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San Francisco's Ferry Building: A Foodie Paradise and Historic Landmark

Explore San Francisco's iconic Ferry Building: a historic landmark and foodie paradise offering artisan goods, restaurants, and stunning waterfront views.

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The Ferry Building in San Francisco is more than just a transportation hub; it's a vibrant marketplace and historical landmark. Originally opened in 1898, it once served as the city's primary transportation terminal and has now been revitalized as a destination for food lovers and tourists alike, offering a wide array of artisan goods and culinary experiences.

A brief summary to Ferry Building

  • Monday 7 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-8 pm
  • Friday 7 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays for fresh, local produce and artisan foods.
  • Explore the Ferry Building Marketplace's interior for a wide variety of food vendors, shops, and restaurants.
  • Take the F-Line historic streetcar for a scenic ride along the Embarcadero, stopping right in front of the Ferry Building.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the bay, Treasure Island, and the Oakland Bay Bridge from the wharf outside the Ferry Building.
  • Check the schedule for the Golden Gate Ferry to Sausalito, Larkspur, or Tiburon for a day trip across the bay.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Embarcadero BART station, walk one block towards the waterfront. The Ferry Building will be directly in front of you. Alternatively, multiple MUNI lines, including buses, streetcars, and the F-Line historic streetcar, stop at or near the Ferry Building. A single ride on MUNI costs $3. BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled.

  • Ferry

    If arriving by ferry from Sausalito, Tiburon, or Larkspur, you will disembark directly at the Ferry Building. From there, you can enter the marketplace or explore the surrounding area. Ferry fares vary depending on the route, typically ranging from $13.50 to Sausalito to $15.00 to Larkspur.

  • Walking

    From anywhere along Market Street, walk towards the Embarcadero. The Ferry Building is located at the foot of Market Street, where it meets the water. Look for the iconic clock tower. Walking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a taxi or ride-share to the Ferry Building at 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco. Be aware of potential traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. A short ride from downtown San Francisco will likely cost between $15 and $25, excluding surge pricing.

  • Driving

    Driving to the Ferry Building is possible, but parking can be challenging and expensive. Several parking lots are located within a few blocks, including the Golden Gateway Garage and the ProPark Parking Lot at Embarcadero and Washington. Hourly rates typically range from $7 to $8, with daily rates between $20 and $64. Metered street parking is also available, costing $3.38 for 2 hours. Consider booking parking in advance using apps like SpotHero.

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Discover more about Ferry Building

The San Francisco Ferry Building, located at the foot of Market Street along the Embarcadero, is a celebrated icon that blends history, architecture, and culinary delights. Opened on July 13, 1898, this Beaux-Arts-style building, designed by architect Arthur Page Brown, replaced a wooden predecessor and quickly became the city's primary transportation hub. Its 245-foot clock tower, inspired by the Seville Cathedral's bell tower, and elegant arches made it the largest project ever undertaken in San Francisco at the time. In its heyday, the Ferry Building was the second-busiest transit terminal in the world, serving up to 50,000 commuters daily who traveled by ferry across the bay. However, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge in the 1930s led to a decline in ferry traffic, and the building was repurposed into office space. In March 2003, the Ferry Building was reborn as the Ferry Building Marketplace, marking the end of a four-year restoration project. Today, it is a bustling food hall featuring local artisan vendors, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can explore a variety of culinary offerings, from fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company to Filipino cuisine at Señor Sisig and pastries at Miette Patisserie. The building also hosts a popular farmers market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, attracting around 40,000 shoppers weekly. The Ferry Building's blend of historical significance and modern culinary appeal makes it a must-visit destination in San Francisco. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a vibrant place to explore, the Ferry Building offers a unique and memorable experience.

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