Ferry Building Tours
173 Reviews

One of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, the Ferry Building is a port of entry and transit hub, marketplace, and farmers market. Food merchants, specialty shops, wine bars, and restaurants line the historic building’s hallways, making it a one-stop shop for experiencing the diverse culinary flavors and master retailers of San Francisco.
The Basics
With its imposing 245-foot (75-meter) clock tower, the Ferry Building is the San Francisco waterfront’s crown jewel. And it’s not just a waiting room for Bay Area ferry commuters—it’s a thriving marketplace with dozens of artisan producers in its vaulted food hall serving everything from hand-churned ice cream and local honey to Blue Bottle coffee and Acme Bread Company’s famous sourdough. Always-packed restaurants—including Gott's Roadside, Hog Island Oyster Company, and the Slanted Door—call the Ferry Building home, and the farmers market offers wildly fresh produce, meat, seafood, and prepared eats three days a week. Walk along the esplanade for great views of the Bay Bridge.
Many city tours—such as combo tours including Alcatraz—start or end at this iconic spot on the Embarcadero, while food tours of the Ferry Building and the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market explore the property in-depth. Hop-on hop-off tours stop here as well. If you have more time, catch a ferry boat from the Ferry Building to Sausalito or arrive via private yacht charter from Napa.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ferry Building is a must for foodies.
- The marketplace is exceptionally busy during rush hour, and an hour before and after games and events at AT&T Park.
- Situated on San Francisco’s waterfront, weather can shift quickly from bright and sunny to foggy and cold. Dress in layers.
- Restrooms are located on either end of the main hall.
- Ferry Building restaurants and restrooms are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Public transit to the Ferry Building is plentiful and convenient. MUNI’s E, F, J, K, L, M, N, and T street cars and 10, 12, and 41 bus lines all stop within two blocks of the Ferry Building, as does BART (Embarcadero station). Ferries to Alameda, Sausalito, Larkspur, and Vallejo dock at the Ferry Building.
When to Get There
Hours for individual businesses vary but the Ferry Building is generally open 10am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Saturday, and 11am to 5pm Sunday; it is closed on Christmas. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market operates 10am to 2pm Tuesday and Thursdays, and 8am to 2pm Saturday. Everything is quieter between the morning and afternoon rushes, and in the winter months.
Committed to the Local Food Shed
First opened in 1898, the Ferry Building remains an important cog in San Francisco’s transportation wheel, with regular ferry, bus, and streetcar service. In recent years, the space became an important focal point for the internationally renowned local food scene. Small, regional farmers and independently owned and operated businesses are the norm here. It is both haven and incubator for artisan food and wine producers from Northern California, and the triweekly farmers market attracts chefs and locals in search of the best produce around.
Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, California 94105, USA
43 Tours and Activities to Experience Ferry Building
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San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Tour San Francisco's Ferry Building on the original tour established in 2004 with a culinary expert guide during this 2-hour excursion.
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From
$80.00
From
$80.00

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour
Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a choice of 2 different passes. Explore the city's 49 square miles, including stops at big-name attractions like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square. Go at your own pace, hopping off at any of 16 stops, exploring at your leisure, and then hopping back on when you're done. Choose the Premium pass to include a night tour or a Deluxe pass for an additional 24 hours of hop-on-hop-off and a night tour.
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From
$40.50
From
$40.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

America's Cup Day Sailing Adventure on San Francisco Bay
Tread in the footsteps of world-champion sailors on this 2.5-hour America’s Cup Day Sail on San Francisco Bay. You’ll board a high-speed International America’s Cup class yacht and take a turn on the official race course from the 2013 competition. With a skilled sailor in charge, you’ll take your turn as crew working the sail trim controls and even have a chance to skipper the boat. After departing from San Francisco’s famous Pier 39 you’ll take to the Bay and cruise beneath the magnificent Golden Gay Bridge. There’s no better way to see the Bay than this sailing trip with USA 76.
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From
$181.99
From
$181.99

