Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
A Culinary Haven at Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
San Francisco's Ferry Building: A Foodie Paradise and Historic Landmark
A historic landmark and foodie paradise on San Francisco's Embarcadero, offering artisan goods, restaurants, and stunning bay views.
The Ferry Building in San Francisco is more than just a terminal; it's a vibrant marketplace and historical landmark. Originally opened in 1898, it once served as the city's primary transportation hub. Today, it's a destination for food lovers and a bustling community gathering place.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Ferry Building
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Public Transport
The Ferry Building is easily accessible via public transportation. BART: Exit at the Embarcadero station, which is one block away. MUNI: Several bus, streetcar, and subway lines stop near the Ferry Building. The F Line historic streetcar stops directly in front of the building. Ferry: Several ferry lines connect to the Ferry Building. A short MUNI ride connects to Caltrain. Single ride fares for MUNI are typically around $2.50.
Walking
From many downtown locations, the Ferry Building is within walking distance. Follow Market Street towards the Embarcadero. The clock tower is visible from a distance, serving as a helpful landmark. Walking from Union Square takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Ride Share/Taxi
Ride-sharing services and taxis can drop you off directly in front of the Ferry Building. Be aware of potential traffic congestion, especially during peak hours and on market days. A short ride from downtown should cost approximately $15-25, depending on traffic.
Driving
Driving to the Ferry Building is possible, but parking can be challenging and expensive. Several parking lots are located within a few blocks. Validated parking at the ProPark Parking Lot at Embarcadero and Washington offers discounted rates. Hourly rates typically range from $7-8, with daily rates around $20-64. Weekend rates may vary.
Local tips
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Visit on a Saturday to experience the bustling Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, offering a wide array of local produce and artisan goods.
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Explore the Ferry Building's interior to discover a variety of food vendors, restaurants, and shops offering everything from cheese and chocolate to tea and wine.
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Take advantage of the Ferry Building's location on the Embarcadero to enjoy panoramic views of the bay, Treasure Island, and the Oakland Bay Bridge.
Discover more about Ferry Building
The San Francisco Ferry Building, located at the foot of Market Street along the Embarcadero, is a celebrated landmark with a rich history. Opened on July 13, 1898, it replaced a wooden predecessor and quickly became the city's primary transportation hub. Designed by architect A. Page Brown in the Beaux-Arts style, its iconic 245-foot clock tower was inspired by the Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain.
For decades, the Ferry Building served as the arrival point for commuters and goods, with as many as 50,000 people passing through its doors daily. However, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge in the 1930s led to a decline in ferry traffic. In 2003, after an extensive restoration, the Ferry Building re-opened as a marketplace, promoting regional artisan producers and becoming a central gathering place.
Today, the Ferry Building Marketplace is packed with food vendors offering everything from coffee and pastries to cheese and fresh oysters. Visitors can explore a wide array of culinary delights, enjoy sit-down restaurants, and browse local artisan offerings. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, adds to the vibrant atmosphere, attracting thousands of shoppers seeking fresh, local produce.
A brief summary to Ferry Building
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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