Background

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: A Voyage Through Time

Explore San Francisco's seafaring past with historic ships, waterfront exhibits, and stunning bay views at this vibrant national park.

4.6

Explore San Francisco's rich maritime history at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Located on the waterfront near Fisherman's Wharf, the park offers a collection of historic ships, exhibits, and artifacts that tell the story of Pacific Coast seafaring from the Gold Rush era to the age of steam.

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 park's website for updates on the Hyde Street Pier renovation and the availability of historic ships for boarding.
  • Visit the Maritime Museum to see the vibrant murals and exhibits showcasing San Francisco's waterfront history.
  • Take a walk around Aquatic Park Cove for beautiful views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Consider using public transportation, as parking near Fisherman's Wharf can be limited.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the Muni. Several bus lines, including the 49, 28, and 19, have stops near the park. The Hyde Street cable car turnaround is also within the park. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00 ($2.85 with Clipper card or MuniMobile). A day pass, good for unlimited rides on Muni buses, trains, and historic streetcars, is $5.70 via MuniMobile. Cable car fare is $8 per ride.

  • Walking

    The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located west of Fisherman's Wharf. From Pier 39, walk west along Jefferson Street, then turn left onto Hyde Street. The park's visitor center is at the corner of Hyde and Jefferson streets. This is a walk of approximately 15 minutes.

  • Parking

    There is no designated parking area for the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Metered street parking and paid parking lots are available nearby, but can be difficult to find. Parking fees vary. Several parking garages are located within a 15-minute walk of the park, with hourly rates ranging from $10 to $25.

Unlock the Best of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, established in 1988, invites visitors to explore America's maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Situated near Fisherman's Wharf, the park encompasses a 50-acre area around Aquatic Park Cove, offering a captivating glimpse into the city's seafaring past. The park features a collection of historic vessels, including the Balclutha, a square-rigged sailing ship built in 1886, the Eureka, a steam ferryboat from 1890, and the Alma, a scow schooner dating back to 1891. These vessels, now temporarily located at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, offer a tangible connection to the past. While boarding the ships is currently unavailable due to the Hyde Street Pier rebuild, they can still be viewed from Mare Island. The park also includes a visitor center in the historic Haslett Warehouse, home to the Argonaut Hotel, where exhibits detail the stories of those who worked on the waterfront and at sea. The Maritime Museum, housed in an Art Deco building, showcases exhibits on West Coast seafaring, the California Gold Rush, and the whaling industry. Visitors can stroll through Aquatic Park, enjoy waterfront views, and explore the Aquatic Park Historic District, known for its WPA-era art and architecture. The park offers a variety of activities, including ranger-led programs, walking tours, and access to the Maritime Research Center, which holds extensive collections of maritime history resources.

Popular Experiences near San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Popular Hotels near San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Select Currency