San Francisco All-Day Electric Bike Rental
Discover San Francisco on your own schedule with a 1-day electric bike rental. Hop on a regular bike or an electric bike, for an easier ride, and pedal past all of the sites on the top of your list. Visit the crooked path of Lombard Street, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge and more. This self-guided trip gives you the opportunity to create your own itinerary as you explore the beloved City by the Bay.
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From
$65.00
From
$65.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Napa Valley Wine Train from San Francisco: Gourmet Lunch, Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour
Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train, enjoy a gourmet lunch, and tour a vineyard on this tour from San Francisco. Travel through scenic wine country on this antique train, passing through Yountville, Rutherford, Oakville and St Helena as you dig in to a 3-course meal. Disembark at Grgich Hills Estate, Charles Krug Winery or Raymond Vineyards to receive a guided tour and taste the wines for which Napa is famous.
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From
$279.35
From
$279.35
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

San Francisco City Bus Tour: 10 Stops with Sausalito Ferry Cruise (8 PAX Max)
The Most Comprehensive 10 Stop, 35+ Attractions tour of San Francisco is smartly confined into five interesting hours. This tour is unique in that our groups are incredibly small. This is the best SF Bus Tour during COVD-19.
Start at: Ferry Building
Lombard Street (downhill walk)
Chinatown
Grace Cathedral (Go inside)
Cable Car Barn Museum (Museum Tour)
City Hall Building
Alamo Square Park
Golden Gate Park
Japanese Tea Garden (Fee not incl.)
DeYoung Museum Lookout Tower
Golden Gate Bridge
Sausalito (Time for lunch, shopping and exploring)
Ferry Cruise back to San Francisco
Customers of our tour, generally, likes/wants:
*Red carpet-like services when traveling.
*Definitely no walking up any hills. Our tour only has downhill walks.
*Able to leave their personal items onboard tour van.
*Doesn’t want to shuffle buses or hail their bus during tour
*Wants their bus to stay with them at each stop.
*Definitely does NOT want to be on a 60+ passenger bus
*Loves only 8 passengers on the tour
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From
$159.00
From
$159.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas

Napa Valley Wine Train with Gourmet Lunch and Transport from San Francisco
Take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, including lunch, during this full-day tour from San Francisco. After transportation via ferry and shuttle from San Francisco, climb aboard the restored antique train to enjoy a gourmet, locally-sourced lunch and wine pairing. Travel through the Napa Valley's rolling vineyards for towards the charming town of St. Helena.
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From
$259.69
From
$259.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Full Day Bike Rental from Fisherman's Wharf
Discover San Francisco on your own schedule with a 1-day bike rental. Visit the crooked path of Lombard Street, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge and other culturally rich and unique San Francisco neighborhoods. This self-guided trip gives you the opportunity to create your own itinerary as you explore the beloved City by the Bay. The entire fleet of equipment is sanitized regularly and curbside pick-up is available to ensure that your rental experience is safe and enjoyable.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

City and Sea Adventure: 1 Day Hop-On Hop Off Pass and San Francisco Bay Cruise
In just one day, experience the best of San Francisco by land and sea with this combo package that includes two hop-on hop-off bus tours and a cruise. Check out the top attractions of San Francisco, wind through the downtown streets, and cross over the Golden Gate Bridge. Each hop-on hop-off bus tour lasts 60 minutes to 2 hours and offers live commentary. The 1-hour boat cruise takes you through San Francisco Bay, giving you prime views of Crissy Fields, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
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From
$79.99
From
$79.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

San Francisco Embarcadero Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Turn San Francisco's Embarcadero into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure! This challenge combines the excitement of the Amazing Race with a 3-hour city walking tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history.
Your amazing scavenger hunt adventure will begin at the Federal Reserve and take you to the bay's edge with views of historic fountains, art in every form, and the impressive Bay Bridge. Your scavenger hunt route will show you hidden gems of the Embarcadero area as you walk San Francisco's Bay Trail, tracing the eastern shoreline of the city. Note: Pricing is per individual, but teams must book together in order to be included in the same adventure.
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From
$20.52
Price varies by group size
From
$20.52
Price varies by group size

Make the Most of SF in One Day: Small Group Walking Tour
Get to know San Francisco a little better on this full day tour of the city. This tour is well-suited to travelers who want to get the lay of the land before digging deeper: with your guide by your side, spinning stories and letting you know all about the history of the city, tour neighborhoods, stop at famous landmarks and enjoy pristine photo opportunities of highlights like Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and the sea lion hangout at Pier 39.
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From
$74.00
From
$74.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

