Spend a day at the San Francisco Ferry Building
It's easy to spend the afternoon at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel.
The San Francisco Ferry Building is more than just a transit hub. The historic landmark is a bustling marketplace, a foodie destination, and a vibrant community gathering space — all in one. Here, you can find everything from pour-over coffee and organic pastries to fresh oysters, juicy burgers, and one of the Ferry Building’s newest additions — Cambodian cuisine. You can also exercise while enjoying Bay views and shop alongside locals at the very popular farmers' market.
Located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street, just steps from Embarcadero Station, the iconic Beaux Arts-style building opened in 1898. Here’s a taste of everything on offer at one of San Francisco’s most beloved landmarks.
Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Where to eat at the San Francisco Ferry Building
Enjoy burgers, fries, shakes and more at Gott's Roadside. Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Ferry Building.
Gott’s Roadside
The James Beard award-winning Gott’s Roadside is a modern approach to American roadside classics and a true local favorite. Come here for made-to-order, fresh, locally sourced comfort food — cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings and hand-spun shakes. New to their menu is the Grilled Pineapple Burger, topped with Jack cheese, grilled pineapple, roasted onions, jalapeños, green cabbage, cilantro slaw and spicy mayo on a butter-toasted sesame brioche bun — now a permanent addition to the menu. Also on the menu are lighter options like ahi poke tacos, salads, and an ahi burger. They also serve local wines and beers.
Hog Island Oyster Company
This popular oyster bar and restaurant on the north end of the Ferry Building has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the San Francisco Bay. You can also opt for outdoor seating, putting you even closer to the water. It comes as no surprise that Hog Island Oyster Bay specializes in fresh oysters from Tomales Bay, but it's also a top spot to enjoy a cold beer, a glass of wine or a creative cocktail.
Lunette Cambodia
Lunette Cambodia is one of the newest additions to the San Francisco Ferry Building. Chef and owner Nite Yun recently appeared on Netflix’s “Chefs Table” series, explaining a transformative trip to Cambodia inspired her to share Khmer cuisine with the world. Now, the fantastic scent of Cambodian cuisine extends beyond the Ferry Building's restaurant walls, enticing passersby to come in and enjoy Cambodian noodles, rice and vegetable dishes. Lunette Cambodia also serves wine, beer, sake, and non-alcoholic beverages.
A16 La Pala
If you want pizza in the Ferry Building, A16 La Pala is the place to go. The award-winning restaurant takes its pizza craft seriously. Southern Italy inspires the pizza, paninis, salads and main courses. After something savory, don't miss the cannolo with ricotta, orange and pistachio, a flavorful twist on a traditional Italian pastry.
Peaches Patties
Chef Shani Jones’ fresh and flavorful Jamaican patties are filled with meat or vegetarian options and plenty of Jamaican spices. Inspired by her mother, “Peaches,” who made the best beef patties, you can stop by to taste authentic Jamaican culture through these famous treats and main meals like jerk chicken and rasta stew.
Cholita Linda
Dine on fresh Latin dishes at Cholita Linda. Everything is made from scratch and tastes delicious. Try menu favorites like the Baja fish tacos, the Cubano sandwich and the Pollito Cholita, which is chicken thighs with Cholita’s signature blend of herbs and spices served with rice, beans, organic salad and plantains.
El Porteño Empanadas
El Porteño is known for its handmade empanadas, crafted from a family recipe passed down from owner Joseph Ahearne’s Argentinean grandmother. Popular varieties include The Carne with grass-fed beef and olives, The Pollo with chicken and chorizo, and the Fugazzeta with aged cheddar and onions. While here, pick up Argentinean cookies like the Alfajores de Dulce de Leche.
Mariposa Baking Company
Mariposa Baking Company crafts gluten-free and allergy-friendly baked goods using premium, often organic ingredients like orange oil, chocolate and brown rice flour, making them nearly indistinguishable from traditional baked treats. Pick up a wide selection of fresh breads, cookies, bagels and frozen items like pizza and ravioli.
