Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Dragon's Gate

    4.3 (144 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Dragon's Gate Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Dragon's Gate

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Greg F.

    Dragon gate is the entrance to china town, the coolest buildings in china town are along tge same street that dragon gate is on. There are some really stores and souvenirs shops.

    Quintin E.

    Enter the Dragon's Gate! Iconic landmark and staple of San Francisco's Chinatown I'm grateful I got to take in and experience. Absolutely a photo-worthy tourist dream and beautiful structure to be appreciated each and everyday in SF. It's very hustle bustle in this area, but you do have time to take a moment and reflect as well as enjoy the scenic beauty at the mouth of Grant Avenue & Bush Street where the Dragon's Gate resides. One of the most photographed areas of SF and Chinatown. Constructed in 1969 as a gift from Taiwan also known as Republic of China with amazing arches in the paifang style of architecture found throughout several parts of the world today including New Zealand, China, the US in , Boston, D.C., Southern and Northern California (via SF) to name a few #IconicLandmark

    Michelle G.

    The Dragon Gate marks the entrance to Chinatown, and it's such a fun area to explore! There are lots of historic shops and restaurants full of character. I stopped by the Night Market on Friday night--so many people came out to enjoy it. The whole place was buzzing!

    Ginger D.

    Dragon's gate is the most beautiful entrance to Chinatown in SF! I love the hanging lanterns and culture of china town! This is a beautiful area!!!!!

    Cecilia M.

    My friend and I -- both of Chinese descent -- came to visit the iconic Dragon Gate. The landmark is well kept and maintained but the immediate surroundings is disappointing as it's surrounded by art/antique shops that are not Chinese. Unlike my last visit 13 years ago... Instead, they are shiny and gaudy shops named "Michael" and "Leo". And with staff trying to get you into the flashy art stores. We took a photo of the gate, and then continued on into Chinatown proper which is beautiful and vast! Do continue into the largest Chinatown of North America. It's such a precious place. And go support the local Chinese shops and restaurants.

    Samantha B.

    This was so cool! I loved seeing it and taking pictures here. This is really the coolest entrance to a Chinatown that I've ever seen. I loved it and it was fun.

    Alex D.

    Such a beautiful display to signify the entrance of Chinatown! Culturally beautiful, as well as a beautiful photo spot for tourists and locals. It's definitely a must-see.

    07.30.22 intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street
    May A.

    Iconic entrance to SF Chinatown When you see the Dragon's Gate at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue this is your sign that you are now entering San Francisco Chinatown from the south-facing gate. As San Francisco has once again reopened post Covid more and more visitors are coming out to visit Chinatown and we saw some tourists take photos in front of this landmark gate. Our hotel was just a 3-min walk to the Dragon's Gate so I was able to capture some shots up close including one of the stone dragons. I would have to cross the street if I wanted to capture a shot of the entire entrance. The first few stores upon entering Chinatown are gifts shops and art galleries. This is the official entrance to Chinatown. Seen it many times before but really my first time to take the time to check it out. Review #2659

    Kristin Leigh M.

    Icon in San Francisco! Come early -- there will be no people and you can have it all to yourself for photos. (Then, you can stand under the arch since there will be no cars that early, haha.) I always enjoy a good stroll through Chinatown -- good for people/crowd watching, too! 2022: 74/100

    Strawberry bourbon drink
    Katie F.

    Amazing happy hour. Good rolls and food selection Really good service and really good drinks! Highly recommend

    Dragon's Gate
    Carrie M.

    Dragon's Gate is the iconic entrance to San Francisco's Chinatown. My friend asked, "Is this it?" when we got there, so it is may not be as grand as the name sounds. There is a street near the gate closed off to cars, and there are a lot of pretty lanterns for a good photo op. I noticed some of the stores near the gate are extremely Western and minimalist, which was strange for being in Chinatown. It was hard to find street parking, so we paid for garage parking.

    Maruko X.

    The Dragon Gate, aka Chinatown Gate, is a south-facing gate at the intersection of bush st and grant Ave. It was built in the style of a traditional Chinese pailou, and later it became one of the most photographed locations in Chinatown.

