For things to do in downtown San Francisco, put a nearby landmark, Chinatown and the Ferry Building on one flexible day route. Inn on Broadway is a two-star motel; you can begin with Haas-Lilienthal House, about a 6-minute walk from this motel in San Francisco, then shape the rest of the day around the stops that suit your plans.
- Chinatown-Rose Pak station is about a 20-minute walk or a 3-minute drive from the motel.
- San Francisco city centre is about a 28-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from the motel.
- The Ferry Building Marketplace is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm; individual businesses set their own hours.
At a glance
5 places · swipe
01Start with a nearby landmarkHaas-Lilienthal House gives you a close first stop, and Lafayette Park offers another nearby landmark for…
02Choose a downtown museum or market stopThe Ferry Building Marketplace brings food businesses and the waterfront together at One Ferry Building…
03Use transit for the afternoonThe Ferry Building connects with Muni, BART, ferries, the F Market streetcar and the California Street…- 04Leave room for a flexible finishFinish at the Embarcadero if you want a waterfront stop after the market.
- 05FAQsChinatown-Rose Pak station is about a 20-minute walk from the motel.
Start with a nearby landmark
Haas-Lilienthal House gives you a close first stop, and Lafayette Park offers another nearby landmark for the same part of the day. The house is about a 6-minute walk from the motel; Lafayette Park is about a 10-minute walk from the motel.
If you want to make the park part of the morning, this Lafayette Park walk in San Francisco offers a focused way to plan that stop. Keep the first part of the route simple: choose the house, the park, or both, then continue toward the city’s central neighborhoods.
How do you get from the motel to Chinatown?
Chinatown-Rose Pak station gives you a practical reference point for the Chinatown portion of the day. If you plan to explore on foot, use the station as your destination and allow your schedule to flex around the streets you choose to visit.
For a more detailed neighborhood route, the Chinatown San Francisco walking guide covers a walk through the neighborhood. This itinerary keeps Chinatown as a substantial stop rather than trying to pack in a list of unverified attractions.
Choose a downtown museum or market stop
The Ferry Building Marketplace brings food businesses and the waterfront together at One Ferry Building, at the foot of Market Street on the Embarcadero. Its general hours are daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm, although individual business hours vary. It closes on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, operated by nonprofit Foodwise, runs year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm. It has operated since 1993.
Saturday’s market spreads in front of the building, along its south side and onto the rear plaza overlooking the Bay; weekday markets are held in front. The Saturday market has over 100 vendors, including farmers, artisan and prepared-food sellers, with some participating seasonally.
For a market visit, choose a market day and check the official site before you go. Public benches line the promenade, and outdoor dining is available on the bayside.
Public restrooms are in the north and south ferry-terminal passageways inside the building and are ADA accessible. Pets are not allowed in the Marketplace or farmers market, but service animals are welcome.
Use transit for the afternoon
The Ferry Building connects with Muni, BART, ferries, the F Market streetcar and the California Street Cable Car. The F Market stops directly in front, and Embarcadero BART station is one block away.
If you arrive by ferry, the Downtown San Francisco terminal is a short walk from Embarcadero Station, which connects to BART and Muni Metro; the F Market & Wharves line stops beside the terminal.
The F Market & Wharves operates daily from 7:00am to 12:00am. To plan how to get around San Francisco beyond this waterfront stop, use this San Francisco transit guide alongside the route details above.
For a central-city reference point, San Francisco city centre is about a 28-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from the motel. That gives you a choice between making the city centre part of the walking day or using a vehicle to cover that leg.
Leave room for a flexible finish
Finish at the Embarcadero if you want a waterfront stop after the market. The Ferry Building’s promenade has public benches, and its bayside has outdoor dining. The F Market streetcar stops directly in front, while Embarcadero BART station is one block away, so you can choose between lingering outside and heading on by transit.
Keep the afternoon flexible rather than assigning a fixed sequence to every stop. Market hours differ by business, and the farmers market follows its own weekly schedule. Check the official site before you go.
FAQs
How long is the walk to Chinatown?
Chinatown-Rose Pak station is about a 20-minute walk from the motel. The Chinatown walking route can help you plan a neighborhood visit.
When does the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market run?
Foodwise operates it year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
Can you reach the Ferry Building by public transit?
Yes. The building is served by Muni, BART, ferries, the F Market streetcar and the California Street Cable Car. The F Market stops directly in front.