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

    San Francisco Maritime

    National Historical Park California

Things To Do

Enjoy hands-on exhibits, information panels throughout the park and ships, videos, and tours.

Participate in park ranger-led interpretive programs such as "Animals of Hyde Street Pier," "Birds of the Bay," "Historic Waterfront Walking Tour," and a tour below decks of the Eureka ferryboat. Observe and join in on sail demonstrations aboard the Balclutha, including setting the staysail.

Other activities include:

Monthly sea chantey sing-a-long aboard one of the historic ships

 Sea music concerts on the historic ships during the fall

Go sailing on scow schooner Alma

Living history players

Lectures in the library

Programs designed especially for kids

Programs about lighthouses and lifesaving conducted in the Visitor Center

Films in the Visitor Center

Small craft collection tour

Guided historic waterfront walking tour

For more information, call the Visitor Center, 415-447-5000.

 
  • Snowy egret and kids enjoying the beach.
    Around the Park
    22 Photos

  • The Maritime News The Maritime News

    Includes listings of park programs and events. Read More

  • Schedule Of Upcoming Park Events Schedule Of Upcoming Park Events

    Link to a schedule of park events Read More

  • Sea Music Festival Sea Music Festival

    Join us on Hyde Street Pier, Saturday, September 14, 2013 for a day filled with music of the sea. Read More

  • Listen to the Maritime Voices audio tours Listen to the Maritime Voices audio tours

    use your phone as a portal to maritime history Read More

Did You Know?

A white marking painted on the port side of Balclutha with letters and lines.

This "Plimsoll Mark" is painted on the port side of Balclutha and named for Samuel Plimsoll, an Englishman who fought to pass the Merchant Shipping Act of 1876. Before this law, many ships were dangerously overloaded and many sank. These “coffin ships” claimed the lives of many sailors. More...