My husband Craig has a job that takes him to San Francisco several times a month. I don’t travel with him every time, but I am thrilled to go when I can. I have many favorite places (Who doesn’t?) in San Francisco and strolling through the Ferry Building at the Waterfront is one of them.
“a famous city’s most famous landmark”~ Herb Caen – San Francisco Chronicle columnist
The famous Ferry Building Marketplace is a popular tourist spot, but it is also a place where the local San Franciscans shop every day and enjoy all it has to offer. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Every time I visit San Francisco, I always stroll down to The Ferry Building. It’s like traveling back in time, but with a leap in to today. The Ferry Building was built in 1898 and along with the 240 foot clock tower it is the iconic symbol of the San Francisco Waterfront.
The grand and dramatic heart of the building is 660 feet long, three stories high, with beautiful glass windows that allow a clear view into to the vivd blue sky. The building showcases all of the vast varieties of the world renowned food industry and community of the Bay Area. The second and third stories of the building house 175,000 square feet of office space, as well as the ceremonial hearing room of the San Francisco Port Commission.
The legendary cuisine of San Francisco is truly out of this world. All of the local chefs and restaurants purchase many of their ingredients right there in the historic building or outside at the Farmer’s Markets. You can find everything from pig parts to fruit tarts, restaurants with global cuisine, to artisan cheeses and organic honey. It is seriously a “foodie heaven” and I discover something new and delicious, every single time I visit. On this last visit, I did not spend much money at all. You actually don’t need to buy anything to feel a part of the experience. I only purchased a durable silicone spoon for my mom at Sur la Table and perfectly packaged, lovely, lavender shortbread biscuits from Miette. Oh…and two chocolate macaroons for a snack to help sustain us from our strenuous walk about the Ferry Building.
It was not in the least strenuous, it just an excuse to justify any out of the ordinary caloric intake!
Here are a few fun photos of my most recent visit to the fabulous Ferry Building. Additionally,there are artisan tents with creative gift items that line the sidewalk entrance.
Beautiful, natural light that streams in through the three-story high ceiling.
Love the award winning Stonehouse Olive Oil
Sample the oils and vinegars of Stonehouse Olive Oil
A place for “fungi” – Mushrooms of all shapes, tastes and sizes
Far West Fungi
Boccalone – Tasty Salted Pig Parts… a Italian salumeria
Cowgirl Creamery – Delicious artisan organic cheese! You can buy the cheese here and order food to go. Best Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup on the planet!
Gorgeous produce
The adorable Miette Bakery
Too pretty not to take a photo of the Chocolate Macaroons!
More of Miette! Colorful cake plates, cookies and hand made candies
Blue Bottle Coffee… pairs perfectly with the bakery!
Enjoying a glorious day at the Ferry Building
Of the many things I love about San Francisco, my trips to the Ferry Building are what I treasure most. Do you have a favorite spot in San Francisco?
It is a great place! It is fun to sit out on the deck with a coffee or cocktail and watch the boats come and go as well.
Cheryl – You are so right! I had to edit this post down, there is so much to enjoy at the Ferry Building! Thank you for reading and commenting!
We’ll be making our first ever trip to San Francisco in early November…looking forward to our visit to the Ferry Building!
So excited for you! I know the Ferry Building will be a favorite spot! If you want any other ideas, let me know.
The weekend farmers markets are pretty amazing at the ferry plaza, i love shopping there and then eating afterwards. I just did a fun cheese tour in Sonoma recently you should do that when you visit again.
Noel – We like to go on Saturday morning to the Farmer’s Market as well. There is a mexican taco/egg burrito place to die for! I will look forward to reading about your cheese tour in Sonoma!
A morning or afternoon at the Ferry Building sounds great. Love the photos.
Thank you Donna – So true! You can find a snack or a meal or just look around and be satisfied!
Love the Ferry Building too, especially with the Saturday Farmer’s Market. Also, love Hog Island Oysters!
So true Kim! Love Saturday’s too! Delicious egg burritos!
Such fun to absorb the city’s energy in this fabulous place. Every sense is engaged. I will have to remember to put this on the list for when we return.
Betsy: You are so right. When you are mingling with the locals of the city, it makes your visit so personal!
Never made it here but I know I’d enjoy every minute of it. Reminds me of Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market.
Leigh: I bet they are similar. Toronto is on my list! I look forward to visiting!
Oh this looks like somewhere we would love to visit. Loved your photos. The photo of the brussel sprouts had me wanting to go out and buy some for dinner tonight!
Thank you Johanna! I love taking photos of fruits and vegetables. They are so interesting and colorful.
On our next trip to San Francisco, I will make it a point to arrive at the Ferry Building at lunch time. Your photos of the Ferry Buidling Market are VERY reminiscent of the Reading Terminal Market in my hometown of Philadelphia minus the Amish and Mennonite merchants.
http://www.boomeresque.com/philadelphia-phriday-philadelphias-reading-terminal-market/
Thanks Suzanne, I bet the Reading Terminal Market is a great place to visit as well.
Yes, your lovely photo tour did make me hungry! The Imperial Tea Court is one of my favorite places in the Ferry Building, and where I had lunch there most recently, See much, much more about SF here at my website, http://berkeleyandbeyond.com/Northern-California/San-Francisco/Restaurants/F/f.html
I have not been to the Imperial Tea Court, I have walked by many times! Thank you for the recommendation!
I agree, the Ferry Building is beyond fantastic. Have you dined at The Slanted Door? Amazing food with a view of the bay.
My kind of destination!! I love to shop while traveling!
You’re right, this DID make me hungry! Such a lovely reminder of my visit a few weeks ago to SF and the Ferry Building – I ate in a lovely Italian restaurant and spent the rest of the day roaming around the various stalls – irresisitible!
So glad you enjoyed the reminder! You would be surprised to learn how many people did not know about the Ferry Building. For me it is magical!
I was in Marin County last November with plans to see San Francisco, but got caught up in the hiking trails. I want to visit San Francisco and know I would love the ferry building too. Your photos are all so crisp and clear as always.
Thank you Michelle! Let me know if you decide to go, I can give you lots of tips!