Ferry to San Francisco

A daytime view of the San Francisco skyline from the water, showing the "Port of San Francisco" building prominently in the foreground. A passing ferry adds charm to the scene, with clear blue skies and calm waters enhancing the modern skyscrapers in the background.

THE SAN FRANCISCO FERRY BUILDING is a foodie mecca, but the city’s neighboring ferry stops have plenty to offer as well. Whether you’re bound for Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero or AT&T Park, these local establishments are worth checking out.


Ferry Building Marketplace

HUNT The iconic Ferry Building is a prime afternoon browsing spot. Swing by Book Passage for a new best seller, peruse kitchenware at Sur La Table, sample cheese at Cowgirl Creamery — best paired with fresh bread from Acme — or pick up honey products from Beekind. ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

NIBBLE Hog Island Oyster Company has transformed from oyster bar to full scale restaurant, allowing you to sample oysters grown in the waters of Marin in an upscale city setting. hogislandoysters.com

TAKE AWAY Heath Ceramics may be found in restaurants and museums all over the world, but its origins are in Sausalito. The tableware has been produced in small batches in the same location since 1948, and the Ferry Building outpost offers an edited selection. heathceramics.com

Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf

HUNT A tourist magnet since 1978, Pier 39 (near the Pier 41 terminal) is filled with seafood restaurants, novelty shops and sea lion sightings, all in a charming — though often crowded — wharf setting. Street performers and live music make every visit unforgettable. pier39.com

NIBBLE DeLise Dessert Cafe offers handmade, small-batch treats. Supplemented by ice cream crafted from nearby Straus Creamery and coffee from San Francisco’s Four Barrel, local and organic desserts have never been sweeter. delisesf.com

TAKE AWAY Pick up a quirky favor that matches the city’s personality at Jackson & Polk, a store that celebrates the spirit of San Francisco. Gift items from local makers and artists are portable representations of any S.F. visit. jacksonandpolk.com

AT&T Park

HUNT Early to the ball game? Stake out the best local view. China Basin Park features an outside-the-stadium angle on McCovey Cove — complete with a statue of former first baseman Willie McCovey himself — while South Beach Park is the perfect spot for a pre-game bayside picnic.

NIBBLE For a memorable meal that’s close to the stadium but removed from the accompanying seagulls, Twenty Five Lusk offers upscale, creative fare, a lounge and bar and a modern appeal that will sate your game time appetite — though let’s be honest, you may still eye those ballpark garlic fries. 25lusk.com

TAKE AWAY Classic caps, foggy-day sweatshirts and Bumgarner jerseys can be found at the Giants Dugout Store, the ultimate stop for black-and-orange memorabilia. Stop by before, after or during the game to stock up on home run–worthy keepsakes. sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com