If your on a budget or just want a fun ferry ride to San Francisco from Marin County, this is a great fun ride with amazing views. You’ll pass San Quentin State prison, Alcatraz prison, and Angel Island State Park. You’ll see views of the Richmond San Rafael Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge.
From their site:
Larkspur-San Francisco Service Begins
Acting on the August 1970 report commissioned by the District, Golden Gate Commuter Ferryboat System, San Francisco – Marin Crossing, and prepared by Philip F. Spaulding and Associates, Seattle, WA, the Golden Gate Ferry system was expanded with the addition of new service between Larkspur and San Francisco. A portion of the north bank of Corte Madera Creek, located on the Hutchinson property, was designated as the new home for the main ferry terminal. The 25-acre ferry terminal site was purchased for $1.25 million.
Between late 1972 and early 1977, three 750-passenger ferry vessels, designed by Spaulding and Associates, were constructed by Campbell Industries, San Diego. These vessels are referred to even today as Spaulding class vessels.
marin christening
Christening of the G.T. Marin
spaulding construction
Spaulding vessel under construction
sonoma christening
Christening of the G.T. Sonoma
The first of the new ferries, the G.T. (Gas Turbine) Marin, was placed into commute service between Larkspur and San Francisco on Monday, December 13, 1976, and, at the same time, a new Larkspur Ferry Terminal was dedicated. The second vessel, the G.T. Sonoma, was added to the daily schedule on March 7, 1977. The third vessel, the G.T. San Francisco, arrived September 12, 1977. Initially, two of the three ferries were kept in daily service, with the third serving as an alternate. By the first anniversary of the Larkspur service, over 1.1 million customers had used the service.
Initial passenger amenities at the Larkspur terminal site included an 18,000 square foot futuristic open air “space frame” designed by the firm Braccia, Debrer & Heglund under the leadership of internationally known architect Jacques de Brer. The parking lot began with 1,000 spaces and, by 2008, was increased to 1,808. Three ferry berths were constructed and expanded to four berths in the 1990s. The Larkspur terminal has a covered paid passenger waiting area, restrooms, and can accommodate up to 70 bikes in racks provided at the facility. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
In 2000, with the opening of a new baseball stadium in downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Ferry began operating direct service from Larkspur to all San Francisco Giants home games, arriving just steps away from the centerfield entrance. Dubbed the “Giants Ferry,” the one-hour scenic ride across the Bay has been a fan favorite ever since! For more information, visit our Oracle Park Service page.
In fall 2019, with the new Chase Center in the Mission Bay section of San Francisco, Golden Gate Ferry will operate direct service from Larkspur for all Golden State Warriors games and special events and concerts. For more information, visit our Chase Center Service page.
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