    View of dragon gate from the front

    I feel like the dragon gate is a tourist trap. As the entrance into San Francisco Chinatown, I was disappointed to see that Grant Avenue was mostly art and gift shops. I view it as the tourist side of Chinatown. All those lanterns make the street look colorful and nice but you probably have to make it to Stockton Street before you feel like you are actually in Chinatown. The dragon gate is beautiful and worth checking out if you are in the area. I can see why everyone wants to take a picture since it's not very often you will see something like this. I came in the middle of the afternoon and there were a lot of cars and people walking by. It seems almost impossible to take a picture without cars or random people in it unless you go late night when stores are closed or early morning before stores open.

    See all

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maria C.
    1876
    3135
    9889

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 32
    Thanks 1
    Love this 34
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hurjane V.
    2054
    1394
    9063

    10 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Richard S.
    451
    2229
    9023

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great photo spot. Has some nice cafes and bars in the area and shopping that fits all budgets.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric C.
    1104
    341
    740

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David R.
    1
    132
    23

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jun L.
    330
    61
    86

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lanie L.
    1967
    906
    3843

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark B.
    204
    1177
    2819

    10 years ago

    Helpful 47
    Thanks 0
    Love this 50
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan W.
    287
    52
    17

    16 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Zach H.
    3486
    2253
    10233

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel L.
    4943
    1696
    6458

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bilal S.
    274
    1183
    5495

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan L.
    550
    1464
    6734

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Curt C.
    2559
    4228
    1494

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 4

    Dragon's Gate Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Dragon's Gate

    Review Highlights - Dragon's Gate

    The Chinatown Gate is masterfully crafted and constructed as an ode to traditional Chinese architecture.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 4,944 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Japantown

    Japantown

    4.2
    (550 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Came to San Francisco during Super Bowl week and had the chance to explore Japantown and Lower…read morePacific Heights again, and it honestly reminded me why I love this city so much. After being in Washington, D.C., where it was much colder, the warm SF weather felt amazing and made walking around the neighborhood even better. The food was incredible! We tried several different restaurants, and every place had something special, from comforting ramen to fresh sushi. Japantown has such a great mix of authentic flavors, cozy spots, and unique little shops that make the whole experience feel lively and welcoming. Being back in San Francisco, enjoying great food, good weather, and the energy of Super Bowl week, was just an all-around great feeling. I truly believe this is one of the best Japantowns in the country, and I can't wait to come back and explore even more.

    Japantown has always been a go to spot for us when we miss Japan, of course there is no comparison,…read morebut Nijiya Market has always been a good spot for Bento boxes, sushi, Sashimi, anything you want- quality has always been good, and if you get there later before closing, they discount some of the items. It's located on Post and Buchanan, street parking if you can find it but they have a parking garage underneath the shops and restaurants. They have so many good spots for Sushi, Ramen, Sophie's Crepes is another fav, Boba, you won't be disappointed! We will be back!

    Photos
    The last of the cherry blossoms
    The last of the cherry blossoms
    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.
    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.
    Godzilla

    See all

    Godzilla
    Palace Of Fine Arts

    Palace Of Fine Arts

    4.7
    (1.2k reviews)
    2.5 mi

    One of my favorite stops whenever I'm in San Francisco. The Palace of the Fine Arts is an…read moreincredible visit - beautiful and peaceful. I've visited here both during the day and at night and each one will provide you with its own unique experience. During the day, you'll be able to take in all the surrounding nature - its lake, the birds and the ducks, grassy areas. You can also take in all the intricate architecture of the Palace. Can definitely get busy and loud during the day, but it's still so nice to walk around and enjoy. At night, you're going to lose the majority of the people. Last time we were there after dark, there were only a dozen other people wandering around. You won't really be able to see the nature, but the Palace has areas lit up with lights that give it a different beauty you won't see during the day. Free to enter and enjoy. We've always walked here, so I can't touch on the parking situation, but it doesn't look like the best just from glancing around. As I said, one of my favorite stops in SF, and I look forward to visiting it on each trip.

    The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in San Francisco. Whether…read moreyou're a visitor or a local, it's the perfect spot to slow down and take in the scenery. The views are stunning from every angle, with the iconic rotunda reflected in the lagoon and surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush vegetation. The lake is full of life, and it's common to see swans, ducks, geese, and other birds enjoying the water, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The lagoon is known for attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. There are plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket, relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The walking paths are easy to explore, and every turn offers another great photo opportunity. On busy days, you'll often find vendors nearby adding to the lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a romantic setting, or just a place to sit and enjoy nature, the Palace of Fine Arts delivers. A true San Francisco treasure that never disappoints.

