Ferry Building
The Verdict
"The Saturday farmers market out front is the main draw. Inside, Cowgirl Creamery, Acme Bread, and Hog Island Oysters are the standouts. Weekday mornings are less crowded. On the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street."
What you need to know
The Ferry Building survived the 1906 earthquake, decades of highway shadow, and the collapse of ferry travel to emerge as San Francisco’s premier food marketplace. The historic terminal has anchored the waterfront since 1898, its 245 foot clock tower marking the city’s eastern edge.
Before the bridges opened, ferries carried fifty million passengers annually through this building. The Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge ended that era, and for decades the Ferry Building sat underutilized, partially hidden by an elevated freeway. The 1989 earthquake damaged the Embarcadero Freeway enough to justify its removal, reopening the waterfront to the city.
The renovation completed in 2003 transformed the interior into a food hall. Artisan producers occupy the arcade that runs the building’s length. Acme Bread bakes loaves in open ovens. Cowgirl Creamery sells cheeses from Marin County and beyond. Blue Bottle Coffee started its empire from a tiny kiosk here. The concentration of quality makes the Ferry Building essential for anyone interested in Bay Area food culture.
The Saturday farmers market ranks among the best in California. From 8am to 2pm, regional farmers set up outside along the Embarcadero. The selection runs seasonal and changes weekly. Chefs from the city’s best restaurants shop alongside home cooks, everyone looking for ingredients at peak freshness.
Tuesday and Thursday markets offer smaller versions of the Saturday experience. The Thursday market draws a lunch crowd from downtown offices. Both run from 10am to 2pm.
The restaurants inside range from casual to upscale. Hog Island Oyster Company operates a raw bar with views of the Bay. Boulette’s Larder serves refined seasonal plates. The options allow anything from a quick pastry to a full meal.
The back of the building still functions as a ferry terminal. Boats run regularly to Sausalito, Tiburon, Larkspur, Oakland, and Alameda. Commuters use these routes daily. Tourists can combine a waterfront visit with a bay crossing, turning transportation into an attraction.
The clock tower requires special tour access but offers views that justify the effort when available. Check the Port of San Francisco for occasional public openings.
📍 Location: This activity is in The Embarcadero. Explore the neighborhood →
