San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace Day Trip

A day trip to the San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace is a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant food scene, enjoy stunning waterfront views, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street, the Ferry Building is a historic landmark transformed into a hub for artisanal food vendors, cafés, and shops. Here’s an overview of what to expect and tips on how to make the most of your visit.

A Brief Exploration of the Ferry Building History

The San Francisco Ferry Building is a San Francisco landmark and can be found on the National Register of Historic Places. Since its beginning, the ferry building and terminal have seen many changes. The most significant change was when bridges were constructed for railway traffic, impacting the ferry terminal’s use. Today, the ground floor, which was initially used for baggage handling, has been redesigned into a popular marketplace.

Ferry Building Marketplace

Start your day with the sights and smells. The Ferry Building blends old-world charm—think soaring arches and tiled floors—with a modern foodie vibe. Outside, you’ll get sweeping views of the Bay Bridge and the water, perfect for a quick photo op. The Marketplace provides hours of shopping and dining opportunities for tourists and locals. The Ferry Building is a place for the whole family and can quickly fill a day with activities, sights, and memory-making moments.

Dining Choices at The Marketplace

If you are a foodie or have a foodie in your family, there will surely be something for them at the Ferry Building Marketplace. There are street vendors, coffee shops, candy shops, wine shops, cheese shops, and bakeries for your senses to enjoy. The list of eateries is impressive and varied if you want to dine. You can find anything you want here.

Hog Island Oyster Co. for fresh oysters or clam chowder.
Cowgirl Creamery is for artisan cheeses. Try their Mt. Tam if you’re new to their lineup.
Blue Bottle Coffee for a pour-over if you need a caffeine boost.
Recchiuti Confections for handcrafted chocolates to take home.
Lunch: Settle in at one of the casual eateries or grab something portable (like a porchetta sandwich from Roli Roti) and eat by the water. For a sit-down option, Slanted Door offers upscale Vietnamese with bay views, though reservations are smart.

San Francisco Ferry Building Farmers Market

The San Francisco Ferry Building farmers market is a California-certified market and is touted as one of the best in the country. You can sample and purchase the freshest fresh at their farmers market on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. On Saturday, the market offerings are much larger, and the farmers and other vendors are located in both the front and back of the building. Tuesday and Thursday markets are smaller but offer various fruits, vegetables, bread, and more. If you wish to sample some excellent artisan street foods, Thursday is the day to come.

Nearby Points of Interest

You can see and feel the excitement and atmosphere of the Ferry Building and its surrounding area. Located right on the waterfront, you can smell the sea, feel the foggy mist, and experience the brisk breeze that flows through the San Francisco waterfront. Nearby, there are many other attractions within walking distance.

Pier 39: About a 30-minute walk from the Ferry Building (or a quick F-line streetcar ride), this is the tourist magnet. Think sea lions barking on the docks, seafood joints like Fog Harbor Fish House, and kitschy shops. It’s lively and loud—great if you want energy, less so if you’re after calm. The Aquarium of the Bay here is a fun add-on if you’ve got time. Tickets to Alcatraz Island are available at Pier 39.

Fisherman’s Wharf is not too far from the Ferry Building Marketplace. The distance depends on your exact starting and ending points. Still, generally, it’s about 1.5 to 1.7 miles if you’re measuring from the Ferry Building (Pier 1) to the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, around Pier 43, or the Jefferson Street area where the seafood stands and tourist buzz peak.

Getting There

The Ferry Building is easily accessible whether you’re coming from within San Francisco or the Bay Area. If you’re in the city, you can hop on public transit—BART to the Embarcadero station, a short walk away- or take the Muni streetcars (F-line) to the doorstep. If you’re driving, there’s paid parking nearby, though it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Visit the San Francisco Ferry Building website for operating hours and current information.

Popular San Francisco Day Trip Ideas