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Hyde Street Pier: A Gateway to Maritime History

Explore San Francisco's seafaring past at Hyde Street Pier, home to a remarkable fleet of historic ships and offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf.

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Step back in time at Hyde Street Pier, a cornerstone of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, located at the west end of Fisherman's Wharf. This historic pier, once a bustling ferry terminal in the early 20th century, now showcases a remarkable collection of preserved ships, offering a captivating glimpse into the city's rich maritime past. Explore the decks of magnificent vessels like the Balclutha, a square-rigged sailing ship, and the Eureka, a steam ferryboat, and imagine the lives of the sailors and passengers who once traversed the Bay. With stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, Hyde Street Pier provides an unforgettable experience for history buffs and maritime enthusiasts alike. Note that the pier is currently undergoing renovation, but the surrounding area remains a vibrant destination.

A brief summary to Hyde Street Pier

Local tips

  • Check the National Park Service website for updates on the Hyde Street Pier renovation and reopening schedule.
  • Visit the nearby Maritime Museum in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building to complement your Hyde Street Pier experience.
  • Take advantage of the free access to the pier itself for breathtaking views of the bay, even during the renovation.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, the F-Line streetcar provides a scenic and convenient ride to Fisherman's Wharf. Disembark at the Jones Street & Beach Street stop, a short walk from Hyde Street Pier. Alternatively, the 19, 28, 30, or 49 MUNI bus lines also stop near Beach and Hyde streets. A single ride on MUNI costs $3. A Clipper Card can be used on both cable cars and streetcars.

  • Cable Car

    For a classic San Francisco experience, take the Powell-Hyde cable car line. The line terminates a few steps away from Hyde Street Pier at Hyde St & Beach St. Keep in mind that this is a popular route, so expect potential wait times. A single ride on the cable car costs $8.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) offers a direct and convenient option, especially from other parts of San Francisco. Expect to pay between $13-$17 for a ride from the Market Street area. Be aware of potential traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

  • Driving

    Driving to Hyde Street Pier is possible, but parking in the Fisherman's Wharf area can be challenging and expensive. There is no dedicated parking for Hyde Street Pier. Several parking garages are located nearby, including the Ghirardelli Square Parking Garage and the Fisherman's Wharf Parking Lot at 2860 Jones St. Parking rates typically range from $10 to $45 per hour, depending on the garage and time of day. Street parking is also available, but it is metered and often difficult to find. Be sure to check parking signs for restrictions and time limits. Car break-ins are common, so take valuables with you and don't leave anything visible.

  • Water Taxi

    The San Francisco Water Taxi offers service to Pier 39, which is about half a mile from Hyde Street Pier. From Pier 39, you can walk along the waterfront to reach Hyde Street Pier. Contact San Francisco Water Taxi at 415-926-1114 to request a pickup at Pier 39.

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Discover more about Hyde Street Pier

Hyde Street Pier, nestled at the western edge of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, is more than just a pier; it's a portal to a bygone era of maritime glory. As part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, this historic landmark offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a collection of meticulously preserved ships and delve into the captivating stories of San Francisco's seafaring past. Originally constructed in 1922, Hyde Street Pier served as a vital transportation hub, connecting San Francisco to Marin County and the East Bay via ferry. Before the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge were built, ferries were the primary mode of transport across the bay, and Hyde Street Pier was the bustling terminal where passengers and automobiles embarked on their journeys. The Golden Gate Ferry Company and later the Southern Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd. operated these ferry services, playing a crucial role in the region's connectivity. However, with the completion of the bridges in the late 1930s, ferry services from Hyde Street Pier gradually declined, and the pier transitioned into a new chapter. In the 1950s, plans emerged to transform the pier into a maritime museum, showcasing historic West Coast merchant vessels. This vision came to fruition in 1963, when the San Francisco Maritime State Historical Monument was established, marking the beginning of Hyde Street Pier's role as a floating museum. Today, Hyde Street Pier is home to a remarkable fleet of historic ships, each with its own unique story to tell. Among the most notable vessels are: * **Balclutha:** Launched in 1886, this majestic square-rigged sailing ship transported cargo across the globe, braving the treacherous waters around Cape Horn 17 times. Visitors can explore the ship's decks, climb its rigging, and imagine the lives of the sailors who once called this vessel home. * **Eureka:** This beautifully restored steam ferryboat, dating back to 1890, once carried passengers, horses, and automobiles across San Francisco Bay. Step aboard and experience the elegance and grandeur of this iconic ferry, which played a vital role in connecting communities before the bridges were built. * **C.A. Thayer:** Built in 1895, this wooden-hulled schooner transported lumber along the West Coast, contributing to the growth and development of the region. Explore the ship's cargo holds and learn about the challenges and triumphs of the lumber trade. * **Alma:** This scow schooner, built in 1891, represents a unique type of vessel that was once common in San Francisco Bay. These flat-bottomed boats were used to transport a variety of goods, from agricultural products to building materials. * **Hercules:** This powerful steam tugboat, built in 1907, played a crucial role in guiding ships in and out of San Francisco Bay. Explore the engine room and learn about the engineering marvels that powered this mighty vessel. * **Eppleton Hall:** As the smallest ship docked at the pier, the Eppleton Hall is a testament to maritime engineering. While no longer open to visitors, it can still be viewed from the dock. Beyond the ships themselves, Hyde Street Pier offers a variety of exhibits and programs that bring maritime history to life. Visitors can explore hands-on displays, watch informative videos, and participate in ranger-led tours to learn more about the lives of sailors, the challenges of seafaring, and the importance of maritime trade. The pier also provides stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the bustling Fisherman's Wharf. Take a stroll along the pier, breathe in the fresh sea air, and soak in the beauty of this historic waterfront. While visiting Hyde Street Pier, be sure to explore the surrounding area, including the Maritime Museum, housed in the historic Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building. This Art Deco masterpiece features stunning maritime-themed murals and exhibits that further illuminate San Francisco's maritime heritage. Fisherman's Wharf, with its lively atmosphere, seafood restaurants, and quirky shops, is also worth exploring. Watch the famous sea lions basking in the sun at Pier 39, sample fresh seafood at a local eatery, and browse the unique souvenirs and gifts. **Please note:** As of May 2025, Hyde Street Pier is currently closed to the public for renovation work. However, the surrounding area remains open, and visitors can still enjoy the Maritime Museum, Fisherman's Wharf, and the stunning views of the bay. Check the National Park Service website for updates on the pier's reopening. Despite the temporary closure, Hyde Street Pier remains a must-see destination for anyone interested in maritime history, San Francisco's past, or simply a unique and memorable experience. Its collection of historic ships, engaging exhibits, and stunning waterfront views make it a true gem of the San Francisco Bay Area.

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