Grant Avenue, Street in San Francisco, US
Grant Avenue is a long street that runs north from downtown San Francisco through Chinatown and into North Beach. Its northern section has rows of old storefronts with Chinese signs, hanging lanterns, and small shops, while the upper part near North Beach shifts to cafes and Italian businesses.
The street was first called Dupont Street and in the 1800s became a center for Chinese shops and restaurants, though it also had a rough reputation. After the 1906 earthquake, it was renamed Grant Avenue after President Ulysses S. Grant, and the rebuilt street kept its role at the heart of Chinatown.
During Chinese New Year, the lower part of the street fills with lanterns, drums, and dragon dancers as the parade moves through. Shops here often display red and gold decorations, and you can hear a mix of English and Chinese while people browse for tea, jewelry, and snacks.
Walking is the easiest way to see the street, as sidewalks are narrow and busy, especially near the Dragon Gate. If you come by car, expect to spend time looking for a spot, and consider starting from the north end to walk downhill.
The first house in what would become San Francisco stood somewhere along this route in 1835. You can also spot the street in the musical Flower Drum Song, where it gives its name to one of the songs.
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