Maritime Museum

The museum was free to walk in and had public restrooms. The information was great as well as the history of the building and the surrounding area. The artwork just was well wraps the inside and part of the outside and is incomplete and holds a story to it as well. It's a great place to walk in a hang out or meet up, enjoy the beach and overall just have a good time. No restaurants or anything but Ghirardelli is right next door and if I could Id spend more time around the wharf and building. It's a very enjoyable place and if your from the east coast beach like I am it can feel a bit home-y too. It's worth a stop of your visiting San Francisco. <3 Kylara_art_and_photography - insta September 13th 2025

As a maritime museum, it's a complete fail. It's just got a couple of boats and models on the ground floor, a restored radio on the second floor. 2 stars just because it's free. However, the building is interesting in it's streamline marine architecture and decorations. I could imagine an episode of Poirot being filmed here. A good function venue. Nice views over the small beach.

Small museum, cool murals, nice ranger staff. Free admission. Apparently there is an upstairs tour at 2:30 that shows additional murals there but i unfortunately didn't have time to do that.

Awesome museum. Great exhibits and decorations.

Free, and it has bathrooms. Creates in the 1930s. Beautiful murals

The San Francisco Maritime Museum is an under-rated place to visit and learn about SF and maritime history. As someone who knows very little about ships, the whole experience was awesome. The building's artwork and being situated right next to the shore make it an great spot to come check out if you're near Aquatic Park! Free admission and nice bathrooms.

The San Francisco Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the city's rich maritime history. The museum is located in a beautiful Art Deco building in Aquatic Park, right next to Ghirardelli Square. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including a large collection of ship models, a replica of a 19th century sailing ship, and a variety of artifacts from the city's maritime past. The museum's ship models are particularly impressive. There are models of ships from all over the world, from ancient galleons to modern container ships. The models are beautifully detailed and give visitors a great sense of the variety of ships that have sailed the seas over the centuries. The museum's exhibits are also very informative. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, and they are always happy to answer questions. The museum is a great place to learn about San Francisco's maritime history, and it is also a great place to spend a day with family or friends. Here are some of the things I liked about the San Francisco Maritime Museum: The ship models were amazing. They were so detailed and realistic. The exhibits were informative and interesting. I learned a lot about San Francisco's maritime history. The staff was friendly and helpful. They were always happy to answer questions. The location was great. It was right next to Ghirardelli Square, so we could do some shopping after visiting the museum. Overall, I had a great time at the San Francisco Maritime Museum. It is a great place to learn about the city's rich maritime history. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting San Francisco.

Very cool place to visit. The guide said it used to be a bath house before it was a museum. Beautiful WPA art on all the main floor walls. Also check out the whale.

Right next to the water front, it has a great view of the bay at the back area and very interesting info Of history of San Francisco, free admission and a great stop for everyone

Visited many times since 2019..35 years to 40 years ..nice retreat ..exhibit super ..new additions today ..programs sometimes. .balclutha Hyde pier ..depends on your luck ...lucky day

This small museum had plenty to offer all in a single room and floor when I visited this past Wednesday. Model ships and dioramas of the wharf in the 19th and 20th centuries behind glass casing, some with very intricate details, my fave noting the history of the salmon trade from Alaska to SF, one of the vessels the Star of India, the other the Balclutha (the actual ship, visitors can also tour at Hyde Street Pier nearby). Other exhibits included colorful murals on the walls that make you feel like you're underwater (also showing the cool history and making behind the artwork), a map of the buried ships of Yerba Buena Cove, interesting artifacts like bird sculpture ornaments from the Sea Lark and Sea Robin tugboats, and a full sized Mermaid ship on display to go along with the history of the 1962 voyage of Jenichi Horie (from Japan) ending on day 94 as he sailed into SF's Aquatic Park. Admission to this museum is free, but the parking situation is pretty terrible near here, as expected. I found free street parking on a weekday afternoon but had to walk several blocks.

Free admission. We visited on a wet weekend. Really admired the 19-foot sloop Mermaid in which Kenichi Horie sailed solo from Japan to San Francisco. The related exhibits were impressive and moving, with funny but effective quotes. A map showed how much of downtown has been reclaimed from the sea. Went outside and turned left to enter a rotunda dedicated to painting, murals, and the theory of color by Hilaire Hiler. We enjoyed the second floor done in the Art Deco style and filled with subtle murals in light colors. The second floor was bright, even on a cloudy day with wind-driven drizzle. Liked the radio room on the second floor with old ships' radios. The Senior Center downstairs was closed to the public.

