Find Asian treasures, trinkets, and exotic cuisine.

The oldest and second largest Chinatown in North America, San Francisco's vibrant Chinese neighborhood almost feels like you've traveled to a distant country. Rightfully so, this compact district (only eight blocks long and two blocks wide) has attracted throngs of tourists for many years. While many people know about the countless bustling shops selling unique and interesting souvenirs on overloaded shelves, the neighborhood is also home to stores that sell precious jewels, jade, and objets-d'art, as well as hard-to-find cooking and art supplies. Follow the locals to find some of the most memorable Asian cooking outside of China, often an incredible bargain for the quality of the food. (Be really adventurous and order from the Chinese menu--only written in Chinese characters.) Guided tours let visitors in on the history, secrets, and culinary gems of this vibrant area.

Inside Tip: Come for Chinese New Year, which features a massive street fair, followed by the famous and boisterous evening parade and a spectacular Chinese dragon.

Step right up for a ride back in time as the Conservatory of Flowers presents a new garden railway display celebrating the legendary Playland at the Beach and a bygone era of seaside amusement that was located on San Francisco’s West End. Model trains wend their way past the famed Sutro Baths, zip around a replica of the Victorian-era Cliff House and whiz through a mini version of San Francisco’s beloved Playland at the Beach. Young and old alike will marvel at the sight of its most famous attractions including the Big Dipper, Diving Bell, Fun House and more. The exhibit also includes memorabilia and photographs in a fascinating display that tells the story of San Francisco’s lost ocean-front treasures.