Visiting the Ferry Building
The Ferry Building Marketplace is located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. The Ferry Building Marketplace is accessible by MUNI, BART, and ferry. The historic trolley cars (F Line Market) stop directly in front of the Ferry Building.
FERRY BUILDING WALKING TOURS
San Francisco City Guides is currently offering regular walking tours of the Ferry Building on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Tours are free and coincide with the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.
City Guides is a local, non-profit volunteer organization comprised of more than 200 trained volunteers serious about sharing the fun of discovering San Francisco and its neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.sfcityguides.org
FERRY BUILDING HISTORY
Opening in 1898, the Ferry Building became the transportation focal point for anyone arriving by train. From the Gold Rush until the 1930s, arrival by ferryboat became the only way travelers and commuters – except those coming from the Peninsula – could reach the city. The historic interior of the Ferry Building structure was lost in 1955, when much of the building was converted to standard office space.
THE FERRY PLAZA FARMERS MARKET
The farmers market is open three days a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the smaller markets occupy the front of the building along the Embarcadero; on Saturdays, the much larger market is held both in front of the Ferry Building and on the rear plaza overlooking the Bay. The markets offer fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, meats and eggs from small regional farmers and ranchers, many of whom are certified organic. A wealth of other products include regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams.
The Thursday market features an array of artisan street food: wood-fired pizza, grilled meats, sandwiches, and tacos, while the Saturday market also includes local restaurants serving a variety of hot, delicious meals.