SS Jeremiah O'Brien: A Living Piece of WWII History

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Explore a fully operational WWII Liberty ship, a D-Day veteran, and a National Historic Landmark on San Francisco's Pier 35.

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SS Jeremiah O'Brien

Step back in time aboard the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a fully operational Liberty ship and a rare survivor of the D-Day landings. Explore its decks, engine room, and museum to gain insight into the lives of the brave men and women who served in the Merchant Marine during World War II.

A brief summary to SS Jeremiah O'Brien

Pier 35, San Francisco, California, 94133, US
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring SS Jeremiah O'Brien.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs to explore the ship's various levels.
Allow at least two to three hours to fully explore the ship and its museum.
Check the ship's website for information on upcoming cruises around the San Francisco Bay.
Consider visiting both the SS Jeremiah O'Brien and the nearby USS Pampanito submarine for a comprehensive look at maritime history.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth on the day of your visit.

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SS Jeremiah O'Brien

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Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown San Francisco, take the F line streetcar or the 8, 8BX, 28, 114, or 132 bus to Pier 35. The streetcar and bus stops are a short walk from the pier entrance. A single ride on Muni costs $3.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a direct route to Pier 35. From Union Square, a taxi or ride-share will typically cost between $15 and $20, depending on traffic. Be sure to specify Pier 35 as your destination.
Walking

From Pier 39, walk west along the Embarcadero towards Pier 35. The walk is approximately 1 mile and offers scenic views of the waterfront. There are no tolls or fees for walking.
Parking

Parking near Pier 35 is available at several nearby garages and lots. However, Pier 35 does not offer on-site parking. The closest parking is at 2 Bay Street, San Francisco. Rates vary, but you can expect to pay between $20 and $40 for a few hours of parking. Metered street parking is also available, costing $1 per 2 hours. Check for parking availability in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Discover more about SS Jeremiah O'Brien

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a proud Liberty ship built in just 56 days in 1943, stands as a testament to American ingenuity and resilience during World War II. Named after Jeremiah O'Brien, a captain from the American Revolutionary War, this vessel played a crucial role in supplying Allied forces, including supporting the D-Day invasion of Normandy.Of the 2,710 Liberty ships constructed during the war, the SS Jeremiah O'Brien is one of only two still operational. Visitors can explore almost every area of the ship, from the bridge offering stunning views of the bay to the engine room, a maze of machinery that powered this workhorse across the seas. The ship also features a museum with exhibits detailing the history of the Liberty ships and their vital role in the war effort.The SS Jeremiah O'Brien isn't just a static display; it's a living, breathing piece of history. Maintained and operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, the ship occasionally embarks on cruises around the San Francisco Bay, offering a unique glimpse into what life was like for the Merchant Marines who served on these vessels. In 1994, the SS Jeremiah O'Brien even made the transatlantic journey back to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of D-Day, a powerful symbol of remembrance and a testament to the ship's enduring legacy.