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San Francisco Maritime National Historical ParkAlcatraz, Hyde Street Pier and Balclutha at sunset on a stormy evening.
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Where Your Imagination Can Travel to the 19th Century

Stand on the stern of Balclutha, face west to feel the fresh wind blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history.

 
A historic, black and white photo showing a full-rigged ship (STAR OF ALASKA, also called BALCLUTHA) with sails set.

The Historic Ships

Discover the collection of historic vessels at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

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A picture of a blue cell phone with white buttons.

Audio Tour of the Park

Listen to a variety of short programs narrated by park rangers.

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Scow schooner ALMA with her sails set on San Francisco Bay.

Afternoon Sailing Adventure on the ALMA

Join a Park Ranger on a four-hour San Francisco Bay sail on the historic 60-foot scow schooner Alma.

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Black letters on a green background that say 21st annual sea music concert series.

Sea Music Concert Series

Secure your berth aboard Balclutha for one, or all three, sea music concerts happening this September, October, and November.

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Write to

San Francisco Maritime NHP
Lower Fort Mason, Bldg. E
San Francisco, CA 94123

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(415) 447-5000

Administration
(415) 561-7000

Fax

(415) 556-1624

Climate

San Francisco is located in a Mediterranean climate. The rainy season usually lasts from November to March. Rainfall is unlikely from April through October. The warmest months are usually September and October and the famous San Francisco fog begins rolling in through the Golden Gate in the spring and can persist throughout the summer months. The average annual temperature is 62.5F (16.9C). The Bay Area is known for its microclimates, which can change dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood.  
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Balclutha moored at the pier with a modern container ship passing behind her.  

Did You Know?
A modern container ship slips behind Balclutha on its way to port. Ocean routes are still the major highways of the world. Balclutha, moored at San Francisco Maritime NHP, was an ocean-going cargo ship for 43 years, between 1886 and 1929.

Last Updated: October 13, 2009 at 12:26 EST