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San Francisco Ferry Building Guide: What’s Actually Worth Eating and Seeing
- Alyssa
- Sep 5, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
The San Francisco Ferry Building is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. Originally built in 1898 as a major transit hub for ferries crossing San Francisco Bay, the building has gone through decades of change, including a period where it was partially hidden beneath an elevated freeway.
Today, thanks to major renovations in 2003 and again in 2023, the Ferry Building has been transformed into a food-focused marketplace, ferry terminal, and waterfront destination. Inside, you’ll find local food vendors, sit-down restaurants, and specialty shops; outside, the famous Ferry Plaza Farmers Market takes over the plaza several days a week. Ferries still operate daily, making this both a working transit hub and a popular stop for visitors.
In this guide, we’ll cover what to eat, what to see, when to visit, and how to plan your time at the Ferry Building, including hours, crowd tips, and whether it’s actually worth a stop during your San Francisco trip.
What Is the San Francisco Ferry Building?
The Ferry Building has been a fixture of the San Francisco waterfront for over 100 years. Its 245-foot clock tower, modeled after the 12th-century Giralda Bell Tower in Seville, Spain, has long welcomed visitors arriving by water. At its peak in the early 20th century, the building handled 50,000 ferry passengers per day, making it one of the busiest transit terminals in the world.
When the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges opened in the 1930s, ferry traffic plummeted. For decades, the Ferry Building was underutilized, with much of its interior converted into generic office space. The double-decker Embarcadero Freeway even loomed directly in front of it, blocking the view from Market Street. That all changed in the 1990s and early 2000s, when the freeway was removed after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the building underwent a full renovation. Today, it’s a mixed-use landmark: still a ferry terminal, but also a marketplace, office space, and community gathering spot.
Best Time to Visit the San Francisco Ferry Building
Best Overall Time: Weekday Mornings (Before 11 AM)
If you want to explore the Ferry Building without heavy crowds, weekday mornings are ideal. Most shops are open, lines are short, and the Embarcadero feels calm and walkable. This is the best time for coffee, pastries, and browsing specialty food shops without feeling rushed.
Farmers Market Days (Busy but Worth It)
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market runs:
Tuesday & Thursday mornings
Saturday mornings (the largest and busiest)
Saturday is the most popular, and most crowded, but also the most vibrant. Expect long lines, limited seating, and packed walkways. If you’re visiting specifically for the market, arrive before 9:30 AM for the best experience.
Least Crowded Times
Weekdays after lunch (2–4 PM)
Non-market days
Cooler or foggy mornings
If your goal is photos, casual browsing, or a quiet walk along the waterfront, these windows are ideal.
When to Avoid Visiting
Saturday late morning to early afternoon
Holiday weekends
Event days near nearby attractions (like baseball games or waterfront festivals)
Crowds spike quickly during these times, and seating becomes limited.
Getting to the San Francisco Ferry Building
The Ferry Building’s location at the base of Market Street makes it one of the most accessible attractions in San Francisco. Whether you’re coming by public transit, car, bike, or even water taxi, there are plenty of ways to get here.
By Public Transit
Muni: The historic F-line streetcar drops off directly outside at “Embarcadero/Ferry Bldg.”
BART: The nearest station is Embarcadero Station, just a 5-minute walk down Market Street.
Water Taxi: The San Francisco Water Taxi stops at Pier 1.5, just behind La Mar restaurant, making it a fun and scenic way to arrive.
Parking Nearby
Parking in the Embarcadero can be expensive, but you have several options:
Validated Parking: 1 Washington St. offers validation if you make a purchase at the Ferry Building (not all vendors validate, ask first!). Rates:
$5 for 1 hour
$9 for 1–2 hours
$17 for 2–3 hours
$25 for 3–4 hours
$64 max (7+ hours) → not recommended for long stays.
Rincon Center Garage:
$3 per 15 minutes
$30 “early bird” all day (before 7 AM weekdays)
$38 daily max weekdays
$20 daily max on weekends
Golden Gateway Garage (Clay St):
$7 per hour
$20 flat rate before 9:30 AM weekdays
$8 all day on weekends
Pier 3 Lot: $5 per hour.
