San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
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San Francisco Maritime at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Maritime Voices Cell Phone Audio Tour
- Nearby city
- San Francisco, CA
Explore this park
About San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
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
- 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).
Operating Hours
Visitor Center
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.
- Monday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday10:00AM - 5:00PM
Maritime Museum
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.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Saturday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sunday10:00AM - 4:00PM
Historic Ships at Mare Island Vallejo
The historic ships are berthed temporarily at the Mare Island Coal Sheds and can be seen from the Coal Sheds promenade. The ships come and go, depending on their maintenance schedules. The ships are not yet open to the public. Access will be based on staff availability and the condition of the ships.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- ThursdayClosed
- FridayClosed
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Research Center
The Maritime Research Center is open Tuesday through Friday by appointment only. Contact our Reference Library (415) 561-7030 to make an appointment, for assistance with your research, or for more information. Appointment availability is subject to staffing levels and may be available during the hours listed. The Research Center is located at 2 Marina Blvd. (Fort Mason Center), Bldg. E, 3rd floor.
- Monday1:00PM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday1:00PM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday1:00PM - 5:00PM
- Thursday1:00PM - 5:00PM
- Friday1:00PM - 5:00PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Hyde Street Pier
Hyde Street Pier is closed indefinitely.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- ThursdayClosed
- FridayClosed
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Common questions
Planning San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 3 reservation types on the Permits tab, including San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park Tours and Streamlines and Stories: A Historical Passage Through the Aquatic Park Bathhouse. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
