If you’re looking for a San Francisco hotspot that’s got something for everyone, now is the time to go to the San Francisco Ferry Building. A trip to the Ferry Building could be suited for everyone, from friends to family to even a significant other. Staff photo by Electa Narasin.
By Electa Narasin and Eva Herr
Logistics:
Always check the weather forecast before arriving at the Ferry Building. Though you can remain inside, it’d be a shame to miss the water views right outside because San Francisco weather got the best of you.
Parking near the ferry building is nearly impossible to find and when found, it can come at a steep price. However, taking public transportation and then walking to the Ferry Building is a sure-fire cheap and simple option. We suggest getting off the Caltrain at 4th and King and then making your way to the Ferry Building. All in all, the walk would be about 30 minutes, but renting a bike would cut the trip down to 10 minutes.
Creative Commons photo by Neil Howard
When you arrive at the Ferry building, you will be met with a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay. As there are multiple entrances, find a map somewhere inside to orient yourself or go to the Ferry Building’s website.
Staff photo by Electa Narasin
The Ferry Building is famous for its marketplace. The marketplace features both permanent merchants as well as a weekend farmers market. If the farmers market is not open during your visit, you can’t go wrong go to any of the merchants. Depending on your taste, we recommend one of three restaurants for a casual and relaxed lunch.
Staff photo by Electa Narasin
Lunch:
If you enjoy a classic American meal, we recommend stopping by Gott’s Roadside for a burger, fries and a milkshake. Their choice of burgers is steeped in options, but we suggest the Western Bacon Blue Ring, a burger complete with deep-fried onions, bacon and local specialities like blue cheese from Point Reyes. But, non-burger lovers, fear not! Gott’s has upped its health conscious options in recent years. Leading the way is the Citrus & Avocado Chop and the Mahi Mahi Tacos. Make sure to indulge in some garlic fries and an oreo milkshake, featuring Three Twins’ organic ice cream.
Creative Commons photo by Jun Seita
If you are looking for Asian Fusion, Out the Door may be up your alley. The Vietnamese lunch joint is a side-kick to the more upscale Slanted Door restaurant, but it features all you need to have a hearty lunch. the Chicken-Rice Porridge as well as the Saigon Roast Pork Sandwich are favorites here. But, don’t leave without grabbing steamed pork buns and a boba tea!
Mijita, the star Mexican restaurant at the Ferry Building, is also a great option for a flavorful lunch. The restaurant brings out a huge competitor to Lulu’s Chopped Salad in their Little Gems salad, topped with shrimp and a creamy-avocado dressing. Next up are their amazing tacos! We suggest their Tacos de Carnitas (steak tacos) or Tacos de Pescado (baja cod tacos).
Creative Commons photo by star5112
Snacks:
For a savory snack, stop by Cowgirl Creamery for some amazing cheeses. Make sure to try the Mt. Tam cheese, their classic buttery cheese. Another great place for meat lovers is Boccalone. They sell top-notch salted meats from salami to sausage.
Creative Commons photo by Niall Kennedy
If you are looking for desert, there are a multitude of shops to indulge your sugar craving. For a taste of local honey, Beekind is for you. The stand’s starring honey is Oregon Blackberry, a honey lathered in the the nectar of Oregon blackberry flowers. But, that doesn’t come close to scratching the surface of the Ferry Building’s dessert options. For some delicious ice cream, Humphry Slocombe is the place to go. They have always-changing fun and inventive flavors with Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee and Secret Breakfast being two of our favorite flavors. Lastly, if you want to have some great pastries, go to Miette Pâtisserie. Among the best of their sweet treats is their Fleur de Caramels and macaroons. If you do decide to pick up a macaroon, you gotta go with the Rose-Geranium flavor.
Creative Commons photo by Niall Kennedy
Shopping:
Before you leave make sure you stop by The Gardener to grab some succulents and home decorations. We love the bulb gift packages as a present for anyone. Not a flower person? Check out Stonehouse Olive Oil for some world class California olive oil in all different flavors. Still not satisfied? Stop by Blue Bottle Coffee to buy a few bags of their rich blends to take home and a New Orleans Iced Coffee for the road.
Creative Commons photo by kennejima
If you are looking for a day filled with ocean breeze, good food, and a beautiful view of the ocean then a trip to the Ferry Building is what you are looking for. Check in next week for the newest edition of Bay Area Adventures!
