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As one of California’s most iconic cities, San Francisco continues to be a global destination, welcoming millions of tourists annually. In fact, in 2023 alone, San Francisco reportedly attracted 23.1 million visitors, according to San Francisco Travel, marking a 5% increase over 2022.
Covering a distance of just 47 miles, the small and dense city is coveted for its diverse arts, culture, entertainment attractions and world-class food experiences.
At the top of the list of must-dos is a visit to the Ferry Building in San Francisco, a local and tourist hub for the shops, restaurants, cultural attractions, weekly farmers market and more, with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge.
“After the pandemic, the Ferry Building focused on supporting existing businesses while also bringing in new ones to keep the space active and inviting for both locals and tourists. This approach not only helped increase foot traffic but also played a significant role in revitalizing the waterfront and the broader city,” says Jane Connors, Ferry Building general manager.
On any given day, hundreds, if not thousands, busily walk through the Ferry Building in San Francisco to explore artisanal goods, sip and nosh at restaurants including Gott’s Roadside, Cholita Linda and Hog Island Oyster Company, and doing my favorite, people watching, as you see and hear people from all over the Bay Area co-mingling with those from around the world.
Connors shares, “Now, the Ferry Building aims to remain a staple in San Francisco, offering a mix of food and retail that keeps people coming back. The goal is to create a place that locals love and visitors want to explore, with a focus on adapting to changes and staying relevant in the city’s ever-evolving landscape.”
Small Businesses Find Community at the Ferry Building in San Francisco
With more than 40 businesses specializing in artisanal products from honey, coffee and caviar to Argentinean empanadas, small batches of handmade hummus and toum and a wine shop, small businesses are a backbone to what makes the Ferry Building in San Francisco a favorite city destination.
Two businesses, in particular, have expanded their footprint while building community among diverse patrons looking to experience the vibe of San Francisco under one roof.
Keba Konte’s Red Bay Coffee was founded on the basis of community and empowerment. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Konte’s successful coffee brand with the mantra “Beautiful Coffee to the People,” moved into the Ferry Building in October 2020, seven months after the world was shut down and uncertainty for businesses loomed.
“The Ferry Building location aligns with the mission and vision of Red Bay Coffee. We exist to bring beautiful coffee to the people and this location allowed us to do so in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. We love it because of the geographic beauty, the incredible history and selfishly because it’s my hometown,” Konte says.
As someone who doesn’t drink coffee but frequents coffee shops to work, Red Bay Coffee’s signature vibrant look and feel is so comfortable that you may look up only to find that time has quickly passed by.
Konte shares, “The vibe of the Red Bay Coffee shop at the Ferry Building is beautiful. Spectacular views, with giant palm plants and modern lounge furniture and good vibes. Our team is trained to be very approachable for coffee novices while holding a high standard of coffee excellence. We want our guests to feel like they can discover something new or just relax into their favorite comfort drink. You will find an ethos of craft coffee, organic offerings, and welcoming hospitality.”
San Francisco native Shani Jones’ Peaches Patties, also at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, takes you to the island of Jamaica as a tribute to her mother, Victoria Jones, aka Peaches. Peaches Patties is one of not even a handful of Caribbean food businesses in the city catering to taste buds looking for authentic jerk, rice and peas and, of course, Jamaican beef patties.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see Peaches Patties become a destination for people from all over the world. San Francisco is a city that embraces diversity, and it’s an honor to contribute to its rich culinary tapestry with authentic Jamaican flavors. Every time someone tastes our patties or dishes and tells us it reminds them of home or gives them a new appreciation for Caribbean cuisine, it’s a reminder of why we started this journey. Sharing our culture through food has always been the heart of Peaches Patties, and having the opportunity to do that on such a large scale is a dream come true,” says the Jones, who moved the business into its first brick-and-mortar at the Ferry Building last January.
She adds, “Our top seller, without a doubt, is the classic beef patty—it’s a staple of Jamaican cuisine and a hit with anyone who tries it. The curry chicken patty is another favorite, offering a delicious twist on a beloved Caribbean flavor. For those looking for plant-based options, our lentil and spinach patties are big crowd-pleasers. On the side, plantains are a must-try, and our sorrel drink has become a go-to refreshment for many. We’ve found that people really appreciate the authenticity of our offerings, and these items have become standout favorites.”
Connors says that championing businesses such as Red Bay Coffee and Peaches Patties is part of the Ferry Building’s blueprint. “Overall, we’re committed to creating a space that offers not just great food and retail options but also a strong sense of purpose—a gathering place for the community.”
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Come for the Food, Stay for the Fun
The Ferry Building’s 125th anniversary last year was a significant milestone for this historic landmark. If there is one thing Connors and her team know for sure, it is that change is constant, which means keeping the vision of the Ferry Building in San Francisco front and center while being innovative at the same time.
“Now, the Ferry Building aims to remain a staple in San Francisco, offering a mix of food and retail that keeps people coming back. The goal is to create a place that locals love and visitors want to explore, with a focus on adapting to changes and staying relevant in the city’s ever-evolving landscape,” Connor says.
The partnership with Foodwise and their Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market has played a big role in getting people out. In fact, it is a regular weekend destination for so many that you wouldn’t imagine the Ferry Building without it. In addition, their Black Creators Craft Market and other pop-ups held during select times of the year, strengthen the sense of community at the Ferry Building says Connors.
Health and wellness is also a part of community building as the Ferry Building offers free Vinyasa yoga on Wednesdays and events such as the SF Cheese Festival (September 21) followed by the Mushroom Festival in October add fun for the entire family.
The Ferry Building in San Francisco is centrally located and the perfect starting point before you make your way to a Giant’s game at Oracle Park or stroll down the Embarcadero toward Pier 39 and other tourist attractions.
Lastly, the Ferry Building experience won’t be complete without taking the ferry. From Oakland, the perfect 15 – 25 minute ride, not to mention beautiful on any sunny day, will capture the essence of Bay Area living. You’ll be conveniently dropped off and picked up at the Ferry Building and the schedule does run into the late evening, giving you time to enjoy San Francisco.
You can also start at the Ferry Building, purchase tickets for Blue & Gold Fleet, and cruise around the Bay for an afternoon or to catch the sunset.
For those of us who call the Bay Area home, the Ferry Building is just one of the many backyard gems we may tend to take for granted, but we also appreciate it when experienced. And if you are checking San Francisco off your travel list soon, just know that the San Francisco treat they sing about just may be located in this iconic building, so be sure not to skip a visit.
For the complete list of business, activities and events, visit the Ferry Building online. Best modes of transportation include the ferry, BART and ride share. If driving, street parking is available (but hard to secure) and a parking lot nearby offers validation for discounted parking from select Ferry Building businesses.
