1. Cupid's Span

0

,

Cancel

Open app

Search

Cupid's Span Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Cupid's Span

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

Alex C.

Commissioned by the founders of GAP and created by an artist couple, this giant art piece, resembling Cupid's bow and arrow, is right along the Embarcadero and a brief 5-10min walk away from the Ferry building. Residing on a small, grassy hill, there are often local and tourists alike camped out here on nice days enjoying a picnic, relaxing, and snapping up some candid photo shots. And it's not surprising why, considering the beautiful close-up view of the Bay waters and the Bay Bridge. Spanning 60' tall, with an arrow 140' long, you definitely will not miss this large structure as you travel down the Embarcadero either towards the ballpark, or on your way towards Pier 39.

Chris R.

I def recommend checking this out especially if you're visiting the Bay Area or live in the Bay Area grab a blanket and have a picnic in the area. The ferry building is about 5-10 min walk away, there's epic steakhouse, a bunch of restaurants close by to come check out during an off day or even just to see the beautiful views of the bridge and come check out the area and see what's new. The reason why I recommend this on a beautiful or foggy day is because the views are always spectacular and you can see Alcatraz and treasure island and as well as the bridge come check this place out!

Abel A.

Must-go, iconic SF photo-op spot. Pass by on a run, nice stroll, bike ride, or when driving on the Embarcadero. And you can always just hang out on the benches, or cement pillars, or grass.

Afshin A.

A Symbol of Love in San Francisco Cupid's Span is a sculpture located in Rincon Park along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Installed in 2002, it was created by married artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, who are known for their large public sculptures that turn everyday objects into interesting art. The sculpture looks like a giant bow and arrow, inspired by Cupid, the Roman god of love. The bow is 60 feet tall, and the arrow is 140 feet long. Made of steel and fiberglass, it features bright red and yellow colors that stand out against the city skyline and San Francisco Bay. I work nearby and see this sculpture often. It is a popular spot for photos among locals and tourists. Cupid's Span sits in Rincon Park, a small green area with beautiful views of the Bay Bridge. Many people enjoy spending their lunch breaks here, and it's a great place for picnics, walks, and other outdoor activities. The sculpture was part of a project to enhance the waterfront and make it more inviting for the public. I wrote a short review of Rincon Park a few years ago, but today, as I was walking by, I thought the sculpture deserves its own review! The bow and arrow represent love, as Cupid inspires affection. By placing this symbol in a park, the artists wanted to promote feelings of connection among visitors. Its location by the water also suggests that love is a journey, like the voyages of ships from the nearby port. Since opening, Cupid's Span has become a favorite spot in San Francisco. Its fun design reflects the city's unique character and attracts many people for photos and special occasions, including engagement and wedding shoots. Gap Inc. founders Donald and Doris Fisher gave it to the city. The San Francisco Arts Commission worked with the artists to ensure the sculpture fit well with the city's art collection. Because of its large size, installing the sculpture was complex and required careful planning. It arrived in pieces and was put together on-site. Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen are known for their creative work. Cupid's Span is one of their most loved sculptures. If you visit San Francisco, you should see Cupid's Span. Whether you are walking along the Embarcadero, or enjoying the views of the Bay Bridge, the sculpture will impress you.

Phil A.

A very unique public art sculpture located on the Embarcadero Waterfront!! It's Cupid's bow and arrow pointed into the ground, I'm just guessing it's aimed at the center of the earth!! This place is popular for sure, for tourists and locals, people really hang out here for a while. In a very scenic area, this really stands out, especially with whatever backdrop your viewing it from. I like the view with the Bay Bridge behind it the best!!

Biko is a big flirt! Lol.
Lisa X.

After our little photo session around Oracle Park, my friend and I strolled past Cupid's Span. We have both passed by this large outdoor art sculpture multiple times in the past, and I walked and took photos of my little pup here previously. Definitely a landmark we both recognized being part of San Francisco. Cupid's Span is a pop art outdoor sculpture opened in November 1, 2002. "Commissioned by Gap Inc. founders Donald and Doris F. Fisher, depicts a partial bow and piece of an arrow." (Wikipedia) Artists are Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, a married couple and they have many other works displayed all over the world of larger than life everyday objects.

