San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in California.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Enjoy the Beach at Aquatic Park Cove: Enjoy the beach and calm water of Aquatic Park Cove. Swim, paddle, or play in the sand.
• Visit Hyde Street Pier and the Historic Ships: Visit Hyde Street Pier and the collection of historic ships at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
• Agents of Discovery at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: Agents of Discovery® is an educational mobile game that enables players to become a secret “Agent” and explore the Park in a fun new way. Unlock hidden geo-located challenges, solve entertaining trivia questions, and earn a prize!
• Be a Junior Ranger at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: While in the park, younger visitors can pick up a free Junior Ranger Program activity booklet at three contact stations: the Visitor Center, Maritime Museum, or the Ticket Booth on Hyde Street Pier.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Visitor Center: Open daily 10:00 am, 5:00 pm. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Getting there

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

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• San Francisco Maritime Visitor Center: Daily, 10:00AM - 5:00PM. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
• [Maritime Museum](): Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM. The Maritime Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Weather

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).

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Pinnacles, about 115 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.