• A section of the bowsprint and figurehead on the bow of BALCLUTHA.

    San Francisco Maritime

    National Historical Park California

Outdoor Activities

  • Visit the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier (park map)
  • Walk to the end of the pier for a spectacular view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Join a ranger or docent on a walking tour of the pier
  • Stop by the Small Boat Shop on Hyde Street Pier and talk to the boatbuilders
  • Check the activity board near the ticket booth on Hyde Street Pier for scheduled programs or call the visitor center, 415-447-5000.
  • Join a ranger-led tour of the ships
  • Join in on a sail raise on the sailing ship Balclutha
  • Learn what a capstan is and how to use it
  • Have a picnic on the lawn overlooking the Aquatic Park lagoon
  • Walk out on Municipal Pier and see what fish are being caught
  • Take a self-guided walking tour (Download the booklet.)
  • Pick up a free Junior Ranger Program activity booklet at the ticket booth on Hyde Street Pier or at the Visitor Center, do the activities, and earn a badge
  • Dig in the sand at Aquatic park beach
  • Get up a little bit early and join a Park Ranger to look for birds around Hyde Street Pier
 
  • Get a list of the 10 most common birds at the park Get a list of the 10 most common birds at the park

    Impress your friends by knowing the names, and a fun fact, by using this check list! Read More

  • Redesigning the Waterfront Redesigning the Waterfront

    A self-guided walking tour Read More

  • The Maritime News The Maritime News

    Includes listings of park programs and events Read More

Did You Know?

Golden wheat growing on stalks.

Wheat -- California's other Gold Rush. The discovery of gold in 1848 brought sudden wealth and population growth to San Francisco. But wheat, California's golden grain, and first major export product, established San Francisco Bay as a port for world trade. More...