
National Historical Park · California
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Place in California listed on National Register of Historic Places
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in San Francisco, California, United States. The park includes a fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility. Formerly referred to as the San Francisco Maritime Museum, the collections were acquired by the National Park Service in 1978. The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park was authorized in 1988; the maritime museum is among the park's many cultural resources. The park also incorporates the Aquatic Park Historic District, bounded by Van Ness Avenue, Polk Street, and Hyde Street.
Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Our 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area in the stunning San Francisco Bay. As you explore the cove and the historic landmarks around it, you will experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the city’s seafaring past.






Visitor Center: Open daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00AM - 5:00PM | 10:00AM - 5:00PM | 10:00AM - 5:00PM | 10:00AM - 5:00PM | 10:00AM - 5:00PM | 10:00AM - 5:00PM | 10:00AM - 5:00PM |
The Maritime Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Closed | 10:00AM - 4:00PM | 10:00AM - 4:00PM | 10:00AM - 4:00PM | 10:00AM - 4:00PM | 10:00AM - 4:00PM |
The historic ships are berthed temporarily at the Mare Island Coal Sheds and can be seen from the Coal Sheds promenade. The ships come and go, depending on their maintenance schedules. The ships are not yet open to the public. Access will be based on staff availability and the condition of the ships.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
The Maritime Research Center is open Tuesday through Friday by appointment only. Contact our Reference Library (415) 561-7030 to make an appointment, for assistance with your research, or for more information. Appointment availability is subject to staffing levels and may be available during the hours listed. The Research Center is located at 2 Marina Blvd. (Fort Mason Center), Bldg. E, 3rd floor.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00PM - 5:00PM | 1:00PM - 5:00PM | 1:00PM - 5:00PM | 1:00PM - 5:00PM | 1:00PM - 5:00PM | Closed | Closed |
Hyde Street Pier is closed indefinitely.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is free to enter.
Popular activities at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park include: Arts and Culture, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Live Music, Boating, Sailing, Boat Tour, Guided Tours.
San Francisco is located in a Mediterranean climate. The rainy season usually lasts from November to March. The warmest months are usually September and October. The famous San Francisco fog begins rolling in through the Golden Gate in the spring and can persist throughout the summer months. That said, the city can be foggy and windy any time of the year, so if your visit to “sunny California” includes a stop in San Francisco, bring some warm clothing. The average annual temperature is 62.5°F (16.9°C).
The park is located within the city limits of San Francisco, in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, on the shoreline of San Francisco Bay.
Free Admission
San Francisco is located in a Mediterranean climate. The rainy season usually lasts from November to March. The warmest months are usually September and October. The famous San Francisco fog begins rolling in through the Golden Gate in the spring and can persist throughout the summer months. That said, the city can be foggy and windy any time of the year, so if your visit to “sunny California” includes a stop in San Francisco, bring some warm clothing. The average annual temperature is 62.5°F (16.9°C).
The park is located within the city limits of San Francisco, in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, on the shoreline of San Francisco Bay.
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