    Photos
    Harmonious
    Harmonious
    Evening view
    Evening view
    Palace Of Fine Arts

    See all

    The Westerfeld House

    The Westerfeld House

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    "You see that mansion up there on the hill? They say Charles Manson lived there, in the top room…read moreof the house." That was my first introduction to The Westerfeld House from the drugged out property manager who used to manage my apartment building - and he was wrong (surprise!) But there is a tie to the Manson Family: One of its members lived there until he moved to Spawn Ranch. And rumor is Charles Manson did visit a few times. Tom Wolfe even wrote about The Westerfeld House in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test calling it, "A great old shambling Gothic house, a freaking decayed giant known as 'The Russian Embassy.'" (I'm curious if one of my mom's law school friends crashed there because she was one of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters. It IS a small little world in which we live.) Built by a wealthy chocolatier then sold to the architect of the Palace Hotel, the Westerfeld House was built in 1889 for the then-grand sum of just under $10,000 ($27M in today's money) and is now a designated Landmark and privately owned. It housed a nightclub called "Dark Eyes" in the late 1920s just before the stock market crash then it was divided up into a boarding house in the '40s. In the '60s, Joplin and Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Grateful Dead used to hang out at The Westerfeld House. In the 1970s the founder of the church of Satan lived there (his pet lion left some deep claw marks in the ornate door frames and molding around the house). Longtime and current owner, Jim Siegel, apparently had Buddhist monks bless the house because of its provenance. I've gotten a chuckle over the years that its owner sometimes hangs hand-painted protest signs as window coverings: When Alamo Square became a huge tourist destination (it took a long time to be "discovered", surprisingly) it seemed like all the tour bus companies discovered it at once: There were eight or more busses every 5-8 minutes buzzing the park and blaring Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart.." And Siegel hung signs that read "Get off the damn bus, walk around and SEE the city!" In so many ways, The Westerfeld House is so very representative of San Francisco! Look for the house on Fulton at Scott that looks a bit like the Addams Family mansion and you're there.

    This house is incredible with an amazing history. Truly gorgeous and fun to share with people who…read morehaven't seen it before.

    Photos
    Another view
    Another view
    Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square
    Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square
    Beautiful building- Westfield House

    See all

    Beautiful building- Westfield House
    Cottage Row

    Cottage Row

    4.1
    (12 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    A quiet, cozy, off the beaten path, mini park with lovely flowers and trees in between busy areas…read more Recommend, especially if you can find parking.

    Big things comes in small packages…read more There are several mini parks in almost every neighborhood in San Francisco, and Cottage Row is a historic district (#82000983) located in Japantown that stretches along the block of Bush and Sutter streets and flanked between Webster and Fillmore streets. I would often walk to my wife's work as part of my exercise after work. I'd start from New Montgomery & Market Street all the way to Pacific Heights, which is roughly about 3 1/2 miles or so depending on the route I take. I vary my route some days and have taken different streets that are more hilly depending how I feel that particular day. On one of my many routes, I discovered this gem of a place just a block from Japantown Center. From Sutter St., there are signs posted regarding the park in front of a brick steps and pathway that stretches one block ending on Bush St. Along the path are Victorian-era houses, which adds a unique charm to the park. The park itself is well manicured with beautiful flowers, plants and even lone Redwood tree standing tall and proudly in the center. It may be small, but this mini park actually feels very spacious due to the layout and brilliant design of the park. It definitely maximizes the space without feeling cluttered and it feels very relaxing just being here. The smell of flowers and different plants provides an illusion that you are in a forest garden. I can feel my stress levels diminish as I soak in the energy of the park. Doing some research, the brick pathway along the backside of the park used to be called Japan Street due to the families living there were primarily Japanese-Americans. Sadly, they were interned during WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor. An unfortunate time in American history that must never be forgotten and repeated. Now the park is maintained by the city, and they do a wonderful job of doing so. I can imagine the people in the neighborhood utilize this space by sitting on the benches while reading a good book; playing with their kids or grandkids; walking and playing with their dogs or enjoying a casual stroll to get some sun. Either way, it's a charming little park that is worth a visit should you be in the area.

    Photos
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row

    See all

    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    3.7
    (25 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

    This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!

    Photos
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    See all

    Dragon's Gate - landmarks - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...