Mission District or North Beach & Chinatown Authentic Food Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On our Secret Food Tour: San Francisco, the Mission District, you'll see how immigrants shaped the neighborhood by creating brilliant artwork, beautiful architecture and sharing their fantastic food! Originally home to Irish, German, and Italian immigrants, it is now the epicenter of San Francisco's Latino culture.
The Mission District is full of vibrant murals that offer a visual history lesson featuring themes ranging from cultural heritage to social-political statements. We will take a stroll through the neighborhood to get an up-close experience.
Our tours are more than just the food. Our local guides connect the dots between history, culture, and cuisine to provide you with a deep understanding of the Mission District's thriving culinary scene!
Available options
Private Mission District Tour
Private Tour Upgrade: Choose this option to upgrade to a private food tour of Mission District for only you and your group<br/>Starting point:<br/>1268 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
North Beach and Chinatown Tour
Small Group Food Tour: Option 2 - San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown.
Choose this option for a tour of the North Beach and Chinatown area.<br/>Public Tour Option<br/>Starting point:<br/>1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Mission District Tour
Small Group Food Tour : Option 1 - Mission District
Choose this option for a tour of the Mission District area.<br/>Option 1 - Mission District: Choose this option for a tour of the Mission District area<br/>Public Tour Option<br/>Starting point:<br/>1268 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
What's included
Our delicious Secret Dish!
Coffee tasting
Authentic Italian pizza | Gelato or Sorbet
Our delicious Secret Dish
~~ San Francisco Mission District ~~
Pan dulce | Mariquitas
Mission-style burrito | Quesabirria
~~ San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown ~~
Stuffed dumplings
What you'll see
Meet your guide at the Mission Cultural Center a little before 11am for your tasty, walking adventure. Enter into the heart of the Mission District, where you will discover an incredibly lively and vibrant neighborhood with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. You and your small-group will embark on a 3-hour San Francisco gastronomy tour in the heart of the Mission District. You will have the opportunity to discover both the local Latino inspired dishes as well as the myriad of cultures that have made their imprint on the Mission today.
THE FOOD:
San Francisco Mission Style Burrito
A Traditional Cookie
An Italian Sub
San Francisco Clam Chowder
Locally made Ice cream
Plus, a delicious mystery dish
DRINKS:
California wines
Water
You will be entertained with stories of the city and its history. When the tour ends in the Mission District around 2pm, you will have a belly full of food and a greater understanding of the cuisine, the culture and fusion that created it.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
191 reviews
5★
158
4★
14
3★
9
2★
8
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.9
629 reviews
5★
579
4★
28
3★
13
2★
6
1★
3
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
* Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
* Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
* This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Meeting point
NORTH BEACH AND CHINATOWN - The North Beach and Chinatown Tour will meet at 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108 outside the Cable Car Museum
Please only come to this meeting location if you booked the North Beach and Chinatown Tour.
Important notes
• We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time to check-in with their guide.
• Our Secret Food Tours Guide will have an orange umbrella at the meeting point for easy recognition.
• Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance.
• Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated.
• The legal minimum age for drinking alcohol is 21 years old.
• Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
