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Everything you need to know about Ferry Building
Marriott Union Square San Francisco is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the Ferry Building. The hotel offers modern rooms and a rooftop dining experience with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Located within the vibrant Ferry Building Marketplace, guests enjoy access to upscale shops, gourmet food stalls, and seasonal farmers’ markets. Convenient transportation links, including free parking and direct access to Muni and Caltrain, make it an ideal base for exploring downtown San Francisco.
Walking from the Ferry Building takes about 10 minutes to reach Union Square, the heart of downtown San Francisco. Along the way, you’ll pass Hyde Street and Market Street, lined with boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. For faster transit, take a Muni bus or Muni Metro light rail—several lines connect directly to the Financial District and Fisherman’s Wharf. Additionally, the SF Bay Ferry operates from the Ferry Building, offering scenic water routes to Oakland and Berkeley, providing a unique alternative to land-based travel.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a culinary destination featuring over 40 local vendors. Must-tries include Boudin Bakery's iconic sourdough bread, Tartine Bakery's artisanal pastries, and fresh oysters at the Oyster Bar. Every Saturday, the Farmers Market brings in organic produce, handmade cheeses, and farm-fresh eggs from California’s Central Valley. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy your meal on the waterfront benches, soaking in the bay breeze. Many vendors also offer grab-and-go boxes, perfect for a casual stroll along the Embarcadero while immersing yourself in San Francisco’s local food culture.
Built in 1936, the Ferry Building blends Neoclassical and Art Deco styles, featuring grand arched entrances, marble columns, and a striking red-brick façade with gray stone accents. Its copper-green metal roof has aged gracefully over time. Inside, original features like wooden ceilings, stained-glass skylights, and a soaring central dome flood the space with natural light. Today, it stands not only as a transportation hub but also as one of San Francisco’s most iconic historic buildings, frequently used as a filming location and symbol of the city’s architectural heritage.
Yes, several family-friendly spots surround the Ferry Building. The Exploratorium at Pier 15 offers interactive science exhibits perfect for kids to explore physics, biology, and engineering through hands-on experiments. Just a 15-minute walk away, Fisherman’s Wharf features sea lion viewing areas, LEGO stores, and harbor cruise boats. For relaxation, families can enjoy a picnic along the Embarcadero Promenade, where views of the Golden Gate Bridge and passing sailboats create a serene atmosphere—ideal for bonding and unwinding after a day of exploration.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is ideal for guests seeking a prime waterfront location, just steps from the Ferry Building. Its rooms and rooftop lounge offer panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, especially stunning at sunset. The hotel provides complimentary ferry access to Angel Island and Tiburon, making it a perfect base for exploring the bay. Enjoy a signature cocktail at "The Roof" bar while soaking in the city's iconic skyline and shimmering harbor lights.
Extremely convenient—the Ferry Building serves as the central hub for multiple ferry lines connecting San Francisco to destinations like Angel Island, Berkeley, Oakland, and Sacramento. With frequent daily departures, including express boats during peak seasons, travelers enjoy seamless transit options. Use a Clipper Card for discounted fares, and real-time departure boards inside the building ensure easy planning. Whether for a day trip or daily commute, the ferry system offers an efficient, scenic way to explore the San Francisco Bay region.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a culinary hotspot featuring renowned local vendors. Must-tries include Milk Bar's artisanal pastries and classic American desserts, Nopa's innovative California cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients, and Farallon's seafood counter offering freshly caught Bay Area fish. Don’t miss the weekend Farmer’s Market, where you can savor organic fruits, handcrafted bread, and specialty coffee from regional producers. Enjoy your meal with a view of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge—a true celebration of local flavor and urban charm.
The Ferry Building’s skylight atrium is a photogenic gem—its arched glass ceiling and marble floor create stunning light reflections, especially at sunrise. Stroll along the Embarcadero waterfront promenade to the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint, perfect for silhouette shots against the iconic bridge. The south plaza fountain area often hosts street performers, offering lively backdrops with sailboats gliding by. For skyline views, visit the rooftop terrace at dusk, when the Golden Gate Bridge lights up and the bay sparkles—this is the golden hour for capturing San Francisco’s most iconic visuals.
See what other travelers say about Ferry Building
Staying at Hotel Griffon was an absolute delight from start to finish. The hotel exudes a wonderful sense of history and charm, with elegant details throughout the lobby and guest areas that make you feel like you've stepped into a bygone era. The morning welcome was especially memorable—fresh coffee paired with delicious pastries that were both tasty and beautifully presented. It's clear the staff takes pride in offering thoughtful touches that elevate the experience. Located just minutes from downtown via public transit, it's incredibly convenient for exploring San Francisco. A truly exceptional stay with outstanding value—definitely planning to return.
This was my favorite hotel of the entire trip to the USA! The place is incredibly clean and quiet—perfect for a good night's sleep. It definitely feels like it’s been recently renovated, with modern amenities throughout. The breakfast spread was fantastic, with fresh fruit that actually tasted like fruit (a rarity in some hotels!). Located right in downtown San Francisco, it’s just a short walk to the cable car stop—super convenient for getting around. The immediate neighborhood is well-maintained and safe, which made me feel comfortable walking around even in the evening. That said, a few blocks back, things get rougher—there are more homeless people and messier streets—but the hotel’s entrance and surrounding area are secure and tidy. Overall, an excellent choice for travelers who value cleanliness, location, and comfort. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
Staying at King George Hotel in Union Square was an unexpectedly delightful experience. The building has a classic charm with some age showing, and while the rooms are on the smaller side, they’re surprisingly well-equipped and spotlessly clean—everything you need is there. The location couldn’t be better: just a 5-minute walk to Union Square, making it super convenient for shopping, dining, and exploring downtown. There’s no shortage of restaurants nearby—great variety right outside the door. What really stood out was the staff: warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive. I asked for a needle and thread, and they had it ready in seconds—small gestures that make a big difference. While breakfast isn’t included, the morning complimentary offerings (coffee, tea, assorted pastries, and a few fresh fruits) are generous and perfect for a quick start to the day. Overall, this place delivers excellent value, comfort, and hospitality. Definitely a top pick for future visits to San Francisco.
The Lombard Inn is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest. While the decor and furnishings feel a bit dated, they’re still functional and adequately maintained. One thing worth mentioning is that the hallways had a slight musty odor, likely due to the carpets needing a deep clean. That said, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over modern design. It’s a reliable option with great value, especially if you're on a budget.
We stayed in Glasgow for a few days and stopped by this hotel for breakfast—had no expectations going in, but was pleasantly surprised. The menu options were somewhat limited, but the warm welcome and excellent service from Thomas made all the difference. He went above and beyond to make our morning special. It’s a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.
On Friday, April 21st at 10:15 AM, a guest from another building at the hotel climbed over the fence between units 179 and 173, entered our private driveway area, then climbed over our fence and left toward Wiese Street, heading toward 16th Street. We immediately called 911. The situation was alarming and unsettling. While police responded promptly, the incident raised serious concerns about property security and safety protocols. It's important to note that making assumptions based on someone's background is not only inappropriate but also harmful. As guests, we expect the hotel to maintain a secure environment for all. We hope management will take immediate action to improve fencing, surveillance, and overall safety measures to prevent future incidents.
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