Only in SF: A Perfect San Francisco Day to Visit The Ferry Building

San Francisco has a reputation for having weather that is, how do we say this, cold and foggy. Days like today, though, make every drop of fog worth suffering through. While downtown touring the penthouses at the SF Blu project I had the chance to meet a friend for lunch at the renovated Ferry Building along the Embarcadero. The building is located where Market street meets the bay, and the current building originally opened in 1898. A wooden Ferry House was built at the site in 1875, which the current building replaced. From the Gold Rush until the 1930s (hello, Golden Gate and Bay Bridges), arrival by ferryboat was the only way travelers and commuters – except those coming from the San Mateo Peninsula – could reach the city.

The building is considered a marvel of structural engineering, and it survived both the 1906 earthquake and the 1989 Loma Prieta quake. While it was once a hub of industrial commerce, the building has shifted and is now destination #1 for foodies living in and visiting San Francisco. It also stills serves ferryboats that bring commuters to the city from various points across the bay.

On Saturdays you will find the premiere farmer’s market at the building, with some of the freshest and most delicious fruits, vegetables, and meats available for sale. In addition the main hall has been converted to a marketplace that is home to an incredible and delicious array of fine food purveyors. My favorite San Francisco chocolatier, Recchiuti Chocolates, is located in the marketplace.

You will also find numerous restaurants, including the world famous Slanted Door, Hog Island Oyster Company, and many others. I could spend several days eating my way through the building like the very hungry caterpillar, but at the end I don’t think I’d morph into a beautiful calendar, just an overweight but incredibly satisfied San Franciscan! Whether you live here or are visiting for work or pleasure, you owe it to yourself to make a visit to the Ferry Building, especially if the weather cooperates and gives you a beautiful day like on my visit today.