Lunar New Year in San Francisco
- Nini
- Feb 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Just a quick note: This post isn't sponsored by any of the businesses mentioned. All opinions are my own.
Hey casualwalkers! Curious about the spots featured in the 2024 Wrap Up Vlog? You've come to the right place. This blog dives into more details about the Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco, California. Although the video is from 2024's festivities, the information outlined here is current as of 2/5/2025. If you're looking to find more info on another location in the video, check out the curated blog posts here.
2025 Lunar New Year in San Francisco Chinatown
Saturday, February 15, 2025 5PM
Transportation
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
BART is a great option for getting to the parade from various locations in the Bay Area.
Closest Stations:
Montgomery Station: This is the closest BART station to the start of the parade at Market and 2nd streets.
Embarcadero Station: Another nearby option, especially if you want to be closer to the later part of the parade route.
Powell Street Station: This station is also close and provides easy access if you want to explore Union Square before or after the parade.
Tips:
Check the BART schedule in advance to plan your trip.
Purchase a Clipper card for easy fare payment.
Be prepared for crowds, especially after the parade.
Muni (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency)
Muni offers various transportation options within San Francisco, including buses and light rail.
Bus Routes: Several bus routes serve the Chinatown area and the parade route. Check the SFMTA website or app for specific routes and potential reroutes due to street closures.
Muni Metro: The T Third Street line has a stop at Chinatown-Rose Pak Station, which is convenient for accessing Chinatown.
Tips:
Muni may have service changes and reroutes due to the parade. Check their website or app for updates.
Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel on Muni.
Important Notes:
Street Closures: Many streets around the parade route will be closed to traffic. Public transportation is highly recommended as driving and parking will be challenging.
Crowds: Expect large crowds, especially along the main parade route. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Planning: Use the 511.org website or app to plan your trip using public transportation. You can enter your starting point and destination to see the available options and estimated travel times.
Additional Tips:
Consider walking to explore the area before or after the parade.
Check the official Chinese New Year Parade website for the most up-to-date information on the parade route and any transportation-related announcements.
Parking
While public transportation is highly recommended for attending the Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco's Chinatown due to street closures and crowds, here are some parking options if you must drive:
1. Portsmouth Square Garage:
Free Parking: You're in luck! There's a great promotion for Lunar New Year. From January 28th to February 28th, 2025, you can get 2 hours of free parking at the Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny Street). This is a fantastic option as it's right in the heart of Chinatown.
After 2 Hours: If you stay longer than 2 hours, regular rates will apply ($4/hour).
Evening Special: If you enter after 5 PM, there's a maximum charge of $8 until midnight.
2. Other Garages in the Area:
555 Jackson St. Garage: This is a large garage with plenty of spaces, a short walk from Chinatown.
661 Broadway Garage: A valet-assisted garage that might be a good option if you're in a hurry.
622 Washington St. Garage: Another option within walking distance of Chinatown.
SpotHero: You can use SpotHero to reserve a parking spot in advance at various garages near Chinatown. This can save you time and ensure you have a place to park.
3. Street Parking:
Extremely Limited: Street parking in and around Chinatown will be extremely limited, especially during the parade.
Street Closures: Many streets will be closed for the parade, making street parking even more difficult.
Time Limits: If you do find street parking, be sure to check the time limits and any parking restrictions to avoid tickets.
Important Considerations:
Arrive Early: If you plan to drive, arrive very early to find parking.
Traffic: Expect heavy traffic in the area, especially on the day of the parade.
Walking: Be prepared to walk a few blocks from your parking spot to the parade route.
Cost: Parking in garages can be expensive, especially during special events.
Public Transportation: Again, I highly recommend using public transportation if possible. It will likely be faster, cheaper, and less stressful than driving and parking.
Tips:
Check the official Chinese New Year Parade website for any parking-related announcements or updates.
Use a parking app like SpotHero to find and reserve parking in advance.
Consider parking a bit further away from Chinatown and taking a short walk or public transportation to the parade route.
Best Pork Buns on Grant Ave. in SF Chinatown
Grant Avenue in San Francisco's Chinatown is a great place to find delicious pork buns. Here are a couple of spots you should check out:
As Seen on CasualWalks Video:
Eastern Bakery (720 Grant Ave): Another classic Chinatown bakery, Eastern Bakery claims to be the first bakery in Chinatown and that they have the best pork buns in town. They have a wide selection of pastries, and their pork buns are a solid choice.
Golden Gate Bakery (1029 Grant Ave): This place is legendary! They're known for their egg tarts, but their pork buns are also a must-try. They have a sweet, slightly flaky crust and a savory pork filling. Be prepared for a potential line, as this place is popular!
