No glorious market building is complete without a bookshop and this is the one crowning the Ferry Building. Book Passage has great readings, is convenient to the financial district, and is a beautiful place to browse. I usually read between 40-80 books per year and you can never have enough. It's a joy to have local booksellers. read more

Book Passage - Inside. - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Friend invited me to "Benjamin Schneider with John King - The Unfinished Metropolis: Igniting the City-Building Revolution" at the Book Passages location, it was a treat to visit this store! * Shop is compact but multiple bookcases were rearranged to allow for fold-up chair seating for ~30 or so, with standing room at the back. * Staff was very helpful & helped crowd with seating. * Hour-long event was free to the public (no RSVP required), and was a great opportunity to hear the author both speak on his book and hold audience Q/A session. Great event, will definitely be monitoring the calendar for more opportunities! read more

Book Passage - Benjamin Schneider with John King - The Unfinished Metropolis: Igniting the City-Building Revolution/ Nov 2025 - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

A great place for books, our kids and adults loved it. Knowledge staff. Nicely laid out and easy to find a book you'll like. Where? On the Embarcadero in the Ferry Building. Tough to find parking around here but this kind store offers Validation for the parking lot directly across from Pier 3 on The Embarcadero! read more

Book Passage - A New book to read , looks great. Really nice book store, all the kids found something to read too. - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Back at the Ferry Building watching ships passing by in San Francisco there is a right of passage for me when entering and before exiting the Ferry Building. This passage has lots of adventures and lots of POV's from all around the world. Going inside a Book Passage it's a good place to refresh the mind while looking at boats and people passing by from all around the world through the Book Passage window . They have lots of books and some interesting items inside. I always find something new to read inside. This is one of the last books stores around Market street. Hats off to the Book Passage. I am always glad to see it open while visiting the Ferry Building. Go to a place to read about the past , present, and tomorrow it's a place to buy books not to borrow Go to the Ferry Building and go follow the Book Passage and read the book about the fog in San Francisco named Karl read more

See all

Great selection of books. The cashier was friendly. My son bought a book for tonight's read. He was so excited to see a wide selection of books that he recognizes from school. Pretty good prices. Cute stickers, book marks and tote bags too! Will stop in again. read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a great selection of books! And I particularly love the diversity in the selections. Thank you for plenty of options for Hanukkah!!! Walked away with a hard copy of Long Island Compromise which is sold out in many places. Yay! read more

Book Passage - Hanukkah and Jewish representation, thank you! - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Great little book spot on in the pier building in SF! Love all of the staff recommendation posts and the kids selection as well.

Located in the Ferry Building Marketplace is a store, Small and compact, curated collection of books! Because of its location there are a lot of travel books, as well as more historical and detailed historical information and narratives on San Francisco and the Bay Area. Amid the bustling marketplace, Browsing is still a must and welcome. The normal Pricing is based on the fact that you can pick up your book right there as opposed to waiting to receive your book(s). Their staff is well-informed, extremely cordial and welcoming. The check out line can be slow if there's a crush of buyers. Otherwise the line can move quickly. Nice stop off before or after you hop on or off the ferry, bus, metro train or BART. Or pick up that book you've been meaning to read. See you there! read more

See all

A very cute little bookstore at the ferry building market place. It's rare to see real book stores these days. I mostly just download books on my Kindle device. Occasionally I buy real books that I really like. This time was Bernie Sanders "It's ok to be angry about capitalism" ! I am witnessing the late stage of capitalism yes I am angry about it! If you are a book worm like me you should really check this bookstore out! read more

See all

A nicely curated collection of fiction, nonfiction and children's books plus local San Francisco memorabilia. Staff had great recommendations for books to read and were friendly. They also had a lot of autographed copies of popular books, which was a cool touch. No space to sit and actually read in the store, but lots of coffee shops and tables near by. A great place to stop in before my ferry ride home! read more

LOVE this book store! Good variety of book genres and varied cultural seiection. This cheerful little book store, situated besides the bay, is my happy place! Its a MUST visit, if you're around exploring Ferry Building! The staff here are the nicest people. I love their varied selection of little boutique items for sale and their selection of stationary. Their kids book selection is great! My kids picked a To-go Gigsaw Puzzle that was based on the attractions in San Francisco. We put the puzzle together on our Ferry Ride to Angel Island! So FUN!! My kids love everything about this store! A hidden gem for sure!! read more

See all

One of my favorite bookstores in the City, and this location is spectacular. Wonderful selection of books and subjects, and a very helpful staff. Enjoy! read more

