San Francisco Ferry Building and Marketplace: Gourmet central
An example of “touristy done right,” the San Francisco Ferry Building and Marketplace connects visitors to local businesses.
The clock tower was modeled after the Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain.
There are lots of things I like about the USA, but seeing the same chain restaurants, coffee roasters, and retailers occupy main pedestrian streets coast to coast is not necessarily one of them.
When I travel hundreds of miles to another city, I am interested in exploring what is unique about it. I might go boutique shopping, find a local bar or coffee shop, or look for other activities that bring me closer to the destination. Often times, this requires going beyond downtown.
The San Francisco Ferry Building proves that a fulfilling local experience can be within easy reach.
FERRIES & FOOD
Located on the waterfront in the city center, the landmark ferry terminal is a guidebook staple due to its historic and architectural significance. It opened in 1898 as San Francisco’s main transportation center (before the bridges were built, it was the only way to reach the city from the water).
The Beaux Arts design features the Nave, a 660-foot-long indoor main street covered with a steel/glass ceiling, and a 245-foot-tall clock tower modeled after the Giralda bell tower in Seville.
Today ferries still carry passengers across the San Francisco Bay, but since a 2003 renovation, the building has also become a destination for local gourmet food. The 65,000-square-foot marketplace features boutique food vendors and restaurants showcasing the diversity of San Francisco’s cuisine. There is also a bi-weekly farmers market.
Go inside the Ferry Building to find local food vendors, restaurants, and coffee shops.
The marketplace is popular with visitors and residents alike
ALL ARE WELCOME
I was hesitant to go inside the building on my first San Francisco trip, assuming that I would find fast food joints and standard souvenir shops. I was quickly proven wrong.
Unlike some of its counterparts in other cities, the marketplace does not miss the opportunity to provide a quality, destination-driven experience. Chain businesses are few and far between. Instead, the focus is on vendors and products from Northern California. Wines, breads, cheeses, olive oils, chocolates, mushrooms and seafood all can be found in the market, along with locally-owned delis, restaurants, wine bars, and coffee shops. The place caters to both travelers and locals.
If you go in the afternoon, you may dine alongside lunch crowds from the nearby Financial District.
You can shop for fresh produce…
… specialty food items…
… and organic desserts.
THE EXPERIENCE
- I suggest visiting the building for breakfast or lunch, then taking a ferry to the town of Sausalito across the bay.
- Restaurants may be crowded, but if you have to wait, check out the waterfront patio in the back with views of the Bay Bridge.
- San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours by trained volunteers. Tours are at Noon on Tuesdays and Saturdays (farmers market days).
- Jetting Around’s merchant picks: Cowgirl Sidekick (cheese and dairy bar), Slanted Door (Vietnamese restaurant), Pepples Donuts
The waterfront patio has views of the Bay Bridge
The building is easily accessible by public transportation, including the the historic F Market Streetcar
Getting There and Links
Ferry Building Marketplace
One Ferry Building
Phone: (415) 983-8030
Website | Facebook | Merchant list
Public transportation: Accessible by BART, many MUNI lines, the F Market Streetcar, the California Street Cable Car, and select ferry lines. More information at Transit.511.org.
Have you been to the San Francisco Ferry Building? What was your experience like?
Category: DESTINATIONS, Hangouts
About the Author (Author Profile)
Pola Henderson is the founder and editor of Jetting Around. She grew up in Krakow, Poland, lived in North Africa, and has called Chicago home since 2002. Traveling internationally has been a part of her life since she was 3 years old. When she isn't busy in her day job, Pola ventures out to explore cities and their culture. View more...Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Great market, definitely a place for foodies and coffee. Checked out all the mushroom stuff at Far West Fungi when there for someone. Looked for Pepples Donuts on recommendation, but they were closed, next time! Was there at the end of the business day so loved watching all the people passing through and hopping the ferries.
Aaron recently posted..Cleveland: Touring A Christmas Story.
I always want to buy all those mushrooms, but I usually don’t have a kitchen in my hotel room… Usually I have to “settle” for some gourmet snacks. ;) The ferries are cool. I took one and kept on thinking that it would be nice communiting that way to work.
Yeah…Aaron’s recommendation came from yours truly:) So tell me, what donut did you have? Please tell me you got one…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island – Picture of the Week
I did! :) I had the blood orange one, and I think Mr. JA got something too.
Those donuts look delish!!
Rose Scott recently posted..Vegan baking tips – Is it really possible to bake a cake without cracking eggs?
They were pretty good! :))
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to visit San Francisco…yet! But, based on your stories, the city seems amazing; therefore, maybe spring break will be a good time to visit.
I think you’d love it there, Pawel!!
Looks like a place I would like… ;-)
Miret recently posted..Lunch at… Artemisa Huertas Cortes
I think so! :))
I like these sorts of marketplaces… I would line up for the donuts!
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Travel blogging couples share funny and inspiring memories in honor of Valentine’s Day
Yeah, I love markets too and this one is one of my favorites. Luckily, there wasn’t a big line for the donuts when I visited. :)
Yes! This is a wonderful post and something I’ve been meaning to write about, myself. It’s one of my favorite places in SF. I’d suggest going when the onsite farmer’s market is open (Saturdays and Wednesdays, I believe). It’s huge and wonderful, bringing even more small vendors and growers and food producers in to sell their tasty wares!
Cassie recently posted..Finding Inspiration At The Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show
Hi, Cassie. I’m glad to read these words coming from a Californian. :) This place is fabulous and I’ll be sure to go back next time I’m in SF and hopefully catch the farmers market.
Like Cassie said, this place is for locals just as much as it is for tourists, and that’s why I think you found it one of those “tourist-y” places that works. It’s real San Francisco, and it’s in one of the most beautiful areas of the city. You can also likely find a flock of wild parrots in a nearby park.
One other secret that you shouldn’t miss next time is the Candy Cap Mushroom popsicles at that Mushroom store. You have to ask the clerk to get them out of the little freezer they have in the corner, but for $3, it’s maybe the cheapest way to get a uniquely Bay Area experience. The mushroom itself has a maple syrup essence, and that taste is really intense in the popsicle. It’s awesome!
Kevin recently posted..Next Stop: London and Paris
That is a great piece of advice, Kevin! Thank you so much. The mushroom place is always my favorite stop at the Ferry Building – I could just stare at the selection… I’m glad you share my impression of the place. :)