The Ferry Building San Francisco destination combines a ferry terminal, food marketplace and office building on the city’s waterfront. Its landmark clock tower and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market make it a place to pair market browsing with a look at the Embarcadero and Bay Area ferry connections.
At a glance
- Address: San Francisco waterfront, on the Embarcadero.
- The clock tower stands 245 feet tall and has four clock faces.
- The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Ferry services use gates B through G; schedules and fares depend on the provider.
The Ferry Building and Embarcadero setting
The San Francisco Ferry Building is a working waterfront landmark with a 245-foot clock tower and four clock faces, each 22 feet in diameter. The building celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2023.
Its mix of terminal, marketplace and offices gives the Ferry Building a role beyond its striking exterior. Set along the Embarcadero, it brings food shopping and regional ferry travel together in one location.
Getting there from Civic Center
From Civic Center, check downtown transit routes to the Embarcadero and Ferry Building before setting out. European Hostel, a hostel in Civic Center, is a useful starting point for planning that trip; the route and travel time depend on the service you choose.
Inside the marketplace
Ferry Building Marketplace brings food merchants together inside the historic terminal. Merchant hours can vary, so check the official site before you go if you have a particular shop in mind.
Leave pets at home: the marketplace asks visitors not to bring dogs or other pets into either the Ferry Building Marketplace or the Farmers Market. Foodwise, the nonprofit that operates the farmers market, provides vendor profiles and seasonal information.
When is the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market open?
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with different hours by day. Its listed schedule is 10 AM–2 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8 AM–2 PM on Saturdays.
Foodwise operates the market. Hours and market details can change, so check the official site before you go; Foodwise also provides vendor profiles and seasonality charts.
Ferry services and waterfront access
The Downtown Ferry Terminal serves Golden Gate Ferry and San Francisco Bay Ferry routes from separate gates. Golden Gate Ferry uses gates B, C and D, with daily service marked for Tiburon, Sausalito and Larkspur.
San Francisco Bay Ferry runs daily services from Gate E to Richmond, Gate F to Harbor Bay and Gate G to Alameda–Oakland. Check the relevant ferry provider’s website for current schedules and fares before choosing a sailing.
FAQs
What is the Ferry Building in San Francisco?
It is a waterfront building that combines a ferry terminal, food marketplace and offices. Its clock tower is 245 feet tall.
Who operates the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market?
The nonprofit Foodwise operates the market and provides vendor profiles and seasonality charts.
How do you get around Civic Center?
Getting around Civic Center helps explain the area’s transit connections.
Which ferry routes leave from the Ferry Building?
Golden Gate Ferry serves Tiburon, Sausalito and Larkspur from gates B, C and D. San Francisco Bay Ferry serves Richmond, Harbor Bay and Alameda–Oakland from gates E, F and G. A one-day San Francisco itinerary starting in Civic Center can help you plan other city stops.