I love this place! Beautiful books - an eclectic selection, friendly environment- and if you need a quick and special gift for someone/ here is the place. Today! I found the perfect gift and card- and they gift wrap fo free! What a surprise! Here's a pic. And they happily do it! Thanks so much for a pleasant time out from work. read more

Book Passage - My beautiful gift wrapped present! - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great little Bookstore located in the Ferry Building!! It's small, you might even call it cozy, but they pack a lot of books up in there!! Very friendly staff, and a unique selection of books, a lot of SF related books geared towards the tourists, but they are still interesting. I still enjoy reading books the old fashioned way, so I was drawn to this place like a magnet. Because it's small, it does get crowded, but it's good to see that people still enjoy going to bookstores. And the location is great, every time I come to the Ferry Building, gotta make sure I dip in here for a bit!! read more

See all

This store was awesome. Stopped to get children's books and Ashley and Micheal were so helpful. Thanks again.

Serving the Bay Area for more than 40 years! I don't know about you, but I still enjoy picking up a book, looking at the cover, flipping through its pages and reading a paragraph or two before deciding whether I want to read it in its entirety. Book Passage is one of the increasingly rare locations in this city where one can enjoy the full experience of shopping for a book the old fashioned way. Book Passage offers more than just books, it also offers a wide variety of author events, writing and language classes, and annual conferences. I have personally attended a few of their author events and enjoyed every single one of them. Book Passage has two other stores besides this location in the Ferry Building, one in Corte Madera, and their newest one in downtown Sausalito. Stop by the next time you are around and spend a few minutes browsing through the isles. I bet there will be at least one book that will grab your attention enough for you to pick it up and flip through its pages. read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Super cute book store in a bigger, really cute market building. Had a great selection of popular choices as well as underground finds. Staff recommendations posted throughout that were engaging and very explanatory, often highlighting not super well known books (or at least ones I'd never heard of). The staff was very friendly as well! read more

Awesome bookstore located in the Ferry Building. Children will enjoy the children's book area, where they can sit down and peruse books of their choice (a privilege that adults are prohibited from enjoying). As a fiction aficionado, I was very impressed with this bookstore's selection of sci-fi and general fiction. You could probably spend a few hours here just browsing the these sections. Philosophy, history, and other categories are small, but carefully selected. The employees here write some good reviews/suggestions for books that would pique the interest of the general curious reader. Book Passage is also a great stop for some post cards and gifts, so don't be afraid to spend extra time browsing and finding things of interest. The man at the counter (the owner maybe) was very friendly, and seemed to be ex-Navy. Last, do not forget to check out the ladder in the back, which is part of the iconic bookstore/library "look." read more

See all

Great selection and awesome events! There is on in Corte Madera and on in San Francisco. My girlfriend and I went to both! Super cute! read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

They have a great kids section! Lots of California and San Francisco specific books. Lots of books for kids from different cultures. Lots of just cute and endearing books. It's such a fun place to bring my daughter to foster her love of books read more

One day I'd like you to count, or at least take serious notice, of how many reviews begin with the first person singular pronoun. And certainly, these are Reviews and are for the most part pertaining to the experience of said first person pronoun but to me it seems a little as if this isn't the only explanation. That in these days and times the first person singular pronoun is of a different kind of significance. As in, the truth exists as only seen through the eyes of the first person singular pronoun and there's not room for the perspective of the second person pronoun at least not a lot of room. And because of a masochistic tendency this one spends too much time on Talk but the other day there was a post that enlightened around the seeming fact that perhaps a side benefit of all the hate these days is first person pronouns engaging in a more vigorous way and sometimes as a consequence venturing outside of their little cocoon and touching the rest of the world that lives on the outside. This is a good thing. Here's a tip for those engaged in such an exercise. Edumacate thyself. I beg of thee. For when I experience your little outside the cocoon adventure, when your first person singular encounters my first person singular possessive, it would be lovely if we discussed something that came from somewhere besides your Facebook news feed. Something other than the material they've told you to talk about. Totally scary. Trust. This is clearly understood and sympathized. Get thee to Book Passage. The one in the Ferry Building is sweet and stocked generally in an unbiased way. The edition in Larkspur is much larger and in a similar way. Do this pronoun a favor and search out a few writings on the fundamental aspects of the processed pablum that's spoon fed into your second person maw by the oh so convenient and beneficent purveyors of what is passed off as news and commentary. If your pronoun has a working understanding of the history of one of the three big issues of the day your pronoun can engage so much more productively with mine. And that's what we're really after, isn't it? Rodney King moment. read more

Book Passage - I was feeling a little too happy ... - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Excellent selection of books and wonderful service- helpful and friendly. Great location- waterfront with coffee next door.

