Eli loves vehicles, so we wanted to take a ferry ride across the bay to the city. There are several options:
--Oakland/Alameda (East Bay Ferry Company)
--Larkspur/Sausalito (Golden Gate Ferry Company)
--Vallejo (Baylink Ferry)
--Blue & Gold Ferry Company (with many locations)
Vallejo offered us the longest ride, so that was our pick. Adults are $13 each way, but Eli can ride for free and the ferry saves on gas as well as pricy city parking. It can actually be an affordable way to get to Pier 39 and other tourist spots.
Getting on in Vallejo, just across from Mare Island...
The ferry is spacious, comfortable, and clean inside. There is a small snack bar, bathrooms, stroller/bike storage, and an open-air back deck with both seats and standing room.
The first stop was the San Francisco Ferry Market Building. We didn't get out, but we could see the hustle and bustle.
After a day of adventures in the city, we headed to Vallejo once more. It was lovely to sit back and watch the landmarks stream past us.
The Golden Gate Bridge with the Pacific Ocean beyond...
Berkeley and Emeryville to the east...
Angel Island and Tiburon with sailboats all about...
Red Rock Island beside the Richmond Bridge...
San Quentin in the distance as we slide under the Richmond Bridge...
We passed by Hercules and could even see our beloved "Stick Beach" where we go to build sandcastles some afternoons. (In Februrary we passed on the east side of our beach while riding Amtrak. It seemed fitting that a few months later we passed it on the west side by ferry.)
The Carquinez Bridge and the old C & H Sugar Factory...
But Eli didn't get to see many landmarks on the way home. He fell asleep at Fisherman's Wharf and almost missed the return boat trip completely!
One Mama's Two Cents:
This is a fun and easy trip with kids. Thanks to ramps and ample room in the ferry, you can haul both kids and gear in a stroller if need be. On a weekend, we had no trouble finding a place to park (free) and although there were many riders, we didn't have to be very early to get tickets. There is no reserved seating, so do come early if you have many people in your group.
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