Street Parking: Along the Embarcadero, usually $2–$12 for two hours (pricing varies!).
Bike & Scooter Parking
There is a limited number of racks outside the Ferry Building. Scooters and bikes can be locked here, but space fills quickly on weekends.
Ferries and Ferry Schedules at the San Francisco Ferry Building
A common source of confusion is the distinction between the Ferry Building and the ferry terminal. The Ferry Building houses shops, restaurants, and a local farmers’ market, while the terminal, located just behind it, is where the ferries actually depart. Together, they make this area one of the busiest hubs on the San Francisco waterfront. Ferries connect San Francisco with destinations all around the Bay. Here are the main routes you can catch directly from the Ferry Building terminal:
Golden Gate Ferry
Operates ferries across the Golden Gate to Marin County.
Sausalito: A popular 30-minute ride with sweeping views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges.
Larkspur: Longer ride (about 45 minutes), often used by commuters but scenic as well.
This is also the ferry you need to take if you plan on visiting Muir Woods via shuttle. We have a full guide of Muir Woods here, if you are planning a trip!
San Francisco Bay Ferry
Operates multiple routes to the East Bay and beyond.
Vallejo: About 1 hour each way, a scenic trip that’s popular for day-trippers.
Alameda & Oakland: 30–40 minutes, good for commuters and visitors.
Richmond: About 35 minutes, less frequent but still convenient.
San Francisco Water Taxi
For a short, flexible ride on the Bay, the San Francisco Water Taxi is another option.
Runs between Pier 1½ (just behind the Ferry Building) and several stops along the waterfront, including Fisherman’s Wharf and Oracle Park.
Great for quick hops, scenic short rides, or avoiding heavy Embarcadero traffic.
Tickets can be purchased on board or online.
Tips for Riding the Ferry
Use a Clipper Card for cheaper fares! (not valid on the water taxi).
Ferries and taxis all have indoor/outdoor seating, and most sell drinks/snacks.
Sit on the open-air deck if the weather allows; the Bay views are incredible.
What’s Inside the Ferry Building?
Inside, the Ferry Building feels like a giant indoor marketplace with wide hallways, vaulted ceilings, and vendors on both sides. It’s home to over 30 restaurants and food stalls, plus specialty shops selling local goods.
Along the Bay side, you’ll also find San Francisco’s largest outdoor dining space, with plenty of tables and benches along the waterfront. It’s one of the best places in the city to grab lunch and watch the ferries come and go.
Restaurants and Food at the Ferry Building
The Ferry Building is a food lover’s paradise, mixing sit-down restaurants with casual counters and grab-and-go options. Many of the businesses here are local favorites that expanded into the Ferry Building.
Sit-Down Restaurants
Hog Island Oyster Co. – fresh oysters, clam chowder, and Bay views.
Gott’s Roadside – casual California burgers and fries.
La Mar Cebichería – upscale Peruvian dining with seafood specialties.
Coffee, Bakeries & Treats
Blue Bottle Coffee – popular SF coffee shop.
Acme Bread Company – one of the best sourdough bakeries in the Bay.
Dandelion Chocolate – small-batch chocolate and drinks.
Miette Patisserie – colorful cakes, cookies, and candies.
Humphry Slocombe – quirky, local ice cream flavors.
Trending Vendors
Nopa Fish – new seafood spot drawing big crowds.
Lunette Cambodia – Cambodian dishes with local twists.
Señor Sisig – famous Filipino-Mexican fusion food truck turned Ferry Building stall.
Shops Inside the Ferry Building
Beyond food, the Ferry Building is also home to local artisan shops. These are great for gifts, souvenirs, and unique Bay Area products. Highlights include:
Heath Ceramics – iconic California pottery.
Far West Fungi – mushrooms and mushroom-based products.
Stonehouse Olive Oil – California-grown olive oil.
Book Passage – independent bookstore.
Epicurean Trader – specialty groceries and wine.
Fog City Flea Trading Post – rotating marketplace of local artisans.
Farmers Market at the Ferry Building
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is one of the most famous in the country, drawing chefs, foodies, and shoppers from across San Francisco. It operates three days a week:
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10 AM – 2 PM.
Saturdays: 8 AM – 2 PM (largest market day).