Those of you familiar with the Book Passage in Corte Madera know this to be the Lilliputian outpost, the Mini-Me version of the vast selection to be found up in Marin. And still, there is a certain claustrophobic charm to this iddy-biddy Ferry Building book shop, and the dearth of bookstores in this part of the FiDi makes it all the more attractive. Just recognize that it won't - and can't - have everything your bookwormish soul desires. I'm truly amazed they are able to fit in all the books they do in this one-room space, especially their fairly extensive travel and food sections. It really doesn't accommodate the heavy-duty browser since there is no room to sit inside the store. I imagine the appeal is primarily directed to the shoulder-blocking commuters running late to the ferry and the white-collar drones waiting for their orders at Lulu Petite. Me? I'm just a book whore...and a cheap one at that. Every time I come in here inevitably to buy something, I keep thinking if "Being John Malkovich" featured a bookstore, this would be it. The shop would fit perfectly into the 7 1/2 floor with all of us hunched over as we read for fifteen minutes. But instead of traveling through a portal and landing next to the New Jersey Turnpike, we would all be chased on the Embarcadero by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Just don't wear spike heels. read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Nestled in the back or east side of the Ferry Building, you'll find this bookstore facing the boats and water. Looking for a particular magazine on a recent Tuesday, I studied their spinning racks near the entrance. The selection is very diverse but unfortunately did not include my desired periodical. Just outside the store, there are several communal tables where you can grab a cup of joe or, in my case, hot chocolate, and read away. Peet's is just around the corner. Didn't browse as I was mission shopping as usual. Great that the building has more than just food stores (Sur La Table, another exception). read more

One of the best bookstores in the city. Their selection of signed books is exceptional. They will help you find any book you want, including bringing over any books that may be in the Marin branch. read more

If you love to read, Book Passage is a treasure trove of good things. I always find something good to read (fiction, travel, cooking, children's, etc etc books). The main store is in Marin where there is much more space, but good things come in small sizes too. I think the location in the Ferry Marketplace can't be beat. You see the Bay and the Bay Bridge from its windows and there are oodles of good things to eat just outside the door. Love Book Passage! And if you stop in, you'll love it too! read more

See all

I was so disappointed to attend what I thought was going to be a book reading by Katie Porter with possibly a Q&A session following. As it turned out, all that happened was that I purchased a book and the chance to stand in a line for $31. Why I needed a reservation for such is a mystery to me. I am completely unimpressed as I have attended some interesting readings at this location in prior years; apparently their idea of an author event has changed quite a lot. I guess I should give them some points for a clever way to deceive people into buying books but they have lost my confidence; as difficult as it is to find independent book sellers these days, I won't be returning to this one. read more

Cheerful lil book store by the bay side, the lady at the counter.. wasn't so cheerful. I was looking for a book for office book club and when I checked with her after waiting a couple of turns cos she wouldn't look at me while I waited for my question, she was snarky enough to make a remark - that they haven't sold a single copy of that book since two years.. I don't know what that means or how to interpret that but that wasn't my question, anyways they don't have that book in store read more

We went to Book Passage at the Ferry Building just to kill some time. It's a small bookstore (next to Peet's), but there's so many good books that look interesting to me. Some I'm going to have to read: Bonk by Mary Roach - Book on sex, she wrote that book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" I still have to finish reading. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang The How of Happiness - by Sonja Lyubomirsky Service Included by Phoebe Damrosch Things I've Learned From Women Who've Dumped Me - by Ben Karlin The Definite Guide To Stuff White People Like - by Christian Lander Not Becoming My Mother: And Other Things She Taught Me Along The Way - by Ruth Reichl Watchmen - by Alan Moore I like their News & Reviews guide that's FREE & lists author events in SF. I just need more time to read!! read more

Lots of great choices here for browsing books, as well as some cute gift-y type items to peruse. Grabbing a bagel at Daily Driver inside the Ferry building and eating it outside on a bench looking at the water, then shopping in this little store before setting out on a longer walk was a highlight of our recent visit for sure and I hope to do it again! read more