San Francisco Private City Tour
See San Francisco with your own personal guide and customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. Spend 4 hours exploring one of California’s most exciting cities, known for its gorgeous location, Victorian architecture and diverse neighborhoods. Take a drive through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach and the cliffs at Lands End; stroll around Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39; check out the shops at Union Square or Embarcadero; and myriad other possibilities.
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From
$435.90
per group
From
$435.90
per group

Bike Rental Near the Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco
Experience one of San Francisco’s most popular activities—biking across the Golden Gate Bridge—with this bike rental from the Marina District, conveniently located near Crissy Field and the route to the bridge. A bike, map, helmet and lock are provided with this rental, plus you’ll receive tips on the best ways to bike to the bridge and around the city. On the other side of the bridge, you can explore the waterfront town of Sausalito before returning to the city. Rental period is 24 hours.
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From
$40.00
From
$40.00

North Beach and the Bay
We focus on the historical portion of the piers and wharf. Taking a route through North Beach we see sights that often get missed when taking non private tours throughout San Francisco. See the neighborhood of Joe DiMaggio and Francis Ford Coppola's restaurant/bar.
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From
$96.34
From
$96.34

Run through the city
I love running and love having friends of friends discover San Francisco. It is small enough to be able to see a lot while running.
Over the course of a 1 hour workout, we will make 3 stops to discover a breathtaking view of the city, a typical market where locals shop and ending the run in an amazing open air where to get local healthy foods.
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From
$15.39
From
$15.39

San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off 2 Day pass
Discover San Francisco from the Bay to the Pacific Ocean, with stops throughout for photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. Stunning panoramic views off Nob Hill and the colorful life of the Mission district. Come see the beauty of Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, Civic Center, the breathtaking waterfront and the fashionable Union Square, these are just some of the sites you’ll treasure long after your visit to the magnificent city by the bay.
San Francisco is an extremely popular international tourist destination famous for its landmarks, including Alcatraz Island, the cable cars, and Coit Tower, its steep rolling hills, and its eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture. The city is also known for its diverse, cosmopolitan population, including large and long-established Asian American, and LGBT communities
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From
$55.00
From
$55.00

San Francisco Night Tour
Discover San Francisco from the Bay to the Pacific Ocean, with stops throughout for photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. Stunning panoramic views off Nob Hill and the colorful life of the Mission district. Come see the beauty of Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, Civic Center, the breathtaking waterfront and the fashionable Union Square, these are just some of the sites you’ll treasure long after your visit to the magnificent city by the bay.
San Francisco is an extremely popular international tourist destination famous for its landmarks, including Alcatraz Island, the cable cars, and Coit Tower, its steep rolling hills, and its eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture. The city is also known for its diverse, cosmopolitan population, including large and long-established Asian American, and LGBT communities.
…More
From
$40.00
From
$40.00

San Francisco Night Tour
Enjoy an evening tour around one of the most famous cities in the world. San Francisco absolutely glows at night and you can see first hand all of the magnificent sites San Francisco has to offer at night from our original double decker bus. Our Deluxe Evening Tour takes you from fashionable Union Square, around the city allowing for a great view of the scenic Bay Bridge and then back to Union Square. Along the way you will see sites such as: Union Square, the Financial District, Embarcadero, view of the Bay Bridge, and Civic Center. Do not miss out on these great sites at night.
Our Deluxe Evening Tour is completely safe and begins nightly at 5:30 p.m. This double decker bus tour takes you through the best that San Francisco has to offer after dark. The city absolutely comes to life when the sun goes down. Beautiful light displays are everywhere you look: storefronts, artwork, street performances and the City itself.
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From
$40.00
From
$40.00