Ultima M.

Super cute area for great photo op This is a SF landmark Located near The Embarcadero on a patch of grass/hill Nice spot to chill and people watch Street parking only

Tommy J.

So my kids have been coming here almost since 2006. It was quite an amazing find, spending time in the city there's not a lot for children to do. My kids would have judo tournaments, we would come here to sightsee, eat and just feel good. Over the years, they've changed the parking in the streets so much. Up until two years ago, there was metered parking right in front were tons of people could park and walk along the Embarcadero. They have removed all of the parking spaces, and turned it into a 2 way bike Ln.. Now there's no way really to access it other than the pitiful few parking spots on the other side of the street. And they are almost always taken. That's about the only reason why it gets four stars, the city does not take into consideration how much the kids enjoy this and now there's no real way for the kids to get to it. Oh well

Vic C.

If you have driven past the Embarcadero, south of the Ferry Building, then you might have seen Cupid's Span, or his bow and arrow. Because the bow and arrow are inverted (pointing into the ground), it looks like a boat or a ship (which does work nicely with the ocean view and Bay Bridge). This beautiful sculpture (free to visit), which has been here since 2002, was created by married artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. They thought it would be a unique interpretation to have the arrow inverted, as if cupid (or Eros) had shot an arrow into the earth to make it fertile. But they had initially thought of having the arrow pointing upright in earlier drafts. My husband, our little girl dog and I came by this beautiful structure on a Friday early last month around 4 pm to meet a friend and their dog. According to my friends (who live in the nearby apartments down the street), this little area (kind of like a park) is really popular with dogs and their owners. While we were there (a little over an hour), we saw numerous of visitors with dogs running around and playing with other dogs on the grass around the bow and arrow sculpture. With the parking situation, it is metered and can be a challenge to find, as it is limited. If you are good at parallel parking then you might want to park much further away and walk.

View from Cupid's Span! beautiful colours
Matthew L.

Perfect place to... 1) Bring a date 2) Play Pokemon Go - lots of dratinis and magikarp here! 3) Enjoy the sunset (or sunrise) 4) View the Bay Bridge Lights 5) Take a jog or a long stroll I've been to Cupid's Span for all of the above reasons, time and time again over the past few years. Cupid's Span and the surrounding area is a hot spot among Pokemon Go fans like myself, perfect for spinning a bunch of pokestops, raiding, and community day. Lots of food is also around the area, so perfect after a long day's worth of Pokemon here. Cupid Span can get pretty crowded with people and dogs alike. Lots of dog owners love coming here to have doggy play dates. I don't have a dog, but I enjoy seeing the dogs frolic with one another. Besides coming here for Pokemon Go, I come here for the amazing bridge views, during sunset. For the BEST views, September and October are the most ideal times coming here because the weather is just perfect - not too cold or hot, and not too foggy. Best way to get here? Public transit. There is parking, but it's limited, and many of the metered parking spots are designated as "Special Parking Zone" which means free parking does not start until 10 pm on some days. Save the hassle and take public transit if you can.

JoAnn S.

After taking my 3 and 8 year old grandsons on the ferry from Alameda to San Francisco for the first time, we headed toward Cupids Span. It is what is most visible on the skyline with the bright red "feathers" of the arrow standing almost vertical. The kids and I skipped up the pathway to the giant bow and arrow. When we got closer I noticed that there was a low wire surrounding the installation by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The 8 year old crawled under the wire first, and then the 3 year old followed. The older brother ran through the grass with younger one following in his big brother's foot steps. Then the big brother started running up the sculpture and sliding down it. "WHEEE" it looked like such fun!!! Both boys started slowly and picked up steam as they got more confidence. The artists created a perfect slide for people of all ages. I didn't go on it myself, but my grandsons had a blast! Tip: if you are coming from Alameda or Oakland and you take the ferry you won't have to worry about parking while visiting this amazing site. Ps. If they didn't want people to slide on the bow, don't you think they would have made it more difficult to get on?

