Ferry Building, Marketplace & Farmers Market - San Francisco
Things To Do at the Ferry Building
The historic Ferry Building was built in 1898. It survived San Francisco’s great quake of 1906 and the Loma Prieta quake of 1989. Today, the popular waterfront venue is bustling with locals, visitors and foodies alike. Visit the Marketplace shops, restaurants and amazing Farmers Market. An outdoor plaza area overlooks San Francisco Bay. The Ferry Building is located along the Embarcadero, at the foot of Market Street. Just look for the famous Clock Tower. During the day, it chimes on the hour and half-hour.
Ferry Service, Transportation and Parking
The Ferry Building is one of the city’s central areas for Ferry Service (to and from the East Bay and North Bay):
- East Bay Ferries (to Alameda and Oakland
- Golden Gate Ferries (to Sausalito and Larkspur)
Ferry Building Marketplace is easily accessible from MUNI, BART and Ferry Boat. The historic trolley cars stop directly in front of the Ferry Building. Street parking (meters) is usually very difficult. Parking garages are located along the Embarcadero, Broadway and at Embarcadero Center. Validated parking is available.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Ferry Building Marketplace is located within the historic Ferry Building. It’s a fun place to hang-out, meet friends, eat, shop, walk and people-watch. Our favorite time to come here is on Saturdays (during Farmers Market hours). Be prepared for crowds. The spacious indoor Marketplace has a variety of fun cafes, restaurants, small eateries and gourmet shops. They offer everything from coffee, chocolate, ice-cream, local fresh fish and meat, to organic produce, seasonal herbs, specialty foods, and fine wines. There’s even a Caviar Cafe offering a signature caviar tasting menu. And a popular Oyster Bar overlooking San Francisco Bay.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is one of the hot venues to visit in San Francisco, it’s the place to be on a sunny Saturday morning. And judging from the crowds, we’re not the only ones who think so! The large Saturday market (8am-2pm) is held both in front of the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, and on the rear plaza overlooking San Francisco Bay. You can’t miss the crowds. Sample “tastes” as you stroll along the outdoor market. It has more than 100 vendors. The year-round (rain or shine) Farmers Market features a variety of produce and flowers from Bay Area farmers and nurseries. A smaller version of the Farmers Market runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10am-2pm) in the front of the Ferry Building.
More Info
Ferry Building, Ferry Building Marketplace and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Book Fun San Francisco Sightseeing Tours
See the sights of San Francisco at your own pace aboard a fun hop-on hop-off Double-Decker Bus Tour. The fully-narrated tour lasts around 75 minutes if you stay on the bus for the full loop. The tour covers all of central San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf, Ferry Building, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, and Lombard Street. Hop-on-and-off at your leisure at any of the 24 stops. Tour also includes a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. Or take a fun Walking Tour of the city’s famous neighborhoods.
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