San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park • California

The bow and masts of a 19th century sailing ship.

A red-roofed building with water and a pier behind it.

A group of vessels moored at at pier.

An open double door into a brick building.

A close up of a spar on the bow of a sailing ship.

A group of vessels moored at a pier with a rainbow.

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.

The 1886 square-rigged Balclutha is moored at Hyde Street Pier.
NPS Photo

The Maritime Museum, Aquatic Park cove, and Hyde Street Pier.
NPS Photo

A view of Hyde Street Pier, Coit Tower and downtown San Francisco.
NPS Photo

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center
NPS Photo

Balclutha's Bowsprit and Figurehead
NPS Photo

A Rainbow Adorns Hyde Street Pier
NPS Photo

People sit on a grassy lawn with Aquatic Park Cove and Balclutha in the background

Explore the cove and the historic landmarks in the park.

A park ranger at a visitor center desk points out directions on a map to two visitors

Basic Information

Find out what you need to know for a successful visit to the park.

A historical brick warehouse stands on the corner of a busy street on a sunny day.

Explore exhibits, watch the park film, or become a Junior Ranger.

a white building designed to look like an ocean liner ship near a rocky shoreline

Maritime Museum

Enjoy the vibrant murals, the maritime history exhibits, and the view of the cove from the veranda.

A restored historic sailing ship built in 1886 moored along a pier.

Discover the park's collection of historic vessels.

Volunteers in the hull of a ship

Volunteer With Us

Lend a hand as a Volunteer at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park!

Illustrated Design of the words "better Lives Bitter Lies" interwoven with the Golden Gate Bridge

Better Lives Bitter Lies

Listen to our national award-winning podcast on the social histories of San Francisco’s waterfront! Episodes here and on Apple Podcasts.

View of Hyde Street Pier and ships in the sunset

Hyde Street Pier Rebuild Project

Answers to common questions about the Hyde Street Pier reconstruction project.

Colored postcard from the 1930s showing a view of Aquatic Park Cove

History and Culture

Explore the history and culture of the park.

Close-up of a child's hands as a child uses a marker to color a piece of wood.

Find information on school field trips and teacher resources.

a row of library books on a shelf

Maritime Research Center

Access the rich sources of information about San Francisco and West Coast maritime history and culture.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Let Your Imagination Set Sail!

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2 Marina Boulevard,
Building E, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415 561-7000

Contact Us

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Oceans, Coasts & Seashores

Pacific Coast Immigration

United States Park Police

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