The amazing view of the Bay Bridge... get love bitten!
Eric R.

"There is always some madness in love..." - Lestat Location: Embarcadero Waterfront, San Francisco. Cupid's Span aka Cupid's Bow is a 60-foot sculpture inspired by San Francisco's reputation as the home port of Eros. Cupid's Span is an outdoor sculpture by married artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, commissioned by The Gap founders, Donald and Doris F. Fisher, as a gift to the city of San Francisco in 2002. Having lived in San Francisco I regret not taking the time to visit such a cool site sooner. The location up a hill, on the Embarcadero waterfront, has added a sense of magic and romance to the skyline of lovely San Francisco. For the romantics, the mythological symbolism of Eros shooting his arrow into the earth to make it fertile. On my visit I had the Commodores playing while I picnicked on a patch of grass. Or maybe I was dancing to Spandau Ballet? So true... In the end, I recommend Cupid's Span for all to see. I mean who can complain on something free to the public and now a part of San Francisco's ever changing skyline. And with all the pheromones floating around still a fun spot for the kiddies too! For me, it brought a smile to my face and that's what it's all about. My gift to you, lovers;)

Cris I.

Located in Rincon Park near the Embarcadero which I go to frequently whenever I'm visiting San Francisco. Built in 2002 but I didn't know if its existence until a recent trip around the city with Alana and Nadine. No one can ever deny that whoever comes for a visit, always leave his/her heart in San Francisco. I do! I am always lovestruck with this beautiful city that I always comeback whenever I get the chance. Cupid must have used his bow and arrow to pin my heart right in this city. I'm glad to be able to see this beautiful art installation. It is strategically located with a view of the Oakland bridge on one side, the magnificent buildings on the other side, and the Ferry Building down the street. Great photo opportunities in every angle.

See all

15 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Amy L.
643
528
2668

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Riz B.
193
86
151

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Danster L.
3504
1015
4459

20 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Z. H.
861
548
8146

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Janel Y.
290
1410
1628

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chris C.
256
1457
5300

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Jade M.
103
745
576

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Alex T.
1357
1097
7705

11 years ago

Helpful 15
Thanks 0
Love this 20
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 8
Oh no 0
Photo of Miika M.
2219
1658
2290

17 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

20 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Yi Z.
851
3266
1616

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Kyle E.
125
38
2

16 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Ronny M.
773
14
4

12 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Ella A.
2
125
21

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Grace T.
111
55
29

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0
Photo of Derek K.
35
91
39

17 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Jenn C.
414
1864
1930

15 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Jared F.
95
47
24

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 4

Ask the Community - Cupid's Span

Review Highlights - Cupid's Span

“This is such a whimsical piece of art designed by married couple, Claes Oldenburg & Coosje Van Bruggen!”

Mentioned in 15 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 5,208 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Japantown - Cherry Blossom Festival vendor

Japantown

4.2(555 reviews)
3.8 km•Lower Pacific Heights, Japantown

Yep... another reason to LOVE SF. Culture, community, and somehow... magically clean?! Like I don't…read moreknow what spell they cast over Japantown but the usual city "aroma" is nowhere to be found lol. Just good vibes, music, anime, cosplay sightings, and me absolutely losing it over a Japanese vintage shop like it was a life event. Gifts everywhere, manga on manga on manga... I blinked and suddenly I needed everything. You can literally watch fresh udon being made, bounce between ramen spots, sip tea like you have your life together, and yes... plenty of veggie and vegan friendly options so we're all thriving. And the history? Not just cute... it's legit. This is the OLDEST Japantown in the U.S. and one of only three left, built after the 1906 earthquake when Japanese communities relocated here and made it their cultural home (Japantown Cultural District⁠). It was once a booming hub with hundreds of businesses before WWII internment basically wiped it out, and the community had to rebuild from scratch after . So yeah... what you're walking through now is resilience with really good snacks. Hit the mall, the Peace Pagoda, the paper stores (origami, stationery, art... obsessed), and all the Ghibli love. Cute AND historic... we love a neighborhood with depth.

