street and tunnel • Lombard Street – the most crooked street (depending on traffic conditions) • North Beach Little Italy and Washington Square Park • Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill • Pier 39 and Ferry Arch at Pier 41

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Other Sightseeing Options in Chinatown Gate

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What people are saying about Chinatown Gate

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 1,403 reviews

Ferry had flexible return times to explore at your own pace which was nice. Very interesting tour and definitely a must do in SF. Self guided Audio tour was excellent. The National Park Ranger Matt gave an excellent presentation and was very knowledgeable. The island was interesting to explore, and the history of the island is quite incredible and we learned many new facts. In certain areas of the prison you could easily get goosebumps! Dress for weather although we had great timing and boarded the return ferry just as heavy rain hit. It was sunny during our tour. Interesting was the smell of fresh herbs and shrubs growing, which seemed out of character for a cold rock! We spent about 3 hours in total on this tour. Worth the money!

This was so worth it! Being able to get off at any stop and then get back on was amazing. Really helped us see the city and have a great time.

It was excellent and I felt very comfortable, as I travelled solo. I strongly recommend buying the one day extra ticket for 15 dollars

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and learned quite a bit about the history of SF.

A must to get a feel on what to do in San Francisco