San Francisco Ferry Building Day Trip

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, which significantly impacted the use of the ferry terminal.

Today new uses for the terminal have been developed. Officers moved in, and the ferry building became the home of the Port Commission. The ground floor, which was initially used for baggage handling, has been redesigned into a popular marketplace.

This marketplace, known as the Ferry Building Marketplace, provides hours of shopping and dining opportunities for tourists and locals alike. The Ferry Building is a place for the whole family and can quickly fill a day with activities, sights, and memory-making moments.

Nearby there are many other places of interest, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquarium of the bay, and the San Francisco cable cars. All are within walking distance or a quick trip on San Francisco’s historic streetcar.

If you are a foodie or have a foodie in your family, there is sure to 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. About anything you could want here, you can find it. You can sample and purchase the freshest of fresh at their farmers market on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday.

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. 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 still offer a fantastic variety of fruits, vegetables, bread, and more.

Thursday is the day to come if you wish to sample some excellent artisan street foods.

Not only do you see, but you can feel the excitement and atmosphere of the Ferry Building and the surrounding area. With its location right on the waterfront, you can smell the sea, feel the foggy mist and experience the brisk breeze that blows through, almost as if it was enjoying a quick visit at the center.

There are many nearby places to go after visiting the San Francisco Ferry Building. At the foot of Market Street is a transportation hub. If you wish to see other areas of San Francisco without the hassle of traffic, this is the perfect place to board the MUNI, BART, and the old trolley cars which stop at the Ferry Building.

If you like to walk, you can head towards Fisherman’s Wharf. It will take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on where you start at the Marketplace and stop at the pier. Enjoy the sites along the way. People-watching is a lot of fun, as well.

If your day needs to include kid-friendly activities, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a feast of excitement for young eyes and ears. Live lobsters are swimming in the tanks of shops, toy stores, and bookstores that are welcoming to children, and you will never find a shortage of locations for that perfect photo op.

Watch the birds overhead and the lifestyles of native San Franciscans, and start your list of things you want to see next time or see again because you will undoubtedly find the Ferry Building on your list of favorite places.

The Ferry Buildings is best reached by ferry from many locations around the bay, but you can also drive in from surrounding counties on Interstate 80, crossing the Bay Bridge or coming up the peninsula from the south bay.

Every day and any day is a beautiful day to stop at the Ferry Building Marketplace. However, remember they are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Events vary monthly, so check the calendar and ensure you don’t miss something of particular interest to you and your family.

Parking San Francisco Ferry Building

San Francisco Ferry Building is located on the Lincoln Highway near the bay bridge at the end of Market Street.

Parking is expensive in and around the ferry building. You can pay as little as $20.00 a day or, if you are not careful, $50.00 a day. Several nearby parking lots offer early entry, arrive before 9:00 am, and enjoy reduced all-day parking.

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