As a family-run business, we love helping visitors experience San Francisco beyond the usual tourist hotspots. While the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are must-sees, there’s something special about diving into the city’s local culture, food, and events. This weekend (February 14-16, 2025) is packed with incredible experiences, from Chinese New Year festivities in Chinatown to the NBA All-Star Weekend at Chase Center—all complemented by some of the city’s best food.

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Chinese New Year Parade – Saturday, February 15th

An easy ride on the No. 30 bus from Chestnut & Divisadero drops you right into the heart of Chinatown (exit at Stockton & Washington). This year’s Chinese New Year Parade, one of the largest in the world, kicks off at 5:15 PM at Second & Market Streets. Expect vibrant floats, lion dancers, martial arts performances, and a grand drone light show finale celebrating the Year of the Snake.

Pre-Parade Food & Drinks

Chinatown is nestled between North Beach (SF’s Italian district) and the Financial District, making it perfect for a food adventure before the parade.

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Café Zoetrope (916 Kearny St.) – Owned by Francis Ford Coppola, this stylish café inside the iconic Sentinel Building serves excellent Italian fare, wine, and a dose of Hollywood history.

Molinari Delicatessen (373 Columbus Ave.) – A North Beach institution since 1896, famous for its giant Italian sandwiches. Pick up a classic prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich before the festivities.

Kokkari Estiatorio (200 Jackson St.) – One of SF’s best Greek restaurants, serving wood-fired lamb chops and fresh seafood in a cozy setting. Perfect for an elegant pre-parade meal. (Menu & reservations)

Quince (470 Pacific Ave.) – A Michelin-starred experience for those looking for a high-end dining night out.

AltoVino (1358 Mason St.) – For a romantic Valentine’s dinner, check out this cozy Italian spot run by a husband-and-wife duo. Fresh pasta, local ingredients, and a great wine list. (See menu)Post-Parade Chinatown EatsAfter the parade, Chinatown offers some of the best Chinese food outside China:

Mr. Jiu’s (28 Waverly Pl.) – A modern Michelin-starred take on Cantonese cuisine with creative twists. (Reservations)

Hon’s Wun-Tun House (648 Kearny St.) – If you’re craving a no-frills, authentic experience, this wonton noodle soup spot is a local gem.

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NBA All-Star Weekend & Warriors Game at Chase Center

Basketball fans are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as NBA All-Star Weekend comes to San Francisco from February 14-16, 2025. Chase Center will be buzzing with events, including:

The NBA All-Star Game – Sunday, February 16th, featuring the league’s biggest superstars.

Slam Dunk & Three-Point Contest – The most exciting night of skill challenges.

Special Concerts & Fan Experiences – Expect big-name artists and basketball legends making appearances.After the weekend, basketball continues with the Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, February 23rd at 12:30 PM, featuring a special jersey retirement ceremony for Andre Iguodala.

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Where to Eat at Chase Center

Chase Center is home to some seriously good food, featuring local favorites from across the Bay Area:

Bakesale Betty – Legendary buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches from an Oakland icon. (More info)

Big Nate’s BBQ – Named after Warriors legend Nate Thurmond, serving ribs, pulled pork, and classic BBQ dishes.

Sam’s Chowder House – Famous lobster rolls and seafood classics from Half Moon Bay.

Tony G’s Pizza – One of SF’s top pizzerias, offering New York-style pies at the arena.

The Sarap Shop – Bringing Filipino flavors to Chase Center with adobo wings and vegan lumpia.

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Plan Your Perfect Weekend in San Francisco

This February 14-16 weekend, San Francisco has something for everyone—whether it’s the cultural excitement of Chinese New Year, the delicious flavors of Chinatown & North Beach, or the thrill of NBA All-Star Weekend.

Where to Stay? If you need a comfortable, locally owned place to stay while exploring the city, Marina Motel offers a charming home base in the heart of SF. Book a room today! (Visit our website)Let us know your favorite spots in SF! Which event are you most excited about?