National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
San Francisco Maritime National Historical ParkVolunteers learning the art of going aloft on the sailing ship Balclutha.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Frequently Asked Questions
 

What is the mission of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park?
San Francisco Maritime and its partners seek to forge emotional and intellectual connections through preservation and interpretation of the resources and stories of America's maritime gateways, history, and culture, especially the development of the Pacific Coast.

How do I get to the park?
By car.  By public transportation.

Is there parking nearby?
There is no designated parking area for the park. There is metered street parking (Bring lots of quarters!), and garages and parking lots in the area that charge various prices to park ($10 to $20 per day).

How much does it cost?
A ticket is needed for entrance to the historic vessels on Hyde Street Pier. The cost is $5.00 per person and the ticket is good for seven days. Entrance to the ships is free for supervised children under 16. The ticket booth is located on the pier.

Beginning on January 4, 2009, the park is waiving adult park entrance fees on the first Sunday of each month. On that day, all park visitors can board the vessels berthed at Hyde Street Pier at no charge.

Where can I buy one of the National Park Passes?
Passes can be purchased at the ticket booth on Hyde Street Pier. Ticket booth phone number: 415-561-7151.

Where do I get my passport book stamped?
Stamps are available at the visitor center. Visitor Center phone number: 415-447-5000.

When is the park open?
The park is open daily. (Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days.) Hyde Street Pier opens at 9:30am and closes at 5:00pm. The Visitor Center ( 415-447-5000) opens at 9:30am and closes at 5:00pm. Pier and visitor center hours are extended during the summer.

Can I bring my dog to the park?
Dogs on leashes are welcome in the Aquatic Park Historic Landmark District, except they are not allowed on the beach. They are not allowed on Hyde Street Pier, or on the historic ships. Thank you for your cooperation. 


 

 

The stern of the THAYER showing two rectangular-shaped openings.  

Did You Know?
Loading ports are small, watertight doors in a ship's hull that lead directly into the hold. Lumber could be more easily loaded into the hold through these ports rather than through the smaller hatches on the deck. These ports had to be caulked shut before the ship put to sea.
more...

Last Updated: February 02, 2009 at 14:07 EST