I'm sure I'm biased bc I grew up up coming here in the 70s/80s and then as a teen and grown up in…read morethe 90s... 2000s lol... it's like a second home despite a lot of changes over the years. Some of the changes I like and some not so much. Parking is hella easy in the underground lot and you can always find a nice gift at any price range as well as a nice snack, drink or meal. I always bring my visitors here when we run out if other stuff to see- but it's hit or miss. My company either loves it and always asked to return, or they think it's a waste of time lol. Like I said, I love it and always will- but I'm not sure how much is pure nostalgia. Recommend visiting at least once. I know the J town in LA feels a lot bigger and I appreciate that one too, but this one is my favorite and I have to show support as a Sansei. Most importantly, restrooms are always clean lol ...

Photos
Japantown - The last of the cherry blossoms

The last of the cherry blossoms

Japantown - 12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.

12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.

Japantown - Godzilla

See all

Godzilla

The Westerfeld House - Beautiful building- Westfield House - Manson stayed here while visiting- Tom Wolfe wrote about it in Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

The Westerfeld House

5.0(3 reviews)
4.4 km•Alamo Square

"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
The Westerfeld House - Another view

Another view

The Westerfeld House - Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square

Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square

The Westerfeld House - Beautiful building- Westfield House

See all

Beautiful building- Westfield House

Cottage Row - Sweet smelling vines

Cottage Row

4.1(12 reviews)
3.7 km•Lower Pacific Heights, Japantown

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.

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.

Photos
Cottage Row
Cottage Row
Cottage Row

See all

Painted Ladies - downtown skyline in background

Painted Ladies

4.2(380 reviews)
4.1 km•Alamo Square

Beat park to sit and have a picnic at, amazing views!…read more Theres a bi-rite down the street with awesome pasta salads, would highly recommend enjoying at the top of the hill on a blanket

I've been to the Painted Ladies dozens of times. I've stopped here over the years for pictures and…read moreto sing the theme song to Full House with friends after a evening of libations and I've even had a picnic on the knoll across the street and just sat and enjoyed the gorgeous weather and the view. This is a classic SF site that everyone has to see at least once. That being said, on my most recent walk past here last weekend, I ended up stopping to people watch everyone up on the hill. I spent more time looking at them than I did looking at the houses. There were so many people taking pictures and some even doing full-on photo shoots and entire families and groups of people just sitting and gazing at the architecture. The whole vibe and seem just makes this area fun. It's definitely a must-do stop for tourists, especially since it's free. I definitely recommend stopping by for at least a few minutes to take some photos, people watch and just enjoy the city and this iconic location.

Photos
Painted Ladies - Smurfs were taking pictures with Painted Ladies

Smurfs were taking pictures with Painted Ladies

Painted Ladies - If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.
   -Louis Armstrong

If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know. -Louis Armstrong

Painted Ladies - 08.23.25 Painted Ladies - the most famous set across the street from Alamo Square Park along Steiner Street

See all

08.23.25 Painted Ladies - the most famous set across the street from Alamo Square Park along Steiner Street

49 Mile Scenic Drive - Fremont Hotel

49 Mile Scenic Drive

3.7(25 reviews)
3.1 km•Civic Center, Hayes Valley

We normally wander about San Francisco in an unstructured way, so I thought it would be fun to try…read morethe 49 mile scenic drive. It took us through some less populated areas of San Francisco that I hadn't seen before, and it was nice not to worry about my level 2 navigator getting us lost. I see what people are saying about how this drive kind of skirts around much of the city, but I liked it for that. When I'm exploring the city on my own I tend to stay in the city; it was nice to be directed to areas on the edges that I hadn't seen yet. It would have been 5 stars but sometimes the bird signs let us down and I had to fall back on my human navigator.

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..."

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

See all

Dragon's Gate - Dragon's Gate to Chinatown

Dragon's Gate

4.3(144 reviews)
1.4 km•Chinatown, Union Square

Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

Photos
Dragon's Gate
Dragon's Gate
Dragon's Gate

See all

Cupid's Span - landmarks - Updated October 2026

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