Historic Vessels

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park maintains the largest and most diverse collection of national historic landmark ships in the United States, representing a pivotal period of maritime commerce on the West Coast as the industry shifted from sail to mechanical power. The fleet of six historic ships—five of which are national historic landmarks—represents a significant period in maritime commerce: the late 19th to mid-20th century. These ships provide a variety of opportunities to learn about maritime preservation and experience the development of trade methods and technologies in sailing ships and steam vessels.

The ships in our park's collection have been moved temporarily due to the Hyde Street Rebuild Project. They are now located at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Visitors are not currently allowed on the ships, but can view them from Mare Island. When the Hyde Street Pier rebuild is finished, the ships will be moved back to Hyde Street Pier.

 
a three-masted sailing ship is tied to a pier, with the golden gate bridge in the distance
Balclutha

The three-masted square-rigged ship built in 1886.

historic black and white photo of a large steamboat ferry
Eureka

A wooden-hulled, sidewheel paddle steamboat built in 1890.

A large black wooden ship with three masts is docked to a pier
C.A. Thayer

A wooden three-masted schooner, built in 1895.

a medium-sized steamship with large side wheels and a green hull is docked to a pier
Eppleton Hall

Steam-powered sidewheeler built in 1914.

a large sailboat sailing on choppy water with the golden gate bridge in the background.
Alma

A scow schooner built in 1891.

a large red steam tug boat is moored to a pier
Hercules

A steam-powered tug built in 1907.

Last updated: June 6, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2 Marina Boulevard,
Building E, 2nd Floor

San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415 447-5000
Visitor Center staff can be reached every day from 10 AM to 5 PM.

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