Stopped in here on a whim on a Sunday since I was in the area. I love going to the little tourist spots and museums in Fisherman's Wharf even though I live here. It's a tiny place - just one level and a couple exhibits. There is a really fascinating one on Horie who sailed from Osaka to SF as a 23 year old in a 19 foot boat in 1962. It took him 94 days! He did the trip the opposite direction at the age of 83, and made a world record as the oldest person to do that alone. Wild right? They have the boat in the museum so you can look at it. There are beautiful murals on the walls and free postcards when I was there! There was a guide explaining some of the history to guests when I was there too.

Free museum conveniently located on the waterfront features the amazing story of the Japanese man who sailed alone from Japan to SF in a tiny sailboat at the age of 80! Must see! There's also incredible artwork and other exhibits

Probably because I'm not a maritime junkie (and fortunately not an earthbound one either), the most interesting part of this smallish museum is the cool Art Deco (Streamline Moderne style) building that houses it. The colorful murals and balcony views of Aquatic Cove overshadow the historical artifacts inside. They state that there are over 35,000 such artifacts. Gee, they must be counting the restroom fixtures, too. Loved the vintage phone booths, a rare sighting in any building these days. The shipboard photo blow-ups of Wilhelm Hester were intriguing for how contemporary the faces looked. The most interesting exhibit when I visited was the Mermaid, the original boat manned by Kenichi Horie, the first man to sail solo across the Pacific back in 1962. He repeated this feat earlier this year at the age of 84. Otherwise the meticulous detail of the bright murals is worth the extra time to appreciate. The museum is part of the $15 twofer with the Hyde Street Pier (review: https://bit.ly/3BgKUhi) - though I noticed the staff wasn't too diligent about checking for tickets late in the afternoon. RELATED - Exploring Fisherman's Wharf? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2HyFdzC

Very nice museum! Came here on a nice Sunday afternoon. Enjoyed it very much. Very informative! Definitely recommend

Oh the memories this place brought back of my childhood living near the city, and riding the ferry boat across the bay as a child. We would drive our car onto the boat, buy some pink popcorn, and watch the sights and sounds as the ship would carry us across the bay. Also loved the old sailing ships from a bygone era. Many pictures of what life was like for those sailors of the past. Riding the ship around the horn. Putting up.the giants sails, and taking them down. Sleeping in a hammock. Eating your meals in the galley. Lots of hard working young men who bravely sailed the high seas on a working ship. You will truly enjoy visiting this fab placr.

Learn about Sea-Faring San Francisco survived and thrived! History at its best, several ships to climb onboard- beautifully restored- and seem to be ready to sail out to defend the City we love, or bring passengers to a new ocean harbor! Docents are great at telling the stories, there are even special evening events- singing Sea Chanties.

"... And I would do anything for love I'd run right into hell and back I would do anything for love... I'd never lie to you and that's a fact But I'll never forget the way you feel right now Oh no, no way... And I would do anything for love..." - Meat Loaf Location: The Barbary Coast, San Francisco Ahoy! In the heart of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf there's a hidden treasure chest that many don't know about. Tourists and locals alike pass by the Maritime Museum without venturing inside, tsk, tsk. Your lost! If you have the courage to explore the dank... you'll first encounter a grumpy old man best described as a cross between Blackbeard and Meat Loaf lol. Yup, "that" Meat Loaf who is best known for "I'd Do Anything For Love..." Arrrrr... "Oh I would do anything for love I would do anything for love, but I won't do that No, I won't do that..." After signing the visitors log. I'd suggest chatting with "Meat Loaf"... as he brings quite a show to the museum. Heck toss in Popeye's voice to the equation too! Don't be a Scallywag and at least nod his presence lol. And for all you cheapskates... admissions is based on voluntary donation, so do what you can! Arrr! The exhibits are in a circular pattern, so wherever you start, you'll loop to the end eventually. It's not a big museum, but I enjoyed the educational side. The interactive exhibits, film clips, the history, the maritime antiques, and even how important the early Sailors and Mariners were in building early San Francisco. I also found the story of the early Chinese immigrants that entered the California Bay looking for gold quite fascinating! This review is for the Museum part of the San Francisco Maritime Historic National Park. Just so there's no confusion, as some reviews are quite confusing lol. Again entry is based on donation! Across the old train tracks is where you'll find the antique ships from days of yore. Thar She Blows! In the end, I'd recommend the Maritime Museum to anyone who appreciates history or those who loves Pirates, Sailors, boats, Americana, and Meat Loaf;) For me, this place has a special meaning as my Dad was a Fisherman on his spare time, and my Grandpa was a lifetime Merchant Marine, who I recently found out, also served on the USS General W. G. Haan (AP-158) during WWII. Sadly, I didn't know Grandpa as he died well before I was born, but hearing the stories of his life and feeling the spirits of Sailors past brings a smile to my face... "Oh I would do anything for love I would do anything for love, but I won't do that No, I won't do that..." Heck, I have pirate blood in me! So I would do that! Godspeed.

This is very small, just one room of ship models in display cases. There are some interesting history placards. The bathrooms are clean, and the veranda outside has a great view of the bay.

Beautiful little museum right in the heart of SF. The ships and cars are amazing and it is great to learn more about the history of the Bay Area especially before the GG and B Bridges were built. It's amazing thinking about how life was there before. I wish there were more people to give more information on the various exhibits and an oral history behind this place. The views of the city from the tops of these ships are AMAZING and worth the visit.

Open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. Donations appreciated. Walking around Fisherman's Wharf, noticed this museum and decided to check it out. Loved how detailed and neatly everything was laid out. Learned so much and really appreciate the history of the Maritime Industry. Employees are super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, they will gladly answer any questions you may have. If you're in the area, this is a must visit!

To escape from Reno's summer heat for a day, I'm having a wonderful day today at the Maritime Museum - San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and it adequately does day in and day out what they are in business to do, and that is seldom an easy accomplishment. Located in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers visitors the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history. America's Maritime History spans the centuries from Native American and Viking maritime activities before Columbus through today's maritime enterprise. "The maritime history of shipping in America is built on the work and help of the American Merchant Marine. The first war that an organized United States Merchant Marine took part in was the American Revolutionary War. The first Merchant Marine action in the war took place on June 12, 1775 when a group of Machias, Maine citizens boarded and captured a British schooner, the warship HMS Margaretta. No industry has been more vital to the success of our country than that of America's maritime industry. The industry provides jobs for hundreds of thousands of Maritime Americans in every corner of our nation--from longshoremen in ports along our four seacoasts, to towboat operators navigating the Mississippi, to shipbuilders in East Coast dry docks, to the men and women who crew American-flag vessels of all types. The American maritime industry moves cargo and America's troops around the world in far greater volume, with far greater efficiency, than any other transportation mode. As a first line of defense, it also proud helps ensure greater homeland security. The maritime industry transports commercial goods more cost effectively than trucks and rails--while providing the most environmentally sound mode of transportation. The industry's humanitarian role is one that paints a positive picture of America worldwide, as it distributes food to the world's poor and responds to global emergencies. And, the industry stands as a primary driver of trade in one of the world's largest economies." This Maritime Museum is in the historic Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building. The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, an informative Visitor Center, an extensive Maritime Museum, the premier Maritime Research Center, and a charming Aquatic Park Historic District. Just to clarify: According to the Yelp ratings' definitions, Three Stars is A-Okay. That to me is an acceptable rating of a business that does day in and day out what they are in business to do. It is certainly NOT a negative rating. Four and Five-Stars to me is when a business goes over and beyond what they are in the business to do. One and Two-Star Ratings are for when a business fails to do what they are in the business to do.

Definitely, worth a stop to visit. Especially, if you are interested in old San Francisco and or Maritime History. Both of these subjects merge together here. I particularly loved the large photos displayed. They are photos I have never seen and very interesting for a history buff. The views from the back are lovely as well.

A very informative & unique maritime center. With photography to boat parts on display... even boat crafts... there is something at this museum for anyone. And bonus: The scenery behind the building may be the most peaceful anywhere along the pier!

Great little museum in the wharf area, and even better it is Free. Highly recommend this as a stop for any tourist and especially the locals. The workers are friendly and knowledgeable. I have been a few times over the years, and the contents to change up. This latest time around, the exhibit was on photography. I was amazed to see that photography from the past could be just as clear if not even more so than today's digital cameras. There were stories told about the local families and ships. There is a bathroom available as well that seemed in pretty good shape. Will definitely be back as I pass through this area in the future to see what they have to show.

Outstanding Maritime Museum On The Bay! SITREP I recently got to enjoy the San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art (SFMOMA) "On The Go" event here at the Maritime Museum! Located right on the Bay, it is an impressive structure that is easily accessible by people walking from the nearby park, the pier waterfront and the beaches. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/maritime-museum-san-francsco-maritime-national-historical-park-san-francisco?select=QVyKEXx19FiXep4WxtCR4A THE SETUP Since SFMOMA is currently having their facilities remodeled, they have been partnering up with other museums and institutions in putting on their "On The Go" events! The most recent installation was held here at the Maritime Museum and was a beautiful affair that included light bites and wine-tasting. THE MARITIME EXHIBITS Maritime Museum has some beautiful pieces of art (some quite modern), of photography (the black & white pieces have a way of being etched into your mind), and historic pieces that even include portions of actual boats. The exhibits can be quite moving, such as looking at a picture of the seamen of a ferry boat that is subtitled with the news that the boat capsized soon after the picture was taken and no one survived. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/maritime-museum-san-francsco-maritime-national-historical-park-san-francisco?select=ojfnnH8MlHX5-bI8BPmA3g THE LOWDOWN A stop at the Maritime Museum makes for a memorable stop on the waterfront where one can learn about some interesting maritime history in the area.

Took my time walked around take some really cool pictures have 4 different ships there's tug boat that you could check out towards the end of the pier, they have a few things here you could do that kids would enjoy they also have summer programs for kids.

They will open next week. Too bad was looking forward to this musuem It is free admission so once it opens, dont forget to drop by and check it out

Yep, I'm going to say it: This is a Hidden Gem. Make sure to put this spot on your list if you are in the area and are visiting. Locals should make sure to drop in as well to learn a bit about how the Maritime Industry shaped The City. We are The City by the Bay, but it is why the Bay is important that led to The City. This place breathes life into the understanding of our history. A lot of folks are not aware that we have the San Francisco National Maritime Historic Park right here nestled between Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. There are some great things to see, such as the Hyde Street Pier, Kingspoke Bookstore and the not-to-be-missed National Park Visitors Center in The Cannery. The Maritime Museum is not terribly well-known, but it contains some great exhibits about the ships and sailors who passed through The Bay. You'll learn a lot about the technology, the day to day, and the perils. There are great exhibits and photographs. It's always cool to see how different things used to look and have evolved over time. You can spend some time learning some great things. By the way, make sure to speak to the staff as they are happy to share there knowledge of this spot and are also willing to offer up other great suggestions around SF. The other cool thing to note about this spot is the building, both exterior and interior. This was built back in the 30's as part of the WPA as a stimulus during the Great Depression. The building itself takes on the Art Deco of the era and is meant to evoke a maritime experience resembling a sea-faring vessel. The interior is adorned by some lovely WPA-era murals by Hilaire Hiler (of Minnesota), which are unique as they are one of the few (only?) examples of abstract art in public murals during this time. There is also an amazing room with a ceiling that is a color wheel. And, there is a great balcony on the North side that looks over the Aquatic Park with great views of the area. This is a lovely spot. Oh, and it's FREE. (Donation Suggested)

This is the primary museum of the maritime park (the other is one of those almost an art gallery exhibits subject to change types of places). Parking? There is no parking. The parking is a lie. If you are staying at the Argonaut which is located right on top/next door/with this spot or at the nearby holiday inn you'll have valet parking as an option. Otherwise you are better off at the nearby not very economical fishermans wharf parking or best yet finding a way to get that does not involve driving. Not driving here is super easy as the cable car line, the trolley and regular bus service all have stops close by. This is also one of the most bikeable locations in the city if that helps. This is a small-tiny even-free museum that is just packed with the interesting maritime San Francisco history. Among other things there is a complete wrecked fishing boat exhibit. Lots of audio visual stuff to break up the boring reading of plaques and the volunteer docents at the front desk are more then usually knowledgeable and friendly. This is a good spot to get advice and guidance on what/where/how to do things in the area. This is a perfect end piece for the adjacent hyde street historical seaport-and is climate controlled should get anyone tired of the weather. Non history obsessed folks will be in and out in fifteen minutes or so. For everyone else expect about an hour two delay. This is also an excellent spot for kiddos as some of the exhibits-the aforementioned shipwreck, the diving suit, the interactive whale song thingy-are especially fascinating. This may not technically be a must do for the city, but is an especially rewarding side trip.

The Maritime Museum is located across the street from Ghiraradeli Square and there is no entrance Fee. The murals on the wall have been beautifully restored and the museum contains several miniature ship models. If you go to the third floor, it feels as though you are stepping back in time to the 1930's. The view from the second floor observation deck is breathtaking and it is very entertaining to watch the swimmers in the bay. I'm very happy we stopped at the Maritime Museum and learned more about San Francisco history.

0 stars. This is a review for the museum in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building. My boyfriend and I walk in and there's 3 little exhibits/dioramas on the right. The people behind the desk never say anything and keep on with their conversation. We go up the set of stairs, hoping there's more on that floor, but it's absolutely empty! It would have been nice if that area was roped off. We go downstairs again, walk out, the people behind the desk keep on talking amongst themselves and we exit the buidling. So much for that. I even called the place a couple days before my visit to ask about ticket information, so it would have been helpful if the person had said that there's nothing in the actual bathhouse building itself.

Cute WPA building that houses this VERY tiny museum. Some cool exhibits here though. Also, check out the vintage old telephone books.

Place is a gem! The area has a visitor center and museum, which are free and contain exhibits on the history of sea faring that led to the development of SF and the ships are $10 to board but are worth it. You could spend at least 2-3 hours on the Balclutha, which is an old iron side square rig that sailed from England to Alaska around Cape Horn in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. There are stories from sailors and details like how cargo was protected on long voyages.

We had our wedding at the maritime museum in Sept 2015. It was a great venue for a wedding and created a unique experience for our guests, as well as amazing photos (with the ghiradelli sign and beach/ocean/boats in the background). If you're considering having your wedding here, please feel free to message me, and I'd be happy to share feedback and specifics directly.

The Maritime Museum is definitely worth a visit if you have any interest in San Francisco history and/or Maritime History. I am local and had passed by the museum many times and finally decided to go in. So glad I did! And surprise! its FREE.

I walked by this place many times and finally decided to give it a visit when my family were in town. It's truly a hidden gem like many people said. The displays were super neat and have many great stories behind it. Different facets of maritime life through history were showcased and really gave me an profound appreciation for the beautiful bay area we live in. Strongly recommend giving this place a visit, its super close to Pier 39 and really is worthwhile!

Awesome FREE family friendly museum that features the maritime history of San Francisco. Great exhibits with lots of interaction, sounds, videos and artifacts. Amazingly well done... I'm seriously impressed! This is a National Park Service Museum, so if your collecting passport stamp cancellations bring your NPS passport. It's located in the same building as the Argonaut hotel & Blue Mermaid and across the street from the Hyde Street Pier in Fishermans Warf.

This place was AMAZING!!! I stumbled in with a friend while we were trying to kill time waiting for a reservation and I couldn't believe my eyes... It was huge and one of the most entertaining museums I've ever been in. (Maybe because I wasn't expecting anything and got such a treat!) I would absolutely bring visitors here to get a unique perspective on the city. I felt like I learned a ton wile having SO much fun.

This may seem premature considering the Museum is still under construction and won't open until next year but what a place to go! Call me romantic but there's just something about sailing ships and ocean air that beckons. The place was a trove of all that is sea-faring, especially here in San Francisco. And as it was always free, I can't tell you how many times I ventured inside! The location is good too...far enough away from the majority of tourists who repeatedly ask directions for Joe's Crab Shack and Ripley"s! Not sure if they will charge upon opening but if you like sailing, the ocean and history of the Bay, please go!

I hadn't been to the museum since the 80's when it was in the old building. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the job they've done, once I was inside the new place. The panorama video was well done, the displays were interesting and well laid out, and the documentary in the library has my 10 year old daughter ready to join the merchant marines. Good on her! She has my blessing, not that she'd ask. Oh, and it's free! A rare gem in a part of the city that I generally try to avoid.

I like to go in there and browse the displays for a while, it's so relaxing and enjoyable to imagine what it was like back in the old days around SF, it was a busy area even back in the old days. I cant wait for it to reopen again!

Free! Most of the area was closed when we visited for a private meeting so we could only look at the ground level treasures. However, very cool items in the lobby. Hey, did I mention it was free? Great views too. Attached to a senior center. Love it.

This free museum has a great collection of large scale vintage maritime 19th century photography. Very interesting due to the fine detail of the subjects, sailors (and their dogs) and families. Many beautiful scale model ships. Sample of scrimshaw and fancy knot work. Donations accepted.

A frugal place to visit. Part of the National Park System, yet unpleasant to volunteer as park management views you as toilet paper; necessary but disposable .

I LOVE this museum and once a month they host a Sea Chanty sing-a-long on one of the ships in the harbor. TRULY a GREAT experience!

I am very proud to have the display of the Paladini Seafood Company at the museum. It is a great honor. Achille Paladini

A great trip through the history of San Francisco, pretty large and extensive, especially for being entirely free. Not too far from Fisherman's Wharf and the end of the trolley car line, so lots to do in the area and easy to get to. Way to go, National Park Service.

I think the museum does a great job, especially the visitor center - woah! The exhibits are gorgeous, and really immersive. I really had fun running around the place and exploring. If I had kids I'd def take them there!

This place is so cool! Love the old ships. (Great place to watch fireworks on the 4th of July!) Also, very nice displays inside. Great to learn the history of the Bay.

I hadn't ever noticed this spot before but I'm quite happy we stumbled upon it. It's definitely a great little spot which offers some historical context of the area.