Ferry Building San Francisco
A historic Beaux-Arts building on the Embarcadero, housing a vibrant marketplace of local artisan food and shops, with scenic bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Ferry Building San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Beaux-Arts building on the Embarcadero, housing a vibrant marketplace of local artisan food and shops, with scenic bay views.
"A must-visit for foodies and first-time visitors alike, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious local finds."
🎯 Use Public Transit
Take the ferry or BART to avoid parking woes and enjoy scenic views. :ferry:
⏰ Arrive Early for Market
Hit the farmers market at 8 AM for produce, 10 AM for prepared foods. :shopping_bags:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ferry Building Marketplace
A vibrant hub of local artisan food, shops, and eateries housed in a historic Beaux-Arts building.
Ferry Rides
Enjoy scenic views of the Bay Bridge and city skyline on a ferry to Sausalito or other Bay Area destinations.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
A bustling Saturday market featuring fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and more.
Artisan Food Vendors
Indulge in local delicacies like Dandelion Chocolate, Humphry Slocombe ice cream, and Hog Island Oysters.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
A Foodie's Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use Public Transit
Take the ferry or BART to avoid parking woes and enjoy scenic views. :ferry:
⏰ Arrive Early for Market
Hit the farmers market at 8 AM for produce, 10 AM for prepared foods. :shopping_bags:
💳 Clipper Card for Ferries
Use your Clipper Card or SF Bay Ferry app for discounted ferry fares.
🚶 Explore the Embarcadero
Stroll along the waterfront for great city and bay views. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use Public Transit
Take the ferry or BART to avoid parking woes and enjoy scenic views. :ferry:
⏰ Arrive Early for Market
Hit the farmers market at 8 AM for produce, 10 AM for prepared foods. :shopping_bags:
💳 Clipper Card for Ferries
Use your Clipper Card or SF Bay Ferry app for discounted ferry fares.
🚶 Explore the Embarcadero
Stroll along the waterfront for great city and bay views. :walking:
🍫 Sample Local Treats
Don't miss Dandelion Chocolate, Miette Patisserie, and Humphry Slocombe ice cream. :ice_cream:
🦪 Oysters at Hog Island
Enjoy fresh, local oysters with a view at Hog Island Oyster Co. :oyster:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ferry Building for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse artisan food vendors, and beautiful waterfront location. The architecture and the scenic ferry rides are also frequently highlighted as major draws. While some find it a bit pricey and touristy, most agree it's a must-visit for foodies and those wanting to experience a lively slice of San Francisco.
"I love this building. I love looking at the clock tower. Apparently it’s based on a Renaissance tower in Sienna or one of those cities. It’s in the Beaux Arts style, like the City Hall.
The building itself has pricey shops and eateries, and it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s also bustling with activity. Great for street photography if you’re into that kind of thing.
There’s a small plaza in front where people hangout, and it’s great for people watching. But just remember, when you’re people watching, people are watching you!"
Sylvanus Stephens
"I live in Windsor45 min. North of S.F.. I needed a day for myself; and what a great choice to start my day trips. I started @ Hog Island Oyster Co. For lunch. Then spent over 3 hrs. Shopping and exploring the rest of the ferry bldg. Before Catching the Ferry back to Larkspur. I took the shuttle to the Smart train and headed home. I'm already planning my next trip to S.F. Starting at the ferry terminal for drinks."
Annette Self
"The Ferry Building in San Francisco is a vibrant waterfront destination full of local charm. We visited with family and loved exploring the mix of gourmet food stalls, artisan shops, and fresh local products. The architecture is beautiful, and the atmosphere is lively without feeling overwhelming.
We enjoyed coffee and pastries while watching the ferries come and go with the Bay Bridge in the background.
Tip: Go in the morning or on a weekday to avoid heavy crowds, and don’t miss the farmers market if you’re there on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. A must-visit for foodies and first-time visitors alike!"
