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San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Designation: National Historical Park

Location: California

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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.

🌤 Weather Information

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).

🚗 Directions

The park is located within the city limits of San Francisco, in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, on the shoreline of San Francisco Bay.

Images

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo

A group of vessels moored at at pier.

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

Credit: NPS Photo

An open double door into a brick building.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center

Credit: NPS Photo

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

Balclutha's Bowsprit and Figurehead

Credit: NPS Photo

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

A Rainbow Adorns Hyde Street Pier

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Sep 29

Sunny

Sunny

High: 63.8°F | Low: 57.8°F

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 11.2 mph

Rain Chance: 8%

UV Index: 6.3

Sunrise: 07:03 AM

Sunset: 06:56 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (84%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 56.2°F

Cloud Cover: 8%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Sep 30

Sunny

Sunny

High: 66.5°F | Low: 57.3°F

Humidity: 80%

Wind: 10.1 mph

Rain Chance: 11%

UV Index: 6.4

Sunrise: 07:04 AM

Sunset: 06:54 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (75%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 57.5°F

Cloud Cover: 11%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Oct 1

Sunny

Sunny

High: 66.1°F | Low: 57°F

Humidity: 80%

Wind: 11 mph

Rain Chance: 20%

UV Index: 6.3

Sunrise: 07:05 AM

Sunset: 06:53 PM

Moon: Last Quarter (66%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 57°F

Cloud Cover: 20%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Coastal Flood Advisory (Minor)
▼

Coastal Flood Advisory issued September 28 at 9:16PM PDT until October 1 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA

Effective: Sep 29, 2026 12:16am
Expires: Sep 29, 2026 6:00pm

* WHAT...Up to 1.2 ft of inundation above ground level is
possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal
waterways.

* WHERE...Bayshore locations along the San Francisco Bay, San
Pablo Bay, and Monterey Bay.

* WHEN...Now through 5 PM PDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected. High tides will result in
flooding along coastal trails, cut off access to some low-
lying beaches and coastal areas, and bring water and waves
farther up the beach than typical.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide
is expected to be 1.2 ft above normal (7.01 ft MLLW) at 1:30 PM
Tuesday 9/29, 1.2 ft above normal (7.03 ft MLLW) at 2:10 PM
Wednesday 9/30, and 1.1 ft above normal (6.92 ft MLLW) at 2:58
PM Thursday 10/01. These predictions include up to 0.7 ft of
surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding
threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along
the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay,
respectively.

Park Alerts

Hyde Street Pier Closure Park Closure
Hyde Street Pier and access to historic ships will be closed to public until further notice starting 11/04/2024 in preparation for Hyde Street Pier renovation work. Limited public access to the ships is available on Saturdays and Sundays at Mare Island.

More Info

Beach closure alert. Annual sand relocation at Aquatic Park Beach. Information
From Monday, March 23, through Thursday, March 26, Aquatic Park Beach will be closed to the public from 7 AM to 5 PM. Heavy machinery will be operating on the beach during that time for the annual relocation of sand from east to west. This helps keep sand from migrating onto Jefferson St, the Promenade, and the Victorian Park lawn. Visitation to the beach is not permitted during these hours. Parking on Jefferson St will be impacted as well. Please plan accordingly.

More Info

Sick Birds and Wildlife, H5N1 Caution
Be cautious around sea lions, and dead or sick birds. If you get “bombed” by a bird, wash with soap and water immediately, monitor for signs of illness, and call your doctor. Report beached, sick or distressed wildlife to Wildlife Mortality Reporting.

More Info

Temporary Closure of Aquatic Park Cove for Bathymetry Survey Caution
On Thursday, July 16, 2026 starting at 8:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., Aquatic Park Cove will be closed for a bathymetry survey. Swim lanes will also be closed to ensure safety. The temporary cove closure is favorable with the tides and is necessary for safety due to overlap with public use. The survey will provide valuable data for a more accurate understanding of Aquatic Park Cove’s underwater topography in inform future planning. One 24 ft survey vessel will be in the cove and spotters will monitor.

More Info

Municipal Pier Permanent Closure Information
Municipal Pier is closed permanently. After a safety review with the U.S. Public Health Service, it was determined that the deterioration of Municipal Pier in Aquatic Park Cove is unsafe for public use.

