Taking the San Francisco Bay Ferry With Kids - 510 Families

Taking the San Francisco Bay Ferry With Kids

My family likes to ride the ferry from Jack London Square to San Francisco, just for the thrill of it. Riding the ferry to Oakland from San Francisco or across the Bay in either direction is an exciting activity for kids and relaxing for adults — even if your destination is just a roundtrip!

Thank you to San Francisco Bay Ferry for sponsoring today’s post! Keep the mobile app on your phone >

Ride the ferry from Jack London Square to San Francisco

We took the SF Bay Ferry from Jack London Square to San Francisco’s Ferry Building. We purchased some peaches and abandoned the crowds. We spent our time running laps around the massive fountain located across The Embarcadero Plaza. On another day we could walk to the Creativity Museum or Salesforce Transit Center Gondola.

After our snack break, my kids did not have much interest in our destination, San Francisco’s Epicurean Ferry Building and adjacent farmer’s market, because it was crowded. They couldn’t see anything, and they were not inclined toward gourmet food. On a less gorgeous day, however, the Ferry Building may be easier to stroll around, and the walk is so short, that this seems like an ideal activity to do with visiting grandparents.

family riding the san francisco bay ferry
Family enjoys views from SF Bay Ferry’s upper deck | Photo: SF Bay Ferry

“I always feel safe and comfortable riding SF Bay Ferry. The seating is spacious and on a nice day, it’s fun to go upstairs and enjoy the views from the upper deck.” ~ Satisfied Ferry Passenger

Things to know about taking the ferry to San Francisco

Park at Jack London Square for free. There’s a 7-story garage at 101 Washington Street that offers up to 12 hours of free parking. A ticket validation machine is located near the Clipper readers and on board the vessels.

Wear sunscreen. You’ll line up with your fellow passengers and only a portion of the queue will be in the shade. While you’re waiting, there’s plenty of Port of Oakland action to take in.

Eating and drinking are encouraged. Really. A concession stand on the ferry sells beer and wine among other refreshments. There are many rows of theater-style chairs and some tables for two or four where you can eat a snack or a meal.

Use your Clipper Card or buy a ticket onboard. As of July 1, 2024, Adults traveling from Oakland, Alameda, or Richmond to San Francisco cost $4.70 each way with a Clipper card.  Children 5-18 are $2.30. Children under 5 are free.

The return trip is sweet. Walking back from the terminal to the parking structure takes you past a Ben and Jerry’s storefront.

SF Bay Ferry on the San Francisco Bay with Bay Bridge in the background
With seating indoors & out, San Francisco Bay Ferry is the best way to experience the Bay | Photo: SF Bay Ferry

Other Places to Go on the SF Bay Ferry

Oh, the places you’ll go.  Downtown San Francisco is just one option for those who want to ride a boat across the Bay.

woodstock shuttle boat water shuttle operated by sf ferry
The free Woodstock water shuttle operates between Jack London Square and Alameda Landing | Photo: SF Ferry

sf bay ferry logo

Thank you to San Francisco Bay Ferry for sponsoring today’s post! Find a ferry trip that suits your schedule right now >

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