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San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: A Voyage Through Pacific Coast Maritime History

Explore San Francisco's seafaring past with historic ships, waterfront exhibits, and stunning bay views at Fisherman's Wharf.

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Explore San Francisco's rich seafaring past at the Maritime National Historical Park, located in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. Discover a collection of historic ships, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility, all dedicated to preserving Pacific Coast maritime history.

A brief summary to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Check the National Park Service website for updates on closures, Hyde Street Pier renovations, and ship availability.
  • Take public transportation, as parking is limited and can be expensive.
  • Visit the Maritime Museum to see the restored murals on the third floor.
  • Join a ranger-led program or waterfront walking tour for a deeper dive into maritime history.
  • Explore nearby attractions like Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square, and Pier 39.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From anywhere in San Francisco, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) offers multiple bus routes with stops near the park. Bus lines 19, 28, and 49 are a few options. The Hyde Street cable car turnaround is also located within the park, at Hyde and Beach Streets. A single ride on Muni costs $3. Check the SFMTA website for the most up-to-date routes and fares.

  • Walking

    The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. Because the park does not cover a large area, walking is the best way to get around within the park. If you are coming from Pier 39, head west along the Embarcadero, past the sea lions, for about 15 minutes until you reach the park.

  • Parking

    There is no designated parking area for the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Metered street parking, garages, and parking lots are available nearby, but they may charge a fee. Free, four-hour parking spaces are available for visitors on Jefferson Street and Van Ness Avenue. Parking rates in nearby garages range from $10-$25 for 2 hours. Be aware of the potential for auto break-ins in the Fisherman's Wharf area.

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Discover more about San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, established in 1988, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history. Situated in the vibrant Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, the park encompasses a 50-acre area around Aquatic Park Cove. The park features a remarkable fleet of historic vessels, including the Balclutha (1886), a square-rigged sailing ship; the Eureka (1890), a steam ferryboat; the Alma (1891), a scow schooner; the C.A. Thayer (1895), a schooner; and the Hercules (1907), a steam tug. These ships, many of which are National Historic Landmarks, offer a glimpse into the lives of sailors, fishermen, and immigrants who shaped San Francisco's maritime legacy. Explore the park's other attractions, including the Visitor Center, housed in a historic waterfront warehouse, which offers exhibits about the men and women who worked on the waterfront and at sea. The Maritime Museum, located in an Art Deco building that was originally a bathhouse, showcases exhibits on West Coast seafaring, the California Gold Rush, and the Pacific whaling industry. The Maritime Research Center provides access to extensive photographic and document collections for those interested in delving deeper into maritime history. Take a stroll along Aquatic Park Cove, enjoy the gardens, and admire views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. The park also hosts ranger-led programs, including guided tours and storytelling events, providing a deeper understanding of San Francisco's maritime heritage.

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