More Info

Parking Closed on Jefferson Street February 4-5 Park Closure
To improve pedestrian experience and visitor safety, the park will be conducting an asphalt sealcoating project on February 4th and 5th, which will close parking on Jefferson Street temporarily during the project dates. Visitors should plan ahead and use alternative parking areas as posted. During active work, access to areas may be restricted. Obey all signs, detours and directions from staff for your safety. This work will enhance walking surfaces, improve traction, and extend the life of the pavement.
Temporary Closure Aquatic Park Cove Due to Dock Work Caution
Starting at 7:00am May 4, Aquatic Park Cove will be temporarily closed in order to remove aging and unsafe structures at the end of Hyde Street Pier. Operations will occur on the water over 2-3 days. During this time, the east side of Hyde Street Pier will be closed to swimming and rowing to accommodate removal activities and ensure safe working conditions. Swimmers and rowers may continue recreational use of the area west of Hyde Street Pier in Aquatic Park Cove, which will remain open.

More Info

Replace Bocce Ball Court Retaining Wall Information
Project work begins on Monday, February 9 to replace the bocce ball 50-foot retaining wall in order to improve existing infrastructure and enhance visitor safety. Several parking spots on lower Van Ness will be fenced off and the bocce ball court will not be accessible for the duration of the project, slated through August 2026. Please be aware of machinery, work, and signs.
Asphalt Sealcoating in Victorian Park Information
An Asphalt Sealcoating project will take place in Victorian Park on 3/16/26 and 3/17/26. Access to areas of Victorian park will be impacted. Parking on Jefferson St. within park boundaries will be closed due to project work.
Aquatic Park Bathhouse Elevator Out of Service Information
The elevator in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse is currently out of service. Repairs will take roughly 3-4 weeks. The second and third floors may be used for access during operating hours.

More Info

Park Events

Sea Chantey Sing

The Chantey Sing event is for anyone who enjoys singing or taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join.

Sea Chanteys are held on the first Saturday of every month on the third floor of the Maritime Museum. 

Location: Maritime Museum, Third Floor 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing

The Chantey Sing event is for anyone who enjoys singing or taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join.

Sea Chanteys are held on the first Saturday of every month on the third floor of the Maritime Museum. 

Location: Maritime Museum, Third Floor 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Date: Feb 7, 2026 12:00am to Feb 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing

The Chantey Sing event is for anyone who enjoys singing or taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join.

Sea Chanteys are held on the first Saturday of every month in the Maritime Museum. 

Location: Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing

The Chantey Sing event is for anyone who enjoys singing or taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join.

Sea Chanteys are held on the first Saturday of every month in the Maritime Museum. 

Location: Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Date: Apr 4, 2026 12:00am to Apr 4, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing at Mare Island
Join us for a Mare Island Chantey Sing on Saturday, April 18, from 12-4 PM.   There will be two gathering places for singing - on C.A. Thayer in the below deck hold and in the historic Coal Sheds. Instruments are encouraged in the Coal Shed location, amateurs welcome!   Come enjoy the sound of historic chanteys and the community that comes with it.   Bring sunscreen, sun protection, and water due to warm weather.

Location: 860 Nimitz Ave. Vallejo, CA. 94592

Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing

The Chantey Sing event is for anyone who enjoys singing or taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join.

Sea Chanteys are held on the first Saturday of every month in the Maritime Museum. 

Location: Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Date: May 2, 2026 12:00am to May 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing at Mare Island
Join us for a Mare Island Chantey Sing on Saturday, April 18, from 12-4 PM.   There will be two gathering places for singing - on C.A. Thayer in the below deck hold and in the historic Coal Sheds. Instruments are encouraged in the Coal Shed location, amateurs welcome!   Come enjoy the sound of historic chanteys and the community that comes with it.   Bring sunscreen, sun protection, and water due to warm weather.

Location: 860 Nimitz Ave. Vallejo, CA. 94592

Date: May 16, 2026 12:00am to May 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing

The Chantey Sing event is for anyone who enjoys singing or taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join.

Sea Chanteys are held on the first Saturday of every month in the Maritime Museum. 

Location: Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Date: Jun 6, 2026 12:00am to Jun 6, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing at Mare Island
Join us for a Mare Island Chantey Sing on Saturday from 12-4 PM.   There will be two gathering places for singing - on C.A. Thayer in the below deck hold and in the historic Coal Sheds. Instruments are encouraged in the Coal Shed location, amateurs welcome!   Come enjoy the sound of historic chanteys and the community that comes with it.   Bring sunscreen, sun protection, and water due to warm weather.

Location: 860 Nimitz Ave. Vallejo, CA. 94592

Date: Jun 20, 2026 12:00am to Jun 20, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing

The Chantey Sing event is for anyone who enjoys singing or taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join.

Sea Chanteys are held on the first Saturday of every month in the Maritime Museum. 

Location: Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
2905 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

🏤 Mailing Address:
2 Marina Boulevard,
Building E, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94123

📞 Voice Phone: 4154475000

✉️ Email: ronald_robles@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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