At the foot of Market Street on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, the Ferry Building combines a working ferry terminal with a historic landmark and food marketplace. Its 1898 Beaux-Arts structure is crowned by a 245-foot clock tower inspired by Seville’s Giralda; inside, a high-ceilinged hall leads past specialty food shops and eateries. Browse local cheese, bread, coffee and seafood, then take your meal outside for views of the bay and Bay Bridge. On Saturdays, the farmers market adds produce and ready-to-eat food stalls around the building.
A waterfront landmark and ferry terminal
The Ferry Building stands at the foot of Market Street on the Embarcadero. Completed in 1898, it was built as a transportation hub for people crossing San Francisco Bay by ferry. Its 245-foot clock tower, with a design inspired by Seville’s Giralda, remains a prominent feature of the waterfront.
As bridge travel reduced the need for ferry services, the building’s role changed. It was converted to office space in the 1950s, then restored and reopened as a marketplace in the early 2000s. Ferries still operate from the terminal, so the building remains part of the bay’s transport network as well as a place to eat and shop.
Inside the Ferry Building Marketplace
The marketplace’s long hall is lined with food businesses and specialty shops. You can browse local cheese, olive oil, baked goods, seafood, coffee, wine and other regional products, or sit down for a meal. Acme Bread, Cowgirl Creamery, Blue Bottle Coffee, Hog Island Oyster Company and Humphry Slocombe are among the named vendors. Dandelion Chocolate is another stop for a sweet treat.
For seafood, Hog Island serves oysters, steamed clams and clam chowder. The marketplace also has options for coffee, ice cream and hot chocolate. Shop for a snack or picnic provisions, then take them to the outdoor seating area to eat by the water. The variety makes it easy to build a quick stop around one treat or stay to browse and have a meal.
Farmers market days
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market brings local growers and food vendors to the plaza outside the building. Saturdays are the main market day, with produce, baked goods, flowers and prepared food. Smaller markets also take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Market offerings include seasonal fruit and vegetables, bread, olive oil and other foods from local producers.
Allow time to walk both the outdoor stalls and the indoor marketplace. Saturdays draw a larger crowd, so a weekday visit can suit you better if you would rather browse at a quieter pace. The market is an added reason to visit, but the permanent shops and ferry terminal make the building worth exploring on other days too.
Ferries and waterfront views
From the terminal, you can take a ferry across San Francisco Bay, including routes to Sausalito or Oakland and Alameda. Check the route and ticket details before you travel, since the building serves several destinations. Even without boarding, the waterfront is a good place to pause: the Bay Bridge and bay are visible from outside the marketplace.
The Ferry Building is also a useful starting point for a walk along the Embarcadero. Pair a visit to the shops with time by the water, or pick up food to eat outdoors. If arriving by car, nearby parking is available, though finding a space can take time.
FAQ
When is the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market?
The largest market is on Saturdays. Smaller markets also take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Can you take a ferry from the Ferry Building?
Yes. The building is an active ferry terminal, with services across the bay, including routes to Sausalito, Oakland and Alameda. Check route and ticket details before setting out.
What can you eat at the Ferry Building?
The marketplace has food shops and eateries selling items such as bread, cheese, coffee, oysters, clam chowder, ice cream and chocolate.
How long should you spend at the Ferry Building?
Allow about 1 to 3 hours to browse the marketplace, eat and enjoy the waterfront. Add time if you are taking a ferry.