Where to drink (tea, coffee, beer and wine)
Sip and savor at the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant. Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Ferry Building.
Imperial Tea Court
The traditional Imperial Tea Court is an elegant Chinese tea shop offering over 100 teas and handcrafted teapots made by Chinese artisans. Look for the signature moon gate entrance and pop in to purchase bulk tea or enjoy tea and snacks at one of six rosewood tables.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee has two Ferry Building locations: a modern espresso bar in the north nave and a tasting room in the North Arcade. They roast in small batches using certified organic beans, never pre-blending coffees. All varietals are roasted individually, and then mixed into Blue Bottle Coffee blends. Blue Bottle Coffee also offers daily desserts, granola and Belgian waffles.
Fort Point Beer Company
San Francisco brewery Fort Point Beer Company has a kiosk in the North Arcade. Stop by for brewery-fresh pints, locally sourced hot dogs and pretzels. Guests can enjoy drinks in the kiosk’s attached beer garden or take home packaged local brews.
Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant
Buy, taste or learn more about wine at the nearly 3,000-square-foot Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant. They carry bottles from around the world, including popular regions like California, France, Italy and Spain, newer regions like New Zealand and Australia and even bottles from Germany and Austria.
Red Bay Coffee
Known for their high-quality, sustainable coffee and noble mission, Red Bay Coffee is transitioning from a pop-up into a permanent space with an outdoor patio and view of the Bay this summer. The reimagined space with extended hours also has plans for a unique cocktail menu. Red Bay Coffee’s new space will be located at Suite 46. For the latest updates, check out Red Bay Coffee on Instagram.
Where to shop
Heath Ceramics is the perfect place to find homeware and gifts. Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Ferry Building.
The Book Passage
Visitors and locals alike love The Book Passage, a bookstore with views of the Bay. The shop offers everything from maps and guidebooks to local literature, a “Kids’ Corner,” new releases and classic fiction. They also host events, like author talks. Check out the upcoming schedule here.
Fog City Flea Trading Post
From a pop-up marketplace in 2019 to a current brick & mortar, Fog City Flea Trading Post is 5,000 square feet of clothing, accessories, homeware, vintage finds and more.
Heath Ceramics
Heath Ceramics has operated in California since 1948. As one of the last remaining mid-century American potteries, the beautiful pieces here have a timeless design. Here, you can pick up everything from plates and mugs to bud vases and linens. Pieces make the perfect accent or everyday addition to your home and the perfect gift.
Maison Verbena
Stop by Maison Verbena for U.S.-made soy candles and goat milk soap. Their slogan, “The Basics of Beautiful Living,” perfectly describes their products.
Unique things to do at the San Francisco Ferry Building
Don't miss the farmers market at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Photo courtesy of Visit California.
There are so many fun and unique things to do at the San Francisco Ferry Building. You can take butchery classes at The Fatted Calf, join Foodwise for cooking demos, gather with friends for mahjong meetups and get moving at music on the plaza. Here’s the Ferry Building’s full event calendar. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of the most popular activities.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
The lively outdoor farmers market surrounds the Ferry Building. It's one of the country's most highly acclaimed farmers' markets, and there's no surprise why. Visitors can shop for fresh and organic produce and artisan foods, like cheese, preserves, coffee and so much more. The market runs year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Yoga Classes
Every Monday at noon you can join a weekly vinyasa yoga class on the Black Plaza to practice gentle movements alongside soulful beats with beautiful Bay views. There are also several other ways to stay active at the San Francisco Ferry Building. You can take high-fitness old-school aerobics on the back plaza every Monday at 6 p.m. and bodyweight burn classes on Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m.
Free Walking Tours
On a free walking tour of the San Francisco Ferry Building, you'll walk through the nave, see gorgeous Bay views and of course, learn more about one of San Francisco's most important buildings. The tour lasts for approximately 60 to 75 minutes and is well worth joining.
What is your favorite place in the San Francisco Ferry Building?
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