SF Ferry Destinations
March 25, 2022Although San Francisco’s world-renowned cable cars are The City’s most well-known public transit option, a ferry ride on the bay is the most relaxing. With ferry ports scattered across the Bay Area, your next trip could be leisurely, scenic, and fun for all ages! Easily accessible from our high-quality apartments around San Francisco, you can see the best The Bay has to offer on the water.
Let’s check out each SF ferry destination and learn about some of the most exciting activities you can enjoy nearby! These bayside restaurants, hiking trails, breweries, parks, and tourist attractions are ready to be explored! Click the above interactive map to view each ferry terminal in further detail.
Port of San Francisco
Found right behind the many delicious eateries inside the SF Ferry Building, the Port of San Francisco offers trips to Marin, Oakland, Alameda, Vallejo, Berkeley, Treasure Island, Bay Harbor, and Richmond. A popular spot with commuters during weekdays, the Ferry Building Marketplace turns into one of the nation’s largest farmers’ markets on the weekend. Completed in 1892, the San Francisco Ferry Building features a 245-foot clock tower that can be seen from many SF locations, including the rooftop of our brand-new apartments at 1177 Market.
Pier 41 (San Francisco)
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Positioned just a few blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf and our apartments at 2133 Stockton and 2130 Stockton, you can catch a ferry to the North Bay or East Bay from the Pier 41 terminal. As tourists enjoy their weekend at Pier 39, Musee Mecanique, and Madame Tussauds, a day trip across the bay is the perfect getaway. While you wait for the ferry to board, treat yourself to a bread bowl of clam chowder, crab sandwich, shrimp louie, or other delicious seafood options available right on the water!
Oracle Park
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There’s nothing like baseball season in The City By The Bay! Although residents of Trinity Place can make their way to the ballgame by foot, bike, or scooter, a postgame leisure float is not a bad way to celebrate a big win. Known as China Basin, SF Giants fans can ferry from here to Vallejo, Larkspur, Alameda, and Oakland.
Chase Center
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Found just south of the Giants’ Oracle Park, The new Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center is located in Mission Bay. Here, you can catch a ferry across The Bay from Pier 48½ next to ATWater Tavern. Other prime waterfront attractions along the water include Mission Rock Resort, Bay Front Park, Thrive City, and Crane Cove Park.
Treasure Island
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San Francisco’s newest ferry terminal is found on an island right in the center of The Bay! Despite Treasure Island not possessing any actual treasure, the island does boast a goldmine of incredible skyline and Golden Gate views. Scenic restaurants on the island include Mersea and Aracely cafe. You can also find multiple wineries and bottle shops nearby, including Treasure Island Wines. Looking for parks and beaches? Head to Clipper Cove or The Great Lawn!
Sausalito
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Situated just north of The Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito looks like a Mediterranean fishing village on a sunny day. The quaint bayside town has multiple renowned art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and scenic waterfront views with yacht-filled marinas. Popular attractions in downtown Sausalito include Barrell House Tavern, Viña del Mar Park, Sausalito Sweets, and Napa Valley Burger Company.
Tiburon
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Another Marin County destination with plenty of tremendous views is the charming town of Tiburon. A true delight for lovers of shoreline strolls through the park, Tiburon is positioned directly across the bay from San Francisco and routinely offers some of the best city skyline views. Home to Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Sam’s Anchor Cafe, and Luna Blu, an exquisite meal on the bay is just a ferry ride away.
Larkspur
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Located further north, you can also venture on a ferry trip to Larkspur. This North Bay town is the southernmost stop for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit system, which travels north to wine country through cities such as San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa. However, local attractions surrounding the Larkspur Ferry Terminal include Rustic Bakery, Remillard Park, and Farmshop.
Angel Island
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Filled with history, the largest island in the San Francisco Bay is a great place to explore via foot or bike! This scenic yet hidden gem is most well known for its role in processing hundreds of thousands of immigrants during the early 20th century. Angel Island also has hundreds of years of military history with involvement in The Civil War, WWI, and WWII. Check out the island’s picturesque beaches, campsites, and historical buildings with tremendous views across the water!
Alcatraz Island
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Despite being much smaller than its northern neighbor in Angel Island, Alcatraz Island is undoubtedly the most well-known isle in the San Francisco Bay. Regarded as America’s premier maximum-security prison from 1934 – 1963, Alcatraz housed some of the nation’s most dangerous civilian prisoners. Today, ferries run daily with many guided and individual tours available for visitors to enjoy. Known as one of The City’s most famous landmarks, this is a must-try activity for any SF resident or tourist! Residents of the 1000 Chestnut apartments in Russian Hill and the Crystal Tower apartments in North Beach can see this legendary island right out their window each day!
Oakland
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There’s nothing like spending a sunny weekend afternoon at Oakland’s waterfront Jack London Square! Located a short walk from the Port of Oakland, popular restaurants include Plank, Farmhouse Kitchen, Seabreeze On The Dock, and Home of Chicken & Waffles. You can also enjoy a bayside stroll down the San Francisco Bay trail to Estuary Park and the Jack London Aquatic Center.
Alameda Main Street & Seaplane Lagoon
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The island of Alameda features two ferry terminals, one in Seaplane Lagoon facing San Francisco and another on Alameda’s Main Street facing Oakland. The island’s western end is known for its tremendous SF city skyline views from attractions such as Encinal Beach and Pier 29 Waterfront Restaurant and Bar. If you’re looking to grab a drink, head to one of the many fine wineries or breweries such as Rock Wall Wine Company, Almanac Brewing, Dashe Cellars, Faction Brewing, Hangar 1 Vodka, or Building 43 Winery!
Berkeley
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Another awesome East Bay town with a lot to offer is home to the University of California, Berkeley! While any Cal Golden Bear can tell you about all the excellent bars, restaurants, and event venues downtown, the Berkeley Waterfront is also a gorgeous place to spend the afternoon or watch the sunset in the evening. So plan your next dinner outing on the water at Skates on The Bay, Hana Japan Steak and Seafood, or the Berkeley Boathouse!
Whether your typical mode of transportation is via bike, bus, car, train, or foot, taking a float across the bay sure is a leisurely way to see The City! Additional Bay Area ferry terminals include Harbor Bay, Richmond, South San Francisco, Mare Island, & Vallejo, with another planned for Redwood City. Enjoy your next weekend getaway in any of these lovely bayfront towns!
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