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San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Explore historic ships and exhibits at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, a tribute to Pacific Coast maritime history in Fisherman's Wharf.

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Explore Pacific Coast maritime history at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, located in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. The park features a collection of historic ships, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a research center. Experience the sights, sounds, and stories of San Francisco's seafaring past.

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 ship locations and pier renovation progress.
  • Visit the Maritime Museum to see exhibits on seafaring life and San Francisco's waterfront history.
  • Take a ranger-led walking tour to learn about the park's historic landmarks and maritime heritage.
  • Explore Aquatic Park and enjoy views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the F Market historic streetcar line to the Jones Street terminal, a short 5-minute walk east of the park. Alternatively, several Muni bus routes, including the 49, 28, and 19, stop near the park. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.50 with a Clipper card or MuniMobile. A day pass for unlimited rides is available for $5.70 via MuniMobile.

  • Walking

    The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located west of Fisherman's Wharf. From Pier 39, walk west along Jefferson Street for approximately 15 minutes to reach the park's visitor center. The route offers scenic views of the waterfront. Note that the Hyde Street Pier is currently closed for renovation.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A taxi ride from Union Square to the park typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic. Ride-share fares may vary based on demand. Be aware of potential surge pricing during peak hours. Taxi fare consists of a $4.15 flag rate for the first 1/5th of a mile, $0.65 for each additional 1/5th of a mile, and $0.65 per minute of waiting time.

  • Parking

    There is no designated parking area for the park. Metered street parking, garages, and parking lots are available nearby, but parking can be difficult to find, especially around Fisherman's Wharf. Limited free, four-hour parking spaces are available on Jefferson Street and Van Ness Avenue. Several parking garages are located within walking distance, including the Ghirardelli Square Garage ($18 for 2 hours). Parking rates vary, so check SpotHero for options.

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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 explore America's maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Situated in the vibrant Fisherman's Wharf area, the park encompasses 50 acres around Aquatic Park Cove. The park boasts a magnificent fleet of historic vessels, including the Balclutha (1886), Eureka (1890), Alma (1891), C.A. Thayer (1895), and Hercules (1907). While the Hyde Street Pier undergoes renovation, the ships are temporarily located at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and can be viewed from there. The visitor center, located in the historic Haslett Warehouse, offers orientation information and exhibits about the men and women 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 Pacific whaling industry. Visitors can stroll through Aquatic Park, enjoy waterfront views, and watch the cable cars turn around. The park also offers walking tours led by park rangers, providing insights into San Francisco's waterfront history. The Maritime Research Center provides access to extensive collections of artifacts, documents, and photographs for those interested in detailed maritime history.

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