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San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center

Discover San Francisco's seafaring past with exhibits, artifacts & stories at the Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center in Fisherman's Wharf.

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Explore San Francisco's rich maritime history at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center, located in Fisherman's Wharf. Discover exhibits showcasing the city's 19th-century waterfront, maritime artifacts, and stories of seafaring life in the Bay Area.

A brief summary to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center

  • Monday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Tuesday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Wednesday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Friday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check out the park's film and the "The Waterfront" exhibit for an interactive walk through six historical waterfront neighborhoods.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Fisherman's Wharf and explore other nearby attractions.
  • Visit the Hyde Street Pier to see the historic ships and learn about maritime history firsthand.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere in Fisherman's Wharf, the Visitor Center is easily accessible by foot. It's located at 499 Jefferson Street, at the corner of Hyde Street. Look for the historic Haslett Warehouse. It's a short walk from Pier 39, Aquatic Park, and other major Fisherman's Wharf attractions.

  • Public Transport

    The F-Line historic streetcar stops within a 5-minute walk of the Visitor Center at the Jones Street terminal. Several Muni bus lines also serve the Fisherman's Wharf area. A single ride on Muni costs $3. From downtown San Francisco, you can take the F-Line streetcar directly to Fisherman's Wharf.

  • Cable Car

    The Powell-Hyde cable car line terminates near the Visitor Center. A single ride on the cable car costs $8. You can purchase tickets at the terminal or via the MuniMobile app. Be prepared for a wait, as the cable cars are a popular attraction.

  • Parking

    Parking in Fisherman's Wharf can be challenging and expensive. Several parking garages are located within walking distance of the Visitor Center. Rates typically range from $3 to $10 per hour, with daily maximums between $40 and $50. Consider booking a parking spot in advance using services like SpotHero to secure a space and potentially save money.

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Discover more about San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center, situated in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, serves as an engaging gateway to the city's captivating maritime past. Housed within the historic Haslett Warehouse, a landmark dating back to 1907, the visitor center offers a fascinating glimpse into the voyage, discovery, and cultural diversity that have shaped the Bay Area's seafaring heritage. Inside, immersive exhibits recreate San Francisco's 19th-century waterfront, detailing how the city grew from its docks. Visitors can explore a rich collection of maritime artifacts, including a giant first-order Fresnel lighthouse lens manufactured in Paris in the 1850s and scale models of 19th-century schooners. These displays tell the stories of the men and women who worked on the waterfront and at sea, highlighting the diverse communities and industries that contributed to San Francisco's maritime legacy. The visitor center is part of the larger San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, which includes a fleet of historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, the Maritime Museum, the Maritime Research Center, and the Aquatic Park Historic District. The park was established in 1988 to preserve and protect America's maritime past. A visit here offers a chance to experience the sights, sounds, and textures of the city's seafaring past, from the decks of the Balclutha to the exhibits in the Maritime Museum.

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