Explore San Francisco’s Ferry Building

San Francisco’s Ferry Building is just a quick BART or ferry ride from the East Bay and an exciting option for a weekday adventure. When taking BART, Get off at the first stop after the tube – Embarcadero Station, walk Northeast on Market Street, and you won’t be able to miss the iconic clock tower. If traveling by water, you’ll dock just south of the Ferry Building, close enough that a toddler will happily walk off the boat and into the building.

Where to Eat in the Ferry Building

The Ferry Building Marketplace hosts a few East Bay favorites and some other really great gems. We usually limit ourselves to one meal and one treat, although it’s SO hard not to splurge.

In the mornings, our go-to stops are Ocean Malasada for a sweet and Red Bay Coffee for one of the excellent flavored lattes. The empanadas from El Porteño are great finger foods, the Japanese salads at DELICA are fresh, and a loaf of Acme bread makes for a light lunch. You can’t go wrong with a burger from Gott’s Roadside or tacos from Cholita Linda. Walk the length twice before you make any decisions, and be sure to take advantage of all the free samples as you stroll.

As for dessert? Take your pick from macarons at Miette, ice cream from Humphry Slocombe (try the Secret Breakfast), a gluten-free cinnamon roll at Mariposa Baking Co, an affogato at Blue Bottle, or a Mexican hot chocolate at Dandelion Chocolate. (I could keep going and going – you’ll have to see/taste the rest for yourself!)

Where to Play Near the Ferry Building

After you’ve finished lunch, sit at one of the benches out back to watch as the ferries come and go, and listen for the chime of the clock tower. Then run along Pier 14 to watch as the miniature cars and buses cross the Bay Bridge, and take in the beautiful view of the city. Then head to Sue Bierman Park (just across the street from the Ferry Building) and play some more. It’s new, clean, can entertain toddlers to bigger kids, and it’s FENCED. So sip your Blue Bottle latte in peace while your tots set sail on the pirate ship.

If you still have energy, walk to the Exploratorium or ride the street car down to the Aquarium of the Bay. If you’re visiting on a weekday, I suggest getting back on BART before the evening rush. (Especially if you have a stroller!) The Ferry Building can also be a fun weekend adventure – it just gets crazy crowded and maybe a tad overwhelming for some.

Farmers Market at the Ferry Building

Three times a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – the Ferry Building is home to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. The weekday markets are smaller, the Saturday market is BIG. Find fruits, vegetables, and even more food choices. Gah!

Plan your visit to the Ferry Building

Hours: Monday through Sunday 7 am – 8 pm; hours for individual businesses will vary.
Where: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105
Keep in mind: Bring a hat, a jacket, a camera, your appetite, your friends, and your out of town guests. Enjoy!

Getting there: You can visit the Ferry Building by ferry or BART (Embarcadero stop). So fun for vehicle-loving kids!

Events at the Ferry Building >

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[Photo Credits: Anna Azimi]