San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Designation: National Historical Park

Location: California

📘 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 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

Boating
Arts and Culture
Arts and Crafts
Shopping
First Person Interpretation
Hands-On
Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Bookstore and Park Store
Boat Tour
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Boat Tour
Living History
Guided Tours
Sailing
Live Music
Craft Demonstrations
Museum Exhibits
Junior Ranger Program
Cultural Demonstrations

Topics

Arts
Industry
Animals
Laborer and Worker
Migrant Workers
Asian American Heritage
African American Heritage
Immigration
Maritime
Music
Architecture and Building
Women's History
Scenic Views
Ships and Shipwrecks
Transportation

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

Wednesday, Feb 18

Moderate rain

High: 49.6°F | Low: 37.8°F

Humidity: 79%

Wind: 18.3 mph

Rain Chance: 86%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 06:55 AM

Sunset: 05:52 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (0%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 39.8°F

Cloud Cover: 86%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Feb 19

Heavy rain

High: 51.6°F | Low: 44.1°F

Humidity: 81%

Wind: 28.2 mph

Rain Chance: 89%

UV Index: 0.6

Sunrise: 06:54 AM

Sunset: 05:53 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 44.2°F

Cloud Cover: 89%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Feb 20

Overcast

High: 49.1°F | Low: 45.1°F

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 10.1 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.6

Sunrise: 06:53 AM

Sunset: 05:54 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (7%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 42.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (4)

⚠️ High Surf Advisory (Minor)

▼

High Surf Advisory issued February 18 at 1:24AM PST until February 20 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA

Effective: Feb 18, 2026 4:24am
Expires: Feb 18, 2026 6:00pm

* WHAT...Large breaking waves of 18 to 22 feet, with continuing
increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents.

* WHERE...Pacific Coast beaches.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion can be expected. Sneaker waves can
sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people
into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Large breaking
waves can overpower swimmers resulting in significant physical
injury and increase the risk of drowning.

⚠️ Cold Weather Advisory (Moderate)

▼

Cold Weather Advisory issued February 17 at 9:15PM PST until February 18 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA

Effective: Feb 18, 2026 12:15am
Expires: Feb 18, 2026 12:00pm

* WHAT...Cold conditions with temperatures as low as 32 expected.

* WHERE...Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio,
North Bay Interior Mountains, and North Bay Interior Valleys.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive
populations such as unhoused individuals. Prolonged exposure to the
cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and
livestock. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops,
plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.

⚠️ Cold Weather Advisory (Moderate)

▼

Cold Weather Advisory issued February 17 at 9:15PM PST until February 18 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA

Effective: Feb 18, 2026 12:15am
Expires: Feb 18, 2026 12:00pm

* WHAT...Cold conditions with temperatures as low as 33 expected in
the Santa Cruz Mountains. Cold conditions with temperatures as low
as 34 expected in southern Santa Clara county and mid to upper 30s
near San Jose.

* WHERE...The Santa Cruz Mountains, and The Santa Clara Valley.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive
populations such as unhoused individuals. Prolonged exposure to the
cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and
livestock. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops,
plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.

⚠️ Wind Advisory (Moderate)

▼

Wind Advisory issued February 17 at 1:14PM PST until February 19 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA

Effective: Feb 17, 2026 4:14pm
Expires: Feb 18, 2026 7:15pm

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph
expected.

* WHERE...Sacramento Valley.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A brief lull in stronger winds is expected on
Wednesday, with another round of gusty winds late Wednesday into
Thursday.

Park Alerts

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

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

Tsunami Advisory Danger

A Tsunami Advisory has been issued. Unpredictable currents and higher than normal tides may occur in Aquatic Park Cove. Please stay away from the water, beaches, and waterways. Stay safe!

Victorian Park Closure Park Closure

On April 28, the main lawn will be fenced off for an irrigation upgrade. The grass and walkways will not be accessible for 240 days. On May 5, grassy areas between the east bleachers and Beach St will also be fenced off. Walkways will remain open.

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.

More Info

July 4th Maritime Museum Closure Park Closure

The Maritime Museum will remain closed on the July 4th holiday to increase staff presence throughout the park as needed on the busy holiday.

Sick Birds and Wildlife, H5N1 Caution

More Info

Aquatic Park Closure 8/28/25 Park Closure

Aquatic Park Cove will be closed to swimming and boating on Thursday, 8/28/25 for public safety during crane and barge operations related to transportation of Eureka to Mare Island.

Crane and Barge Operations in Aquatic Park Cove 8/25-8/27 Caution

Crane and barge operations will be staged in Aquatic Park August 25-27, 2025. Swimmers and rowers are asked to maintain situational awareness during water-based recreational activities. Please stay clear of work zones.

Municipal Pier Permanent Closure Information

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.

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.

Visiting Vessels: Use Marine Channel 72 on July 4th Information

Visiting vessels to Aquatic Park Cove are advised to use marine channel 72 on Friday, July 4th to communicate with National Park Service staff. Resume use of channel 83A on July 5th.

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.

More Info

Park Events

Waterfront Walking Tour

Join a park ranger for a guided walk around San Francisco's waterfront and learn how maritime history has shaped the city.

Meet at the San Francisco Maritime Visitor Center, located on the corner of Jefferson St and Hyde St.

Program can last between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Walking distance can vary between a quarter mile and a half mile.

Date: Jan 4, 2025 12:00am to Dec 29, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Sea Chantey Sing