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San Francisco Bay Ferry

Ferry Building · San Francisco, CA

Why you should go…

Passenger ferries connect San Francisco's Ferry Building to Oakland, Alameda, Sausalito, Vallejo, and other Bay Area waterfront towns, doubling as both commuter transit and a scenic way to see the bay. Open-air decks give riders views of the skyline, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge on the crossing. It's a low-cost way for visitors to reach waterfront destinations around the bay without a car.

  • #ferry
  • #bay cruise
  • #scenic ride
  • #san francisco bay
  • #transportation

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Francisco Bay Ferry, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    San Francisco Railway Museum

    Free

    A small nonprofit museum on the Embarcadero celebrating San Francisco's cable cars and vintage streetcars.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Exploratorium

    $25–$50

    Hands-on science, art and human-perception museum on San Francisco's waterfront with hundreds of interactive exhibits.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Iconic

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

    $25–$50

    A major modern and contemporary art museum in downtown San Francisco with free admission on the first Thursday of every month.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Blue & Gold Fleet

    $25–$50

    San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruises past Alcatraz, the sea lions, and under the Golden Gate Bridge.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Golden Gate Bridge

    Free

    San Francisco's iconic suspension bridge, open to pedestrians and cyclists with sweeping bay views.

    4.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Foodie Favorite

    Oakland

    Free

    The East Bay's food-forward, art-filled city on the shores of Lake Merritt.

    6.3 mi awayMore like this