A few other places on or near Grant Ave that are worth considering:
City View Restaurant (33 Walter U Lum Pl): While not directly on Grant, it's very close by. This restaurant is known for its dim sum, and they usually have delicious steamed BBQ pork buns on the menu.
Good Mong Kok Bakery (1039 Stockton St): Just a short walk from Grant Ave, this bakery is a local favorite for its delicious and affordable baked BBQ pork buns. They are known for their generous filling.
Tips for finding the best pork buns:
Go early: Popular bakeries often sell out of their most popular items early in the day.
Look for freshness: The best pork buns are usually warm and have a soft, slightly sweet bun.
Give different spots a shot: Chinatown's packed with awesome bakeries, so go ahead and explore a few to find the one you love most.
Viewing the Parade
The Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco is a spectacular event, and finding the perfect spot to watch it can really enhance your experience. Here are some of the best places to stand to view the parade:
1. Along Market Street:
Early in the route: The parade starts at Market and 2nd Streets. Being near the beginning of the route means you'll see the parade early on, and it might be slightly less crowded than closer to Chinatown.
Wide sidewalks: Market Street generally has wider sidewalks, making it easier to find a spot and spread out a bit.
2. Around Union Square:
Central location: The parade route goes around Union Square, offering a central location with shops and restaurants nearby.
Grandstand: There's usually a grandstand set up in Union Square, which might offer a good view (though it might also be ticketed).
3. Along Kearny Street:
Closer to Chinatown: As the parade heads towards Chinatown along Kearny Street, the excitement builds. However, this area tends to get very crowded.
Near the end: If you position yourself closer to the end of the route on Kearny, you might catch the tail end of the parade as it disperses.
4. Bleacher Sections:
Designated seating: If you prefer a guaranteed spot with a good view, consider purchasing tickets for the bleacher sections. These are usually located at key points along the route.
5. Elevated Views:
Restaurants or cafes: Some restaurants or cafes along the parade route might offer elevated views from their windows or balconies. This could be a comfortable way to watch the parade.
Tips for choosing your spot:
Arrive early: The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of securing a good spot. People often start lining up hours in advance, especially in popular areas.
Consider the sun: Think about the direction of the sun and choose a spot that won't leave you directly in the sun for the entire parade.
Check the parade route: Familiarize yourself with the parade route in advance to help you choose a location that suits your preferences.
Be prepared for crowds: The parade attracts large crowds, so be prepared to navigate through people and stand for a while.
Bring snacks and drinks: It's a good idea to bring some snacks and drinks (like pork buns!) to keep you going, especially if you're arriving early.
What to Bring
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Lunar New Year Parade viewing experience in San Francisco, it's wise to pack strategically. Here's a list of things to bring:
Essentials:
Comfortable Shoes: You'll likely be standing for a long time, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Layers of Clothing: San Francisco weather can be unpredictable. Layers allow you to adjust to changing temperatures. A light jacket or sweater is a good idea, even if it seems warm when you leave.
Sun Protection: Even in cooler weather, the sun can be strong. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself.
Water: Staying hydrated is important, especially if you're arriving early and spending several hours at the parade.
Snacks: While there will be food vendors, bringing your own snacks can save you time and money.
For Comfortable Viewing:
Small Portable Chair or Blanket: If you don't want to stand the entire time, a small folding chair or a blanket to sit on the ground can be a lifesaver. Keep in mind space will be tight, so smaller is better.
Hand Sanitizer: With large crowds, having hand sanitizer on hand is always a good idea.
Tissues or Wet Wipes: Useful for spills, sticky hands, or just general cleanup.
Optional but Recommended:
Camera or Phone: Capture the colorful floats, lion dances, and other parade highlights.
Portable Charger: If you plan on taking lots of photos or videos, a portable charger will ensure your phone doesn't run out of battery.
Cash: While some vendors may accept cards, having cash on hand can be useful for smaller purchases or if card readers aren't working.
Earplugs (for sensitive ears): The parade can get loud with drums and firecrackers. Earplugs can help protect sensitive ears, especially for children.
Things to Leave at Home:
Valuables: Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables that could be lost or stolen in the crowd.
Large Backpacks or Bags: These can be cumbersome to carry and make it difficult to navigate through the crowds. Smaller bags are better.
Anything Prohibited: Check the official parade website for any prohibited items.
Tips for Packing:
Use a backpack or shoulder bag: This will distribute the weight evenly and leave your hands free.
Pack light: Avoid bringing anything unnecessary to make it easier to move around.
Check the weather forecast: Before you go, check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately.
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