Here you’ll find organic produce, flowers, artisan goods, and ready-to-eat food. Many locals visit weekly, while visitors come for the atmosphere and to taste authentic Bay Area flavors.
Our Favorite Food at the Ferry Building
There are dozens of places to eat inside the Ferry Building, but a few have really stood out during our visits. These are the spots we’d recommend making time for if you want the full Ferry Building experience:
Acme Bread Company
We think Acme Bread Company makes some of the best sourdough in the entire Bay Area. The loaves have a crunchy outer crust and a soft, chewy interior with just the right tang. If you want to try true San Francisco sourdough, skip the tourist traps and buy it here. They also sell rolls, baguettes, and pastries, but the sourdough loaf is the star. Pro tip: lines move fast, so don’t be intimidated if you see a crowd.
Red Bay Coffee
When we needed a caffeine fix, Red Bay Coffee delivered. Their iced canela mocha is spiced, not overly sweet, and perfect to sip on while walking the Embarcadero or waiting for a ferry. Red Bay is also a Black-owned, Oakland-based roaster that focuses on sustainable sourcing, which makes it an even easier choice.
Recchiuti Confections
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Recchiuti Confections is a must. Their $5 brownie is rich, fudgy, and feels indulgent. They also sell handmade chocolates and truffles that are delicious, though they’re definitely more of a splurge item! This is the perfect place to pick up a gift or treat yourself after exploring the market.
Señor Sisig
One of our favorite casual bites is Señor Sisig, a Bay Area cult favorite that blends Filipino and Mexican flavors. The menu features creative mashups like the tostilog burrito and unique drinks such as ube horchata. Portions are large for the price, especially compared to other restaurants in the Ferry Building.
Things to Do Near the Ferry Building
The Ferry Building’s location along the Embarcadero waterfront makes it one of the best jumping-off points for exploring San Francisco. Whether you’re catching a game, hopping on a ferry, or simply strolling the Bay, here are a few nearby attractions worth adding to your day:
Oracle Park (Home of the San Francisco Giants)
Just a 20-minute walk or a short Muni ride down the Embarcadero, Oracle Park is home to the San Francisco Giants. Many locals stop at the Ferry Building for coffee, snacks, or a sit-down meal before heading to a game. If you’re visiting during baseball season, it’s one of the most scenic stadiums in the country, with sweeping Bay views from the stands.
Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf
Head north along the Embarcadero for a 20-minute waterfront walk, and you’ll reach Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, two of San Francisco’s most popular tourist areas. Here you can see the famous sea lions, sample clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, or hop on a Bay cruise to Alcatraz.
Sausalito Ferry
One of the best things you can do from the Ferry Building is take a ferry across the Bay to Sausalito. This charming waterfront town is filled with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, all set against stunning views of San Francisco’s skyline. Ferries run multiple times a day from the nearby terminal, making it an easy half-day trip. (We’ll have a full Sausalito guide coming soon!)
Alcatraz Island
A short ferry ride from Pier 33, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Ferry Building, takes you to Alcatraz, one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks. Once a federal prison that housed notorious figures like Al Capone, today it’s a fascinating national park with tours of the cellblocks, gardens, and stunning Bay views. Tickets often sell out, so booking in advance is highly recommended. You can find our full guide to visiting Alcatraz.
Final Thoughts – Is the San Francisco Ferry Building Worth Visiting?
The San Francisco Ferry Building has gone through many transformations over the past century, from a bustling ferry terminal serving tens of thousands of daily commuters, to decades of decline, and now to its role as one of the city’s most vibrant waterfront destinations. Today, its blend of history, architecture, food, and community events makes it more than just a building; it’s a reflection of San Francisco’s resilience and evolving culture.
For visitors, the Ferry Building offers a little bit of everything: a famous farmers market, some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in San Francisco, specialty shops selling local goods, and ferry routes that connect you to other Bay Area favorites like Sausalito and Vallejo. For locals, it remains a go-to spot for fresh bread, produce, quick bites, or simply a relaxing walk along the Embarcadero.
Whether you’re stopping in before a Giants game at nearby Oracle Park, catching a ferry across the Bay, or looking for a place to experience San Francisco’s food scene in one central location, the Ferry Building is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.