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

    San Francisco Maritime

    National Historical Park California

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.

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Features

  • A historic photo of the bow section of a 19th century full-rigged sailing ship.

    The Historic Ships

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

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  • A painting of a full-rigged ship in stormy seas called LEE SHORE by W. A. Coulter. SAFR5332

    Discover Our Collections

    Discover the largest museum collection in the NPS. Extensive library, archival, small craft and object collections are available for research.

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  • A black and white photo of two boys and a dog standing on the deck of a 19th century sailing ship.

    Mascots at Sea

    Animals have always been important members of a ship's crew. Dogs, cats, parrots...but would you believe monkeys, polar bears, pigs, and goats?!

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  • Scow schooner ALMA sailing on San Francisco Bay.

    Go Sailing on San Francisco Bay

    Sail San Francisco Bay aboard the 1891 National Landmark scow schooner ALMA! Take in dazzling views and learn about California history.

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  • A bird in flight.

    Bird Walk With a Park Ranger

    Saturdays, 6/8, 7/20, 8/17 10am. Join Ranger Carol on a 90 minute easy, bird-spotting stroll around the park. All ages welcome, FREE. Hyde Street Pier

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  • A small dog standing and wearing a top hat and cape with the word MASCOT on the cape.

    Full Fathom Five

    Read the blog by Collections staff that takes you down deep in the park's library, archival, small craft, and object collections.

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  • A black-colored steam engine.

    Steam-Powered Donkey Engine Demo on the pier

    Join us on the pier as we fire-up the steam-powered DONKEY ENGINE! June 19 & 27, July 17, and August 21 from 9:30am to 3pm. Ranger talk at 11am.

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  • People on the pier enjoying a musical performance.

    Sea Music Festival

    Mark those calendars for Saturday, September 14, 2013 for a fun, music-filled day on Hyde Street Pier and the historic ships. Fun for all ages.

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  • A detail of the front of a silver pitcher with a detailed relief image of a steamship.

    "Gems" & Interesting Stories From the Collections

    Check out our "Collections Corner" for fascinating images and articles about scrimshaw, Hicks engines, Gold Rush era log books, paintings, and murals.

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Did You Know?

The Grace Quan during sea trials in 2004.

The GRACE QUAN is a replica of the type of fishing vessel used throughout the Bay Area by Chinese shrimp fishing companies between 1860 and 1910. She was built by San Francisco Maritime and California State park staff and volunteers in 2003. More...