San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Image credit: picture by Ken Lund licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in San Francisco, California, along the city's waterfront. Established in 1988, the park is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich maritime history of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The park is situated on Hyde Street Pier, where visitors can explore a collection of historic ships and a visitor center with exhibits that highlight the area's maritime past. The ships on display include the 1886 square-rigged sailing ship Balclutha, the 1891 steam ferryboat Eureka, the 1895 schooner C.A. Thayer, and the 1907 steam tugboat Hercules. These vessels provide a glimpse into the seafaring traditions of the region.

Visitors to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park can experience a variety of activities. They can take guided tours of the ships to learn about their construction, history, and the daily lives of their crew members. The park also offers sailing experiences, allowing visitors to step back in time and sail aboard historic vessels. In addition, there are interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about the transformation of San Francisco's waterfront over the years.

The location of the park is also ideal for exploring other nearby attractions. The famous Fisherman's Wharf is just a short walk away, where visitors can enjoy delicious seafood, browse through shops, or visit the lively Pier 39 with its resident sea lions. Fort Mason, a former military base turned cultural center, is also nearby and offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Moreover, the historic Alcatraz Island and its notorious prison can be easily accessed through ferry services from the park.

In conclusion, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park provides a fascinating glimpse into the maritime heritage of San Francisco. With its collection of historic ships, interactive exhibits, and various activities, the park offers a unique experience for visitors interested in exploring the rich history of the region.

Location

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is situated along the western coast of the United States, within the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. Nestled on the tip of a narrow peninsula near the entrance of the San Francisco Bay, this historical park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Its strategic position on the west coast enables visitors to witness the lively maritime activities that have shaped the region's history. Surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, the park's location not only showcases the natural beauty of the California coastline but also plays a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the city's rich maritime heritage.

Address & Contact

2905 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Driving Directions
Phone: 4155617000
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park would be from May to August, as these months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average maximum temperatures range from 63°F in May to 67°F in August, with minimum temperatures ranging from 51°F in May to 56°F in August. The average monthly precipitation is minimal during this period, ranging from 0.02 inches in July to 0.18 inches in June. These months provide ideal conditions for exploring the park and enjoying outdoor attractions.

Things to do and learn in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Boating Living History First Person Interpretation Boat Tour Arts and Crafts Cultural Demonstrations Live Music Sailing Craft Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: Animals Architecture and Building Arts Industry Laborer and Worker Transportation African American Heritage Asian American Heritage Women's History Scenic Views Maritime Ships and Shipwrecks Music Migrant Workers Immigration

Amenities

Visitor Centers

San Francisco Maritime Visitor Center

In the San Francisco Maritime Visitor Center, National Park Service staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and provide information. Watch the park film and visit “The Waterfront” exhibit, an interactive walk through six historical waterfront neighborhoods.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: San Francisco Maritime Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

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Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf

Located in San Francisco (North Beach), Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf is within a 15-minute walk of Lombard Street and Pier 39. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in.
Address: 1250 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, California 94133
Web: Link

Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel, you'll be centrally located in San Francisco, within a 10-minute walk of Ghirardelli Square and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff.
Address: 495 Beach Street, San Francisco, California 94133
Web: Link

Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf

A stay at Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf places you in the heart of San Francisco, within a 5-minute walk of Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
Address: 580 Beach St, San Francisco, California 94133
Web: Link

Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Bay

With a stay at Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Bay in San Francisco (Marina District), you'll be steps from Van Ness Avenue and 5 minutes by foot from Fort Mason. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, multilingual staff, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1450 Lombard St, San Francisco, California 94123
Web: Link

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

With a stay at Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco in San Francisco (North Beach), you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Ghirardelli Square and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in San Francisco? This hotel has facilities measuring 19000 square feet (1765 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 555 N Point St, San Francisco, California 94133
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel in San Francisco (North Beach), you'll be a 4-minute walk from Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum and 6 minutes by foot from Ghirardelli Square. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in San Francisco? This hotel features 0 square feet (0 square meters) of event facilities.
Address: 550 N Point St, San Francisco, California 94133
Web: Link

Francisco Bay Inn

A stay at Francisco Bay Inn places you in the heart of San Francisco, steps from Van Ness Avenue and 4 minutes by foot from Fort Mason. Featured amenities include express check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1501 Lombard St, San Francisco, California 94123
Web: Link

Suites At Fishermans Wharf

A stay at Suites At Fishermans Wharf places you in the heart of San Francisco, steps from Ghirardelli Square and 4 minutes by foot from San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2655 Hyde St, San Francisco, California 94109-12
Web: Link

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Francisco

With a stay at Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Francisco in San Francisco (North Beach), you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Ghirardelli Square and Lombard Street. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities.
Address: 2620 Jones St, San Francisco, California 94133
Web: Link

Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf

Located in San Francisco (North Beach), Hotel Caza Fishermans Wharf is within a 10-minute walk of Ghirardelli Square and San Francisco Maritime Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94133
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-03-11Aquatic Park Bathhouse Elevator Out of Service
The elevator in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse is currently out of service. Repairs will take roughly 3-4 weeks. The second and third floors may be used for access during operating hours. More
2026-02-05Replace Bocce Ball Court Retaining Wall
Project work begins on Monday, February 9 to replace the bocce ball 50-foot retaining wall in order to improve existing infrastructure and enhance visitor safety. Several parking spots on lower Van Ness will be fenced off and the bocce ball court will not be accessible for the duration of the project, slated through August 2026. Please be aware of machinery, work, and signs.
2025-03-21Hyde Street Pier Closure
Hyde Street Pier and access to historic ships will be closed to public until further notice starting 11/04/2024 in preparation for Hyde Street Pier renovation work. More
2024-12-23Municipal Pier Permanent Closure
Municipal Pier is closed permanently. After a safety review with the U.S. Public Health Service, it was determined that the deterioration of Municipal Pier in Aquatic Park Cove is unsafe for public use. More
2024-10-23Suspension of $15 entrance fee for access to historic ships on Hyde Street Pier starting November 4, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO – On Monday, November 4, 2024, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park will temporarily suspend the $15 entrance fee to access the historic ships on Hyde Street Pier. The last day for public visitation to Balclutha will be Sunday, November 3. More
2024-08-16San Francisco Sea Music Festival Returns to Aquatic Park
The San Francisco Sea Music Festival Returns to Aquatic Park on Saturday, August 17, 2024. More