Ferry Plaza Farmers Market operates year-round on the San Francisco waterfront with produce, meat, fish, and prepared food from Bay Area vendors

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market runs twice weekly at the Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. The market operates on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round. The Saturday market is larger and draws more vendors than the Tuesday session.

Vendors sell produce, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, cheese, bread, honey, flowers, and prepared foods. Most vendors are farms and producers from within 150 miles of San Francisco, though the exact distance rule varies by vendor category. The market does not charge vendors a booth fee based on a percentage of sales — instead, vendors pay a flat weekly rate, which means prices are set by individual sellers rather than by a central market authority.

The Ferry Building itself contains year-round shops and restaurants, so you can combine a market visit with other food shopping or dining. Parking is available in the Ferry Building garage, though it fills quickly on Saturday mornings. Public transit access is direct: the F-line historic streetcar stops at the building, and multiple bus lines serve the Embarcadero.

Key Takeaways

  • Ferry Plaza Farmers Market runs Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the Saturday market significantly larger.
  • Vendors are farms and producers from the Bay Area region, selling produce, meat, fish, dairy, baked goods, and prepared foods.
  • The market operates outdoors at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, accessible by the F-line streetcar and multiple bus routes.
  • Ferry Building parking fills quickly on Saturday mornings, so arriving early or using public transit is often faster than driving.

What vendors sell and when they appear

The vendor mix changes by season and by day. Saturday typically has 60 to 100 vendors, while Tuesday has 20 to 40. In spring and summer, you will find stone fruits, berries, tomatoes, and stone fruits. Fall brings apples, pears, squash, and root vegetables. Winter has citrus, leafy greens, root crops, and storage vegetables. Year-round vendors include those selling eggs, cheese, bread, honey, and prepared foods like tamales, pasta, and baked goods.

Some vendors appear only on Saturday, some only on Tuesday, and some both days. If you are looking for a specific farm or product, arriving early (within the first hour) increases the chance that vendor will still have stock. Popular items like berries and heirloom tomatoes sell out by late morning on Saturdays during peak season.

The market does not publish a vendor list in advance, so you cannot confirm ahead of time whether a specific farm will be present on a given day. Calling the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market directly at the Ferry Building information line or checking the San Francisco Travel Association website may provide current vendor information during peak season.

Parking, transit, and getting there

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is located at the Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco. The building sits at the foot of Market Street on the Embarcadero waterfront. The easiest transit option is the F-line historic streetcar, which runs along the Embarcadero and stops directly at the Ferry Building. Multiple Muni bus lines also serve the Embarcadero, including lines 2, 6, 9, 14, and 21.

If you drive, the Ferry Building has a parking garage with hourly rates. On Saturday mornings between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., the garage often reaches capacity, especially during peak season (May through October). Arriving after 11 a.m. or parking in nearby lots on the Embarcadero or in the Financial District and walking may be faster. Street parking in the when ready area is limited and has time restrictions.

Bike parking is available at the Ferry Building. The market is also accessible by ferry from Alameda, Oakland, Vallejo, and Marin County, so if you are already using the ferry system, the market is a natural stop before or after your commute.

Payment methods and what to bring

Most vendors accept both cash and card payments, though some smaller vendors or those selling prepared foods may accept cash only. It is wise to bring cash or have a card on hand. ATMs are located inside the Ferry Building if you need to withdraw cash.

Bring bags or a cart if you plan to buy produce or other items. The market does not provide bags, and vendors may charge for them or ask you to bring your own. A rolling cart or backpack is useful for carrying heavier items like root vegetables, eggs, or jars of honey, especially if you are using transit.

The market operates outdoors, so dress for the weather. The Embarcadero can be windy and cool even on warm days inland. Sunscreen and a hat are useful on clear Saturdays, and a jacket is often needed year-round.

Prices and what to expect to spend

Prices at Ferry Plaza vary by vendor and by season. During peak season (May through October), a pound of heirloom tomatoes might cost $3 to $5, berries $4 to $7 per container, and stone fruits $2 to $4 per pound. Root vegetables and storage crops in fall and winter are typically less expensive. Prepared foods like bread, cheese, and ready-to-eat items range from $5 to $20 depending on the item.

Prices are higher than conventional supermarkets because vendors are selling directly rather than through wholesale distribution. However, prices are often lower than specialty grocery stores or farmers markets in wealthier neighborhoods. Comparing prices between vendors is common — different farms may price the same item differently, and haggling is not standard practice but some vendors may offer discounts on bulk purchases or items nearing the end of the market day.

The Ferry Building shops and restaurants inside the building charge restaurant or specialty retail prices, which are higher than the farmers market itself. Plan your budget accordingly if you intend to eat or shop inside the building as well.

Seasonal patterns and the best times to visit

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is busiest on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., especially May through October. If you prefer a less crowded experience, Tuesday mornings are quieter, though the vendor selection is smaller. Late morning on Saturday (after 11 a.m.) is also less crowded, but popular items may be sold out.

Spring (April through June) brings the widest variety of produce and the largest crowds. Summer (July through September) has peak berries, stone fruits, and tomatoes. Fall (September through November) offers apples, pears, squash, and root vegetables. Winter (December through March) has citrus, leafy greens, and storage crops, with fewer vendors overall.

The market does not close for holidays, though vendor participation may be lower on major holidays. Weather rarely closes the market — it operates in rain, though some vendors may not appear or may leave early if conditions are severe.

What Ferry Plaza does not have

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market does not have a central authority that sets prices, guarantees product availability, or manages quality standards beyond what individual vendors choose to maintain. There is no pre-market shopping list or reservation system. You cannot order items in advance or reserve produce for pickup.

The market does not have a dedicated kids' area, entertainment, or programming like some other farmers markets. It is primarily a transaction-focused market rather than a community event space, though the Ferry Building plaza itself is open to the public and often has other activities or events.

Ferry Plaza is not a certified organic market — vendors are not required to be certified organic, though many are. If organic certification matters to you, ask individual vendors about their practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SNAP or WIC benefits at Ferry Plaza Farmers Market?

Yes. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market accepts SNAP (CalFresh in California) and WIC benefits at participating vendors. Not all vendors accept these programs, so ask before you shop. The Ferry Building information desk can direct you to vendors that accept SNAP and WIC.

Is there a farmers market on weekdays other than Tuesday?

Ferry Plaza operates only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Some other San Francisco neighborhoods have farmers markets on different days — the Ferry Plaza website or the San Francisco Travel Association can direct you to markets in other locations if you need a different day.

Do I need to arrive at opening time to get good produce?

On Saturday, arriving within the first hour gives you the best selection, especially for popular items like berries and heirloom tomatoes during peak season. Tuesday mornings are less crowded throughout the day. Arriving in the last hour before closing (around 1 p.m. on Saturday or Tuesday) sometimes means vendors offer discounts to clear stock, but selection is limited.

What if I want to buy in bulk or for a restaurant?

Some vendors sell to restaurants and bulk buyers, but this is arranged directly with the vendor, not through a central market office. Arrive early, introduce yourself, and ask whether the vendor sells larger quantities or can accommodate regular orders. Not all vendors do this, so you may need to speak with several.

Is Ferry Plaza Farmers Market the same as the Ferry Building Marketplace?

No. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is the outdoor market that operates Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Ferry Building Marketplace is the permanent building that contains year-round shops, restaurants, and a wine bar. Both are at the same location, but they are separate operations with different vendors and hours.