Pezhman Raeisian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ferry Building is easily accessible via public transportation. You can take BART to the Embarcadero station or various Muni bus lines. Ferries also arrive directly at the terminal. Many visitors recommend using public transit over driving due to parking challenges. +1
Parking near the Ferry Building can be difficult and expensive. While there is some on-street parking, garages are also available. Many recommend using ride-sharing services or public transit to avoid parking stress.
Absolutely! The Ferry Building is a major ferry terminal serving routes to various Bay Area destinations like Oakland, Sausalito, and Vallejo. It's a scenic and affordable way to arrive.
From the Ferry Building, you have excellent access to BART and Muni lines. You can also easily catch a ferry to explore other parts of the Bay. Using a Clipper Card or the MuniMobile app is recommended for fares. +1
Yes, the Ferry Building is a transit hub, making it very easy to get to most parts of the city via BART, Muni, or ride-sharing services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Ferry Building itself is free. You only pay for purchases from vendors or for ferry rides.
The Ferry Building Marketplace generally operates from 7 AM to 8 PM daily, but individual vendor hours may vary. The farmers market has specific hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
There is no entrance fee to walk around and explore the Ferry Building Marketplace.
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Saturday is the largest market day.
Yes, discounts are often available for seniors, youth, and sometimes through specific apps or programs. Using a Clipper Card can also offer savings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Ferry Building is a foodie haven! Popular choices include Hog Island Oyster Co. for seafood, Gott's Roadside for burgers, Dandelion Chocolate for sweets, and various stalls for artisanal cheeses, coffee, and prepared meals. +1
Blue Bottle Coffee and Red Bay Coffee are highly recommended coffee vendors located within or very near the Ferry Building.
At the farmers market, look for The Farmer's Wife grilled cheese, chilaquiles, turkey momos from Bini's Kitchen, and fresh stone fruits. Don't miss Acme bread and Carmel Honey if you can find them.
Yes, many vendors offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. It's best to explore the diverse stalls, as many feature fresh produce and plant-based dishes.
Besides the vendors inside, nearby options include Hog Island Oyster Co., Gott's Roadside, La Mar for Peruvian, and Waterbar for seafood. For a budget-friendly option, consider Outta Sight Pizza via the Embarcadero Center walkway.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic clock tower, the bustling marketplace interior, and scenic views of the Bay Bridge from the waterfront plaza. The ferries themselves also make for great shots.
Yes, the Ferry Building is a great spot for street photography due to its lively atmosphere, diverse crowd, and unique architecture.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the market activity, while evenings offer stunning views of the illuminated Bay Bridge and city skyline.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside individual shops.
There are no general restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial photography may require permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
On market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays), the farmers market provides a colorful and engaging experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Walking along the Embarcadero is a free activity offering great views.
couples
Consider a happy hour at Waterbar for affordable oysters and stunning bay vistas, especially on a sunny afternoon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ferry Building Experience
Visitors can find everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to gourmet chocolates and freshly shucked oysters. Beyond the food, the Ferry Building is a gateway to the San Francisco Bay. Taking a ferry ride from here offers breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge and the city skyline, making it a popular activity for both locals and tourists.
For food enthusiasts, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, is a must-visit.
Navigating San Francisco from the Ferry Building
From the Ferry Building, you can easily reach popular attractions like Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 by walking along the waterfront.
For those looking to venture further, the Ferry Building's BART station provides a quick connection to other parts of the city and the airport.
Culinary Delights at the Ferry Building
Inside, you'll find vendors like Dandelion Chocolate, offering single-origin chocolate bars and treats, and Humphry Slocombe, known for its unique and delicious ice cream flavors. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a highlight, especially on Saturdays, where you can find an abundance of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods.
Beyond the market, the Ferry Building offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual bites to more upscale meals. Vendors like Gott's Roadside provide classic American fare, while La Mar offers Peruvian cuisine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit