San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

A secret gem! I genuinely enjoyed this more than Alcatraz. I found the history of the actual building to be the most interesting, but the story of various boats and radio transmissions were also interesting. Nice view. It's less popular than other areas and was a nice quiet place to relax if, like me, you find the city overwhelming at times. Free entry and clean bathrooms. Be sure to get your National Parks passport book stamped. Note: The garden area is currently being remodeled and is completely torn up/inaccessible.

The most beautiful big city in America that I have visited so far. The center is great, but the part along the coast is even more beautiful and interesting. The food in the restaurants is phenomenal (especially the crabs!) The ice cream is superb! And the space itself all around you is practically historical, every detail. It is mandatory to visit this beautiful city slowly and in detail several times.

If you’re into history or just love being by the water, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is a spot you shouldn’t miss. It’s right in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, so super easy to get to. First off, the historic ships are super cool. You can actually board them and see what life was like back in the day. The Balclutha, this big old sailing ship, was a favorite of mine. Then there’s the Eureka, an old-school steam ferryboat, which has such a unique vibe. The visitor center is packed with interesting info and a great place to start your visit. Just across the way is the Maritime Museum, in this awesome art deco building. It has all sorts of exhibits about shipbuilding, navigation, and life at sea – plenty to keep you entertained and informed. All in all, it’s a fantastic mix of history and scenic views. Definitely worth a visit next time you’re in San Francisco!

Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. The 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area in the San Francisco Bay. The park showcases the city’s seafaring past. 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 historic fleet of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is moored at the park's Hyde Street Pier. The fleet consists of the following major vessels: Balclutha, an 1886 built square rigged sailing ship. C.A. Thayer, an 1895 built schooner. Eureka, an 1890 built steam ferryboat. Alma, an 1891 built scow schooner. Hercules, a 1907 built steam tug. Eppleton Hall, a 1914 built paddlewheel tug. The visitor center is housed in the park's 1909 waterfront warehouse, located at the corner of Hyde and Jefferson streets. The City of San Francisco declared the four-story brick structure a historic landmark in 1974.

A beautiful park with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trolley cars.

Great place for walking and morning runs. Not usually too busy, you'll have nice walks, if you're lucky with weather also nice views. Continue alongside cost towards a golden bridge - it's a lovely walk

It’s a tourist attraction place in San Francisco. It has a nice view from which you can see the city and Golden Gate Bridge. There are wrecks of old ships. On some days they do not open due to weather conditions.

Great views of the Ghirardelli sign day or night, you can also see the ships and Alcatraz in the distance from the beach. Can get busy but worth a stop by on your walk or drive. **Use caution at night around dark, lots of Riff raff and vagrants hang out here doing drugs in their cars and bikes. Much like any big city, coming from Seattle, I wouldn't advise walking at night. Perfectly safe during the day light hours.

This was one of my favorite spots in SF. I used this park to take in views of the bridge and Alcatraz, and while at bottom of hill great view of Ghiradelli square. The cable car turnaround and maritime museum are also close proximity. It's a lively area and a good place to relax and take a break if walking.

This historical park consists of the Visitor Center, Maritime Research Center, Maritime Museum, and Hyde Street Pier (featuring a fleet of ships guests can tour on the weekends). On top of all that, Aquatic Park is an enjoyable space to just relax and appreciate the views along the water as well as an occasional event or street performance. There's also Umbrella Alley across the street from Aquatic Park, but it costs $4 to enter (during the summer), and doesn't really seem worth it unless you're into selfies or instagramming touristy background shots. The Maritime Museum was small, but lovely (see my separate review on that). The Visitor Center was a pleasant surprise and the highlight of my recent outing, a unique sort of museum educating the public about SF's waterfront history and more. Both of these facilities offer free admission. I also stopped by Hyde Street Pier, and was able to explore a few exhibits near the entrance, including the sternwheel of the Petaluma SF riverboat and a steam donkey engine which got its name from replacing horse power for loading cargo. The actual ships on site are only open for boarding on Saturdays and Sundays, so I'll have to come back for that. This is NOT free, unlike the other attractions at the SF Maritime National Historical Park. Lots to see and do here, regardless.

The Balaclutha is well preserved and an important part of SF history, economy and trade! This Historic sailing ship was built to make the 14,000 mile voyage from SF around the treacherous Cape to Europe! This ship is docked and ready to explore. You can imagine the dangerous voyages, the brave sailors and the essential trade with Alaska, SF, Europe . There are several other ships available & open for viewing. There is a "fix-it shop" that shows what it takes to maintain these old beauties. Renovation is always going on here. .. and that gives you a feeling of the endless hours to get ready for a months long journey! So much to see! There are summer programs for kids, and special events too. Note: parking is difficult here, try taking BART to the Embarcadero then hop on the SF trolley (above ground).

Excellent views and central location to visit Ghirardelli Square and many other touristy attractions. Love the beach waterfront here and the views of the Golden Gate bridge. One of the top parks to recommend if your a tourist. Maybe eat at Square Pie guys and have dessert at Ghirardelli. At the top of the park is where you hop on the cable cars. Sometimes the area is foggy other times you have perfect views - very close to Alcatraz. Parking is metered and be sure and read the times that they charge. Those 3 wheel guys on the loose. Don't want a ticket to ruin your day.

Great museum We saw the sign and decided to walk in and check out the museum. I thought this would be a quick 15 minutes. You could easily spend and hour looking around the museum and it is free. They have great displays about the history of the area and how it relates to the boating industry. The lighthouse lens was awesome to see up close. The staff was also great. This is also linked to another museum that is free within walking distance but closed on certain days. You can also pay $15 to tour the historic ships docked in the park area. Looked like a great value and could easily spend several hours checking out these exhibits.

Magnificent fleet of historic ships! San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood and offers visitors sights and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history. It originally used to be called the San Francisco Maritime Museum, but in 1978 when the collections were acquired by the National Park Service the name was changed to the current one. If you are visiting San Francisco, visiting San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park should be on your "To-do" list. The park includes a fleet of six National Historic Landmark vessels: 1) 1886 square-rigger Balclutha 2) 1890 steam ferryboat Eureka 3) 1891 scow schooner Alma 4) 1895 schooner C.A. Thayer 5) 1907 steam tug Hercules 6) 1915 steam schooner Wapama. You can visit the Hyde Street Pier (Fees apply) and walk on the deck of the ships and take a cell phone tour. Keep in mind that due to COVID-19 restrictions a few confined spaces may be closed, so it is always good to check before you go.

My wife and I love visiting locations within the National Park System and this is a very fun one to visit if you're near Fisherman's Wharf. There's six ships to visit on Hyde St Pier and it's $15/person to tour the ships (free if you have the America the Beautiful pass). We really enjoyed touring these historic ships and learning more about the maritime history of the area. I'd recommend giving yourself 1-2 hours to tour the area and you could easily spend more time. It's a fun place to visit overall!

The museum here is great and awesome...maritime boats sailing fishing called Maritime ...it's free and features the wharf in San Francisco ..quiet and full of surprises and tales of people that came here and sea or naval life say what u want coast to coast my dad was into it and he will be at sea one day

We stumbled on this NP today after aimlessly riding a cable car down from Market Street to Hyde/Beach St. What a treasure! The NP staff were all very friendly, and the schooner, ship, and tug we toured were very interesting with lots of informative signs- telling some stories that seem to have been untold before - at least we hadn't heard of them... about the mistreatment and abuse of sailors by their officers. The park was clean, there are public restrooms, and a water fountain. We were able to see some great sites from the pier and boats. Swimmers in the bay (Yep!! Swimmers!!), the Golden Gate, various sailboats and pleasure boats in the bay, and up the hills to the south. You can also buy your NP Annual Pass - if not the fee is a well spent $15/adult.

This park is an excellent spot to have great views of the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, and the bay. Parking is fairly easy and metered. Do not walk away without checking the meter. Thank goodness the meters take credit cards which I find much easier than using quarters. It is a central spot to park to visit the ghiradelli marketplace, and head down to some touristy spots. I stayed in park and close to the beach. Living in Monterey, I visit the wharf daily and am really spoiled. I wanted to enjoy the ocean and views. Everyone was social distancing and respectful. Also, people were swimming!! Like what?! Must have been part of a polar bear swimming club. The marine museum was closed. Looked like they were actually remodeling it, not just closed due to COVID. I look forward to more San Francisco adventures. Cheers and happy Yelping and adventures.

I wish this review had more substance because there is much to explore. However, the exterior exhibits were closed. This review is for the visitors center only. Located by the trolly stop off the main drag off the Wharf. The exhibit is housed in a 1908 historic brick cannery warehouse. Signage is excellent. No Admission fee, however donations are accepted. Throw them a few bucks it's worth it. The museum is ran by the National Park Service. Not surprising the focus is about San Francisco's maritime history. The centers exhibits walk guest through six interactive historical waterfront neighborhoods. The most stark is the 1906 earthquake that destroyed much of the city and killed 3000. I found the stories of voyage, discovery and and cultural diversity compelling. Visitors of all ages will find the exhibits very educational about the beginnings of the city. A First Order Fresnel lighthouse lens is a centerpiece, it's huge and cool to see up close. Check them out and allow time for the interactive exhibits in visitors center. as well as the ships which you can board.

I walked 5 miles today. This is a lovely place to sit and relax for a while. We saw people on line for the trolley. There is a place where they turn around. Either this spot is the beginning of the route or it is the end. I have a 50-50 chance of guessing correctly. Sitting on a bench, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay, people walking by, dogs, trees, and trolleys. Scenic and relaxing.

What's up: I like visiting the National Parks if I'm near them because there's so much to learn and enjoy. We also have one of those National Park Passports where we collect stamps of all the places we visit, which is also an adventure of its own! Parking: Street parking wherever you can find a spot. There are a lot of metered parking nearby, but we found some free spots on Larkin St. Environment: Once you walk in, you'll see the information desk straight ahead. It's also on that counter where you'll find the stamp for the passport. You'll see tons of information displays that talks about the history as well as objects that were used in the past. Restrooms are located towards the back, past the information desk. What was ordered: Nothing. It's free admission for all visitors. Yay/Nay/Meh: Yay. It's a cool place with a lot of history and information about how things were back then. The ranger was friendly and happy to answer questions.

Note to self: go here often!!! Parking is great, the water view is fantastic, and all the nearby places are an adventure o. Their own

One of the best view of the city you can get. There's a panoramic view of the city here and it's a nice short stroll to get there. I got some nice photos here. The pathways are wide enough, so it's easy to socially distance. It was chilly and windy the last time I went here. Parking is simple too. Highly recommend a visit here to get some fresh air!

Not bad little NPS site. Very friendly rangers and volunteers. Good interpretive content. Ships are fun for kids to climb around on. Nice junior ranger program. Not a destination but worth a stop if in area.

Beautiful and educational. There's a lot provided with information panels provided to give explanations. There is interactive items. There's a beautiful view on the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. If you pay for tickets then you can also enter the majestic boats with audio tour. I posted the prices in the pictures. Good for adults but definitely for kids too!

If you love history, especially local SF history, then this is an ideal place to visit and see some historic ships. On the day I visited, the Balclutha was unfortunately unavailable. However, there were other ships: a schooner, a steam ferry boat filled with historic cars, and a steam tug. Currently, I'm reading a novel that describes how small the births of a ship are in the 1700's which makes for a tight squeeze for a man 6 feet and over. On the steam tug, which was used to haul logs from Oregon, you get an up close look at how tiny the beds are and how you have to watch your head when you walk. Were people tiny back then? Near the schooner, there was a sign said that there would be a free tour at 2:30pm, but I wasn't able to make it. One of the fun displays at the park was how to tie nautical knots like the reef or clover. I love doing hands-on activities like this. At the visitor's center, I asked one of the employees where are the best places to park if I were to come back. On a map, she marked with a pen the street parking areas that frequently have spaces available for free for 4 hours maximum. See my photo. If you're 62 years or older, you can buy a lifetime senior pass for $10 which admits you and 3 other guests to all US National Parks for the rest of your life OR you and your car passengers, if you enter by car. However, you better hurry because prices go up on August 28, 2017. It's a great deal.

Enjoyed sitting on the concrete steps of this park and people watching. The guy playing the ukulele + sunshine + waves made for a relaxing place to sit and take a break. I'm not quite sure what goes on here on a regular basis, but it was a nice place to decompress from the tourism scene.

It was very educational. Learned a lot. The view was awesome!

Right in front of Ghirardelli Square overlooking the bay. There are historic working boats docked at the Hyde Street pier where you can view them , they go back to 1886. the Hercules. For $10, you get aboard the Balclutha, the Eureka, and the Hercules.

Great place to walk around and get educated. Nice view and there was an ark we can go inside to check out. It was very interesting. Don't forget to try those barrels with different ratios. It is so fun. Good for family, group or even alone.

We were passing quickly through the Wharf area on a recent Sunday, and unfortunately couldn't give the park the afternoon it deserves. My wife has fond memories of hanging out here from Galileo high school in the old bleachers overlooking the Bay. This is a gorgeous place to enjoy some Bay views. But we did stop by the Visitor Center, where you enter a whole different world from the hustle and bustle of the Wharf. It's located at the corner of Jefferson and Hyde (499 Jefferson if you are GPSing). Wonderful exhibits of San Francisco's maritime history: shipwrecks and areas of SF that were originally part of the Bay and now filled in were fascinating. Museum affectionados could easily spend a couple hours here without difficulty.

A hidden gem right next to Ghirardelli Square. I've lived in the Bay Area my whole life and never knew this place existed. Beautiful beach where you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the bay for miles. When I went, it was very peaceful and not crowded at all. There were also plenty of swimmers braving the cold waters. There is also a museum that has the maritime history of San Francisco. I didn't get to check it out, but it looked interesting. Defiantly a beautiful find in the city.

Best waterfront area in the world The San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park together with Aquatic Park is one of the best citifront Waterside areas in the world. The view is always amazing, day and night. Crystal clear or pea soup fog this is the place to be. There's even an amazing Museum.

We visited San Francisco last month with my two kids (age 5 & 10). We really enjoyed the Maritime Museum. Kids had fun walking inside the old boats & learning about the history of each boat. We spent at least an hour exploring outside & another hour inside the building. Make sure you check out the Visitor Center & the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building 2 blocks away. Entrance is $10/adult, kids 15 and under free, Open 9:30am-5pm. If your kid is a 4th grader, be sure to sign up for a free 4th grade pass to all national & federal park called "Every kid in a park" https://www.everykidinapark.gov/get-your-pass/ Ask for the junior ranger program. Kids can fill out a booklet as they walk around and earn a badge.

Beautiful! I could go on about the energy of the place and there's even a strip of sandy shore, creating a mini beach

I just love the vibe of this tiny park. As soon as you clear Embarcadero from the touristy wharf, you feel like you are less touristy. The wind is blowing in from the ocean... Ghirardelli Square towers over the park... a cable line ends and starts here...

This is one of those yelp entries that confuses people as it's...a very large park with many different parts to it. This is why many of the reviews seem to will seem to be for something different then what you may or may not have experienced. Parking in this area is a rare premium resource. It can be possible-just-to find a metered street spot but don't count on it. There is the nearby fisherman's wharf parking (I say nearby, and it is by SF standards but this can mean a four ish block walk. The really good news is that it's a very nice walk.) which generally is a better bet. There are both trolley and cable car stops nearby-indeed the hyde and beach line has it's terminus right on top of this spot. This destination is easy to get to via bicycle as well. Lots of reasonable fun ways to get here that do not involve driving. The maritime park has a lot to it. It encompasses the hyde park historic pier, two museums (the more of less inside the Argonaut hotel is particularly good, if small) an archival research center(extremely useful for genealogists) , the aquatic park, that super steep trail up to fort mason park (bicyclists who are not regular competitors in the tour de france be prepared to walk thy bikes), a small public beach, and two public parks which while short of trees are long on benches with great ocean views. So as you can see what you experience can depend on what part of it you play in. To be frank this space has a lot to offer whether you are just picnicking while on your bike trip to the gate, enjoying the sun and views, riding the ever amazing cablecars, wandering in and around shipping from the last two hundred years, educating yourself about the rich quirky SF story in the museums, all of the above or just messing about this is wonderful place to include on your San Francisco trip.

...Mongo find all the old boats he see from park. At Hyde Street Pier. Mongo see the Balclutha. Mongo see The Eureka. Mongo see The Hercules. Mongo see The Eppleton Hall. Mongo see The Bay Ark. Mongo's favorite old boat is The Hercules. Hercules! Hercules! Hercules! Why that sound familiar to Mongo?!? Anyway - Mongo tell you to go to old boat museum. Mongo like old boats very much! And Mongo say you like old boats very much!

I have sort of a thing for tall ships and historic maritime stories of yore, so I jumped at the chance to chaperone my daughters 4th grade class to the Maritime Museum. But this wasn't your usual museum visit. It was an "Age of Sail" program where the kids were transported back in time via a cast of character who acted and behaved as if it were 1906...and the kids were new sailors to be trained. Mister Clem, the second mate, greeted them on the dock, and then gave them a primer on speech and behavior (e.g. how to address superiors, walking around lines on the deck, using "aye" instead of "yes"). Then we waked single file to the Balclutha, the three-masted ship that is the jewel of the museum. And then soon after we met Mister London, the strict and hard-to-please first mate. With a mane of wild hair stuffed under a seaman's cap, slightly wild eyes, a thick British accent and a short temper, he got the kids' attention immediately. When he told them their sea chanty and "aye ayes" were "pathetic", and then proceeded to dress-down the second mate for bringing these "green hands" to his ship, the look on the kids' faces was priceless. He and the second mate never broke character the entire time. i felt like I was in the middle of a PBS period piece. We met the captain a short while later, who was older, strict and a bit dour, but not unfriendly. She took aside the parents for a private discussion of rules before sending us back to the group, but not before Mister London sent scathing remarks our way (to the absolute joy of the children, I might add). (Note: Parents like myself were to remain silent and observant, but not to speak to the children at all; also no electronics or sunglasses allowed...since it was 1906) The class was broken into "crews" and each assigned to learn a different task, with one parent ("tall sailor") assigned to each crew. With orders being barked constantly and their every move scrutinized, I have never seen my daughter and her friends pay attention so well. Eye opening. After lunch and another set of tasks in the afternoon, the mood relaxed somewhat and the captain sat with the kids and had a friendly, frank discussion about the history of the ship and life on board; she also asked about their impressions, favorite moments, and not-so-favorite moments. Finally we were given a tour of the ship before departing. I learned cool stuff; I got to play-act a bit, and I watched my daughter soak in the experience. Easily the best thing I've done so far this year.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in San Francisco, California along the San Francisco Bay shoreline in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. Since San Francisco Maritime does not cover a large area, walking is the best way to get around. City streets are adjacent to the park but no public road goes through it. There is no parking lot, and street parking is limited. Using public transportation is an excellent way to visit, and the turnaround for one of the famous cable car lines (Hyde) is in the park. The Bathhouse building was built in 1939 as a joint project of the City of San Francisco and the New Deal Works Progress Administration (WPA), and is the focal point of the Aquatic Park Historic Landmark District. This unique structure was designed in the Streamline Moderne style, a late offshoot of the Art Deco period, and mimics the clean lines of an ocean liner. Main Resources of the Park A fleet of historic vessels are moored at Hyde Street Pier, an extension of Hyde Street. The ships are open to visitors year-round. A short, level walk to the end of the pier rewards visitors with great views of San Francisco Bay. The Visitor Center, located across the street from Hyde Street Pier, features information and award-winning exhibits. Just outside the Visitor Center is an open, grassy area overlooking Aquatic Park beach and cove with access to the water's edge. Visitors can see breathtaking views to the north of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito in Marin County. Two blocks away from the Visitor Center is the Maritime Museum in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse building. The Maritime Research Center, located in Fort Mason Center, is a 10-minute walk from Hyde Street Pier through Aquatic Park. Appointments are required. Stand on the stern of BALCLUTHA, face west to feel the fresh wind blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history.The park is all about History & Culture and you will find essential information here for exploring and discovering the park's stories of Pacific coast maritime history. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located on the edge of San Francisco Bay in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood and can be visited year-round. Begin at the Visitor Center (Phone: 415-447-5000), located at 499 Jefferson Street (Zip Code: 94109) at the corner of Hyde Street. There, Park Rangers will help you plan your visit. From the Visitor Center, cross Jefferson Street to Hyde Street Pier and visit the park's collection of floating historic ships. Here, you can also see breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. From Hyde Street Pier, take a short stroll across the park to see the exhibits in the Maritime Museum located in the ship-shaped Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building. There at the Park you will see: People - Biographies and stories of sailors and waterfront characters. Places - Enjoy guides to the historic Aquatic Park and the San Francisco waterfront. Stories - Tales of struggle and daring on the high seas, voyages along the byways of the waters and sloughs of San Francisco Bay and Delta, and many more await your discovery. Collections - Discover the largest National Park Service museum, archives, library and small craft collection. Here you can learn about the park's fleet of historic ships and small craft. Access information about the Maritime Research Center and the museum, archives and library collections. Ships include: 1886 square-rigger Balclutha 1895 schooner C. A. Thayer 1890 steam ferryboat Eureka 1891 scow schooner Alma 1907 steam tug Hercules 1914 paddlewheel tug Eppleton Hall 1890 (circa) San Francisco Bay Ark 1915 steam schooner Wapama

Hyde Street Pier and particularly the tall masted ship, The Balclutha, are my little boy's favorite things to see in all of San Francisco. He spends hours reading all the information at each exhibit and watches the (3) videos onboard the Balclutha as if the information will be part of the SAT in 12 years. ("Balclutha" is named for the river Clyde in Scotland in case you're wondering. I learned this from the on-board video I've watched at least 30 times!) For a slim $20 you can get an annual membership to Hyde Street Pier to board the ships and take in views not available on any postcard. Your membership will include you and (2) or (3) other adults plus children 15 and under are **free**. Passes are good for 7 days, too. It's a deal and such a great institution to support so please consider buying an annual membership; it'll pay for itself in one or two visits. And, it's always free to walk Hyde Street Pier, no need to buy a ticket unless you want to board the tall ships (which I recommend).

The SF Maritime offers a FREE program to sing sea chanteys on the Balclutha on the First Saturday of every month at Hyde Street Pier from 8pm to Midnight. You need to make Reservations though in advance. We got there late after 8:30pm and the good seats were already gone, we had to sit in the back. They don't have sheet music or lyrics so best to get a Sea Chantey book or make some copies from the Internet. Anyone can start any song they want. It's sung "a cappella" and if you don't know the words to the song, you usually can catch the chorus since it's repeated so often. It goes on for about an hour at a time, then break. On the galley they serve FREE hot chocolate with or without marshmallow, or you can get hot apple cider - all Non-Alcoholic. They recommend you to bring a mug/thermos since they don't have enough cups I guess. You can come & go as you want. We left at the 2nd break around 10pm. It's worth it if you like singing crazy old sea chantey songs & have friends that like to do the same. RSVP with Peter Kasin at 415-561-7171 or peter_kasin@nps.gov Website: www.nps.gov/safr/

Beautiful place to visit. We enjoy our long walks along the beach. This is the place to see historical ships from decades past. This is the place to see flocks of seagulls and pelicans sore through the sky above the deep blue ocean and dive into it. It's a place where you can find uniqueness, individuality, peace and diversity.

Living in Silicon Valley/Bay Area, we always enjoy playing tourists and walk the Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and Embarcadero area. But we always miss this Visitor Center everytime we are there. Today, we made time to visit it and what a great place to find out a bit more of San Francisco history. Lots of interesting information, a couple of enlightening videos, fascinating artifacts. A great place to have some peace and quiet away from the crowds, learn something new, have your NP passport book stamped, clean bathrooms (no lines) and it's FREE!!! You can also go across the street and explore a few boats from the past for a fee. We did not go today but plan to return and check those out next time.

We stumbled upon here while walking from Fishermans Wharf to the Powell-Hyde cable car stop. It's a National Monument so we decided to explore the pier. We came when it was close to closing on a Monday so not a lot of people around. We got to see some old ships but didn't go on any. It's a cool place for everyone and lots of history. I'm pretty sure it's free but leave a few bucks for posterity of the history. A nice view of the city and the bay too.

Ever spotted these glorious ships from afar? Ever wondered what they would look like up close? As many, I had seen the ships many times but sheer curiosity stopped there. Then one day.. I decided to walk down Hyde Street after my sunny CableCar ride. The pier is free to walk on, so you can see some relics, parts of boat engines, as well as the carpenters working on restoring the latest little boats. To get on the ships... it's ONLY $5! Not even per day.. it's a 7-day pass so you can come back and admire, and look at every nook and cranny of these beauties all week. The level of restoration varies from ship to ship, with some areas fenced off for safety. Generally, I found them to be beautifully preserved/restored, and loved the informative stations located all throughout the ships complete with pictures and mini documentaries. The price is for free-roaming and if you want more, they also have organized tours. Absolutely beautiful ships, great peeps around to answer any questions you might have, and don't forget to get to the top level so you can re-create your favourite scene from the Titanic.... Don't lie, you know you want to do it.

This park is excellent for relaxing and getting some nice sunshine in the grass overlooking the water and the golden gate bridge (little far but still gorgeous). Parking is tricky, the tiny parking lot right next to the water is free for 4 hours. After than you need to move. Most is street metered parking but you can try (on weekdays) to park on the slanted Larking St (free) but you also need a bit of luck. Lots of tourists and shops to rent a bycicle there so you're pretty much set. They encourage you to bike the bridge and come back on ferry. Food is plenty, ranging from seafood restaurants (many with happy hour) to In n Out a few blocks. Excellent place to visit on your first time in SF.

I absolutely love this area of San Francisco. While I haven't actually gone to visit the museum the area directly across the street from Ghirardelli Square is just such a nice place to sit and relax whether it is on the benches or on the grass and to go further you can go to the steps and eventually to the beach. From here there is a gradual slope leading down to the water where you can see the curved pier, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge. I like this park because while you can get some good sun here it's nice and cool like the inside of a fridge at times. You can see all along Beach street and if you're going to walk along the Wharf you can cut through the park to get to Jefferson just a beat east. This park is also where the Hyde Street cable car turns and where you can travel to Market Street turn so it's easy access too. The last few times I've visited here and Ghirardelli I've actually found parking on the street nearby. Overall there are some great views to be had here and it's a nice relaxing place to sit on the benches or lie down on the grass. If you wanted to go to the water you can do that too.

A good place to know a quick history of the San Francisco Bay or simply just wanting to enjoy the outdoors, this place got it covered

We only played by the beach and it was perfect. Got to see the beautiful sky after sun set. 3-4 blocks from Pier 39. Wish it wasn't so cold. 60 d

Amazing educational place! Friendly staff and lots to learn about Pacific West National Parks. Did you know another famous quote of Mark Twain "It was the sublimest spectacle"? Beside the "Coldest winter is summer in SF"

My favorite has to be the Eureka, the last working example of a walking beam steam engine. Check out this animation of one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btw4ppmTdzY Tours of the engine room are only offered once or twice a year. I'll have to return for this particular tour.

According to the official San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park website, you can experience the "sights, sounds, smells, and stories" of maritime history. I'm a fan of alliteration, but "sailor smells" is not something I'm into ... call me weird. Don't worry about the smells. Come to enjoy the breeze and be on a boat (that's docked) because SF Maritime Park lets you walk on ... and in ... some classic ships that sailed the Pacific Ocean. Would you, could you, on a boat? * Park for Fisherman's Wharf and head to Hyde Street Pier * Cable Car or MUNI bus is probably the easiest/cheapest option * Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years) * $5 per person entrance fee or use a National Parks pass (recommended) * Children under 16 are free (when accompanied by an adult) * Prep early and be the first in your group to sing lyrics from "I'm on a boat." * The Visitor Center is at the corner of Hyde & Jefferson * The Ticket Booth is half way down Hyde Street Pier * Four boats are on the Pier for you to board and explore * 1886 triple-mast square-rigger Balclutha * 1890 sidewheel paddle steam ferryboat Eureka * 1895 wooden-hulled schooner C.A. Thayer * 1907 steam tug boat Hercules * The Maritime Museum is about a half block away * Walkways, Gardens, and a Cable Car Turnaround are part of the park * A small "beach" is popular. People actually swim from there ... brrrrrr * Hyde Street Pier was built in 1922 as a ferry point for Route 101 * Until the Golden Gate Bridge was built this was THE place to cross the bay * Bring a jacket or wear layers. The weather can get cold/windy Here are some lyrics to practice on the ride over ... (Shortayyyy) Aww sh*t Get your towels ready it's about to go down (shorty, yeah) Everybody in the place hit the f-in deck (shorty, yeah) But stay on your motherflickin toes We runnin this, let's go I'm on a boat (I'm on a boat) I'm on a boat (I'm on a boat) Everybody look at me cause I'm sailin on a boat (sailin on a boat) I'm on a boat (I'm on a boat) I'm on a boat Take a good hard look at the motherflickin boat (boat, yeah) Take a picture, trick (trick) I'm on a boat, b*tch (b*tch) We drinking Santana champ, cause it's so crisp (crisp) I got my swim trunks, and my flippie-floppies I'm flippin burgers, you at Kinko's straight flippin copies I'm on a boat and, it's goin fast and I got a nautical themed pashmina afghan I'm the king of the world, on a boat like Leo If you're on the shore, then you're sho' not me-oh {Get the f up, this boat is REAL!!!}

I bet that if my ex Internet stalks me and he happens upon my Yelp reviews that mention my love of all things boat and pirate and sailor he laughs to himself. While living on a sailboat together for six months I may or may not have thrown tantrums regarding our lack of hot water and bathroom and the use of our home as a means of entertainment for other people (sailing it). I love boats! I especially love big, old wooden boats. I like the way they smell (like the ocean and must). I like the idea that hot sailors once worked on them (maybe with their shirts off?). I like the floaty feeling you get after you hang out on a boat for a few hours. This is no laughing matter. Boats are where it's at. My love for boats started way back in the day when my 5th grade class took a field trip to the SF Maritime Park and stayed on the CA Thayer. It's been quite some times since 5th grade and I still have pretty distinct memories of the 30 or so hours we spent on the boat--singing sailing songs down in the bunks, taking the row boats around in the bay, being hoisted up the mast, getting to hang out on the deck of the boat at 3am for night watch. It was one of those educational experiences that makes kids fall in love with learning. If you are a teacher (or a parent) I highly recommend bringing your kids out for a day.

Honestly I was pretty bored. I thought I would have more fun here. But, really... you are just seeing old boats. It did not interest me at all. I like that you get the nice ocean breeze and all but, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I was like a kid in a candy store! I love Maritime History, especially if its local and a real bargin to board the ships for only $5 per adult! Located along San Francisco's northern shoreline, at Hyde Street Pier. You get to walk around and see 6 historic vessels... 1~ Alma, 1891 Scow Schooner a flat bottomed vessel. Traveled up the Delta to deliver seed, coal, oil, cloth and sewing machines! Built right in San Francisco! 2~ Balclutha, 1886 large European rigged sailing ship. The oldest. 256 feet long! 3~ Eureka, 1890 Steam Ferryboat. There are classic trucks and cars displayed on the lower deck. There's a really cool old mail truck! 4~ Eppleton Hall, 1914 steel tug boat from England. Being restored and wasn't able to board on this visit. 5~ Hercules, 1907 steam powered tug boat from New Jersey. 6~ C.A. Thayer, 1895 Three-masted schooner built in California. Carried raw materials for California's early cities in the early 1900s. Once aboard the different ships you kinda step back in time and there is artifacts, machinery, photos and documents for each to real and learn. Its a super fun place for kids as they can lean about boats and the history of them. Bathrooms are located near the front before you get to the famous Hyde Street Pier over head entrance sign. If you didn't want to drive into the City, take the Ferry from an outer city and you'll be dropped off right down the street at pier 45. A short scenic walk to the Hyde St Pier.

One of the reasons why I love San Francisco is that no matter HOW much I explore, there is ALWAYS something that surprises me. Despite the fact that I have lived in San Francisco pretty much my entire childhood and even now work in the city (though now I live in the suburbs), I've never known that there is a National Park located near the tourist area within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf. I assumed it was somewhat new, but Congress established San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park to protect and preserve America's maritime past in 1988. Yes, you read that right. 1988. After exploring the bookstore and walking the pier, I realized that I have to come back to explore the entire area some more. Who knows what else might surprise me!