San Francisco has become a new favorite city and the San Francisco Ferry Building is one of my favorite spots.
The San Francisco Ferry Building is a ferry terminal designed in 1892 (completed in 1898) by American architect A. Page Brown in the Beaux Arts style. The most eye-catching part of the terminal building is the gorgeous 245-foot tall clock tower with 22 foot diameter faces modeled after the “12th-century Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain.” It hosts both ferries as well as a gourmet food hall, office building, and busy Farmer’s Market since its redevelopment in 2002.
The ferry terminal is an official San Francisco landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I love how this historic space has evolved and transformed from its original use to a metropolitan and modern one. I kept visiting the San Francisco Ferry Building and think it’s a great place for all kinds of tourists and little ones.
Farmer’s Market
Who doesn’t love unique, local food and farm fresh produce right? CUESA, a nonprofit organization with the aim to “create links between urban dwellers and local farmers”, manages the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. They have a nice mix of area farmers touting everything from golden apricots, cherries, and even hot peppers. They also have some of the most sought after food trucks (and food) in town including Roti Roli and The Farmer’s Wife. Try out some fresh peaches and apricots which are displayed on many stands.
I had Wise Guys pastrami which had juicy pastrami and corned beef. Luckily, I also tried the famous Roti Roli porchetta (literally the last sandwich available that day after I waited 20 minutes!)
Restaurants & Gourmet Shops
Foodies, rejoice! There are a variety of food options from casual restaurants to premium food and beverage outlets including Blue Bottle Coffee (a friend’s favorite coffee and where she had the first date with her fiancee!) to Cowgirl Creamery’s fabulous variety of cheeses.
Some of San Francisco’s best restaurants are housed in the Ferry Building. We were lucky enough to get a table at Hog Island Oyster company (my cousin waited in line a bit before 6 pm). The oysters were legit – fresh, briny, juicy and well balanced. My husband is a big oyster fan and heartily approved. I also loved the old bay French fries and cornmeal crusted oysters. I’d love to try Slanted Door, the hippest Vietnamese restaurant, another time.
I’ll definitely be returning for food and the gorgeous view next time!
San Francisco Ferry Building
1 Ferry Building, along the Embarcadero
That farmer’s market looks like a wonderful place to explore!
I’ve heard a lot of good things about San Francisco! It’s really growing. It’s always super expensive to stay there. Have you checked the property values? Eye opening! So glad you got to go! That clock tower is exquisite and I love local produce & food. Long wait for that sandwich, but it looked absolutely delicious 🙂
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[…] there were some pretty wonderful moments too, like our trip to the Maldives and great eats in the San Francisco Ferry Building. I hope to document more beauty everyday, not just in my travels. I also hope to pick up and […]
[…] most historic sites reigning over the east side since 1898. The imposing and graceful clock tower immediately greets you on all sides. I loved observing the architecture in the area and […]