Ships and Pier

Historic Vessels

1886 square-rigger Balclutha
1895 schooner C.A. Thayer
1890 steam ferryboat Eureka
1891 scow schooner Alma
1907 steam tug Hercules
1914 paddlewheel tug Eppleton Hall

Small Craft

The Park's 100+ collection of traditional and significant Small Craft are a fine introduction to boatbuilding and the maritime trades. Peruse an article about six small craft in the collection, or experience one brave sailor's small craft odyssey on San Francisco Bay!

Programs and Activities

Participate in frequent interpretive programs like "Small Craft on Hyde Street Pier " and  "A Singing Tour of Balclutha ." Enjoy hands-on exhibits, waysides, videos and tours. Activities include: school group overnights; navigation, rigging, sea music, history and traditional sailor craft programs; boatbuilding and woodworking classes; living history; research workshops; lectures; and programs designed especially for kids.

Facilities

The Maritime Store, managed by the supporting non-profit San Francisco Maritime National Park Association, is located at the entrance to Hyde Street Pier. It offers a wide range of maritime-related books (history, fiction, technical, ocean wildlife, traditional crafts, etc.), a selection of maritime folk music, videos, games, ship plans, posters, models and other "gifts of the sea." For further information phone (415)775-BOOK.

Accessibility

A limited number of accessible parking spaces are located at the entrance to Hyde Street Pier. Hyde Street Pier is wheelchair accessible. The schooner C.A. Thayer and tugboat Hercules are not accessible at this time, however there is a video describing the Hercules on the first deck of the ferryboat Eureka (which is accessible at all but extreme tides). The square-rigger Balclutha's main deck is accessible at low-moderate tides; the captain's cabin, poop deck and lower hold are not accessible at this time. 

Special Needs

If you require assistance (sighted guide or sign language interpreter) please call (415)447-5000 in advance. 

Operating Hours/Fees

Open daily, year-round, 9:30am-5pm (October 16-May 30) and 9:30-5:30pm (Memorial Day-October 15). Pier free; boarding pass for historic vessels: $5 adults, supervised children under 16 free.

Reservations/Permits

Reservations for school groups and other educational groups should be made three weeks prior to your visit. For more information about school group visits, please click here. At least one month's notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis. For additional information concerning reservations, special use or filming permits, phone (415)447-5000.