I went here for a book signing for John Stamos with my mom. We had planned to take separate pictures with him, when it was my turn I went up to him and very rudely the staff pushed my mom to get in the picture with me. John was having a conversation with my mom before the staff motioned us out of the way. After we took the picture, me and my mom went to look at the books around the store, since we have never been there. And the workers told us that we have to leave because they were closing. The time was around 4:40 and the store didn't close until 5. I saw multiple people still in the store shopping and others going in to shop? So I don't know why they only told US they were closing and had to leave . I was waiting with a few other girls outside the store and they were telling me that the staff was very rude to them as well, and that they even snatched their phone. John had told them they if they waited until the line was done, he was willing to take a group picture. When the girl asked the staff they, said no without even checking with him. I saw a guy go back and get another picture because his was blurry. My picture is very blurry due to the staff being very rushed, and when I tried to retake it I was not allowed. Even when John was trying to leave, they locked the doors so he couldn't leave in our direction. After kicking us out, they book store ladies were standing there kissing up to him, taking pictures with him, hugging him, having long conversations and getting multiple professional photos done. think John is a very nice guy and was willing to talk to us, but the "security" and the nasty book stores lady ruined it. I have been to a lot meet and greets before, so I know how staff needs to keep people moving, but the hypocrisy done by the staff is very unprofessional. Hope if they have another event they will do better. read more

I was hounded when I came here yesterday. Literally walked in, said hello to the woman at the door and browsed greeting cards. Nothing to raise suspicion. I pick up 2 cards I plan to purchase and before I can move the woman at the door: "You have to pay for those over there" "Ok, I'm not ready-" "Over there, you need to go there" (steps in my way and prevents me from moving" "Ok-" (Calls to the woman behind the register) "He's paying for these right NOW" Am I the wrong color? Do I look homeless? I had ripped jeans on but expensive ripped jeans, my shoes were $400 so I wasn't totally horrible looking. I picked up the birthday card with a little bear on it, maybe I looked at it too long. No browsing without buying? Just for me though since everyone else that didn't look like me was fine. I guess MLK weekend isn't for me. I've been denied service before-Kung flu. This was my first forced purchase. read more

One of our traditions is to buy a children's book about the place we are visiting for my daughter when we are traveling. We were staying nearby and before a dinner at Hog Island, we stopped by Book Passage insider the Ferry Building for a SF book for my daughter. There was a little shelf display of SF books and we easily picked out a Larry and Pete Gets Lost In...book and were on our way. read more

I showed up for a book signing at the start time on the ticket and was met with a full two hour wait. I'm disappointed at how poorly organized the event was, and it wouldn't have taken much effort to group people into time slots and not have everyone show up at once. Gave y'all an extra star because I was able to grab my book and go, skipping the entire signing. Some of the staff were nice about it, but I heard others giving customers a hard time about their expectations. C'mon. read more

I have attended two events at Book Passage so far and both experiences have been great!! They are just so organized and the line moves quickly. There are so many great restaurants and shops nearby and you have a great view of the bay bridge. You cannot go wrong with this bookstore! read more

A lovely small bookstore that's been curated by people who know and love books. This is not your chain bookstore that has stacks of the newest glossy hardback by James Patterson! Sure there are current editions of bestsellers, but there are also eclectic selections. I visit bookstores wherever I travel, and this one, though on the small side, is one I'll return to when in SF again. read more

Terrific little bookstore. Love their selection and recommendations. My son also found an amazing dragon puppet that he carried all over SF for the next 2 days. read more

Great bookstore. Wonderful people. Very gracious to me as an author. Amazing location in the Ferry Building. Excellent selection of books read more

Book Passage - Reading announcement - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cool place to stop by when you're at the ferry building. It's small but they have a pretty wide variety of books, including young adult! I love their little bookish knick knacks in the store also. I had a great time walking around in this store even if it was small. The one thing I was super excited about was the "mystery date books"- something that I've been looking for for awhile! I wish they had more options regarding the mystery date books, but I will definitely be back here to see if they have any other options whenever I'm in the area. Hopefully they will have more options because I would love to contribute to such a great cause! The proceeds of the mystery date books go to books for local schools, so I definitely would love to contribute to the next generations of bibliophile students out there. This is a great place to check out if you are ever in the area. I'm pretty sure that is a locally owned business and it's definitely great to support local bookshops like this. I will be back for sure! read more

See all

This Book Passage is a smaller daughter to the Mother Ship in Corte Madera. And for your convenience, there's a Peets right next door and plenty of places within a short walk to sit down, relax, and read. I also belong to their Membership Program as fine independent book stores deserve a little extra help. I stopped here last night after my quick bite at Majita and arrived just in time for an interesting author's reading. And whether you're waiting for the Ferry or like me, or want to linger before heading back to BART, this is a nice place to browse and buy something interesting to read. And for such a small store, there's a good selection of new and old books and at decent prices. p.s. - I'll be in Iowa next week and with any luck, I'll be snowed in with Gayle and a good book to keep me company! read more