The Ultimate Wine Country Experience (Private & All-Inclusive)
Our Ultimate Wine Country Experience through Sonoma and Napa Valley will take you to the most incredible spots from San Francisco to Wine Country all in one day. If you are looking for some delicious world famous wines, nature, great food and a ton of beautiful photos, then this is the tour for you!
The morning will start with a private pickup directly from your hotel by one of our friendly, English speaking guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable, spacious and air-conditioned vehicles.
This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous vineyards, amazing scenery, secretly located spots and much much more!
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Full schedule
9:00 AM – Pick up at hotel
10:30 AM - Arrive at a Secret Winery
12:00 PM - Enjoy a Private Wine Tasting at Miner Family Winery
1:40 PM - Take a picture in front of the Welcome to Napa Valley Sign
2:10 PM - Lunch
3:00 PM - Taste the wines at Jacuzzi Family Winery
4:00 PM - Return to hotel
5:00 PM - Arrive at Hotel
…More
From
$499.00
Price varies by group size
From
$499.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Magical Muir Woods Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)
Our San Francisco Muir Woods Tour will take you to the most incredible spots from San Francisco to Muir Woods National Park all in one day. If you are looking for some culture, nature, delicious food and a ton of great photos, then this is the tour for you!
The morning will start with a private pickup directly from your hotel by one of our friendly, English speaking guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable, spacious and air-conditioned vehicles.
This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more!
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Full schedule
7:00 AM – Pick up at hotel
7:15 AM - Leave SF over the Golden Gate Bridge
8:00 AM - Hike thru Muir Woods
10:00 AM - Visit the cute town of Sausalito
11:00 AM - Lunch
12:00 PM - Stop at Bakers Beach
1:00 PM - Explore Fisherman's Wharf
1:20 PM - Return to hotel
2:00 PM - Arrive at Hotel
…More
From
$436.00
Price varies by group size
From
$436.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

San Francisco Instagram Private Tour: Most Famous Spots with All-Inclusive
If you are looking for some culture, delicious food and a ton of great photos, then this is the tour for you!
The morning will start with a private pickup from your hotel by one of our friendly, local guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable and spacious vehicles.
This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more!
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Full schedule
10:00 AM – Pick up from Hotel
10:30 AM – Check out the legendary Painted Ladies
11:00 AM – Explore Union Square
11:45 AM – Catch of view of Alcatraz from Pier 39
12:00 PM – Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf
12:30 PM – Lunch time
1:00 PM – Explore Ghirardelli Square
2:00 PM – Awe at the view from the Golden Gate Bridge
2:40 PM – Stop by Golden Gate Park
3:10 PM – Get a picture at one of SF’s Hidden Gems (16th Avenue Tiled Steps)
3:30 PM – Overlook the whole city at Twin Peaks Viewpoint
3:45 PM – Return to hotel
4:00 PM – Arrive at hotel
…More
From
$369.00
Price varies by group size
From
$369.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

San Francisco Instagram Walking Private Tour: Most Iconic Spots
Our San Francisco Walking Instagram Tour will take you to some of the most famous spots in San Francisco in one day by foot! If you are looking for some culture, delicious food and a ton of photos, then this is the tour for you!
The morning will start with meeting your friendly guide at the Embarcadero BART Station. From there your tour will begin as you start your walk through San Francisco’s beautiful streets.
This half-day tour will be packed with famous landmarks, architecture, secretly located spots and much more!
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Full schedule
10:00 AM - Meet your guide at the Embarcadaro BART Station
10:20 AM - Get a view of Alcatraz Island from Pier 39
10:50 AM - Explore Fishermans Wharf
11:35 AM - Catch a view of the Golden Gate Bridge
12:20 PM - Explore a secret street in Mission District (Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley)
1:20 PM - Walk around Dolores Park
2:00 PM - Say bye to your guide & get dropped off at the 16th St Mission BART Station
…More
From
$189.00
Price varies by group size
From
$189.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

San Francisco Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour | 1 Day Pass, Unlimited Use, Live Guide
See the best of San Francisco with Hop on Hop off Bus Tours. Our open-top sightseeing tours will introduce you to all the city's must-see sights, with stops conveniently located at iconic landmarks and attractions. Your flexible ticket allows you to hop on and hop off the bus as much as you like, so you can enjoy the freedom to stay for a few snaps, or immerse yourself for hours.
Your ticket is valid for 1 day unlimited use from 9am to 5pm.
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From
$55.00
From
$55.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

San Francisco Hop on Hop off Open Top Bus Tour + City Night Tour (Live Guide)
See all the top landmarks! One of the undeniable highlights of our San Francisco Bus Tour is the journey across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, with top-deck views across the bay. However, with its diverse neighborhoods, lively entertainment hub and bustling shopping district, there are so many other great areas of the Golden City to explore. Hop on with us to discover the best of San Francisco.
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From
$65.00
From
$65.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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