History & Culture

Maritime Heritage: The Story of San Francisco’s Waterfront

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park showcases the maritime history of the Pacific Coast through its people, places, and collections. Discover the stories of sailors and waterfront workers who shaped the culture of San Francisco’s bay. Explore historic buildings along the waterfront and engage with the park's extensive collection of preserved vessels, artifacts, and archives. Learn about ongoing preservation projects that protect these treasures, and explore research articles that highlight the park’s rich maritime heritage.

Through preservation and interpretation of historic ships, extensive museum collections, traditional maritime skills, and its San Francisco Bay setting, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park brings America’s maritime legacy to life and promotes the understanding and enjoyment of the nation’s West Coast maritime heritage.

 

People

Meet some of the sailors and other waterfront characters who lived and worked around the San Francisco Bay.

Places

Explore historic buildings and location along the waterfront

Collections

Discover the fleet of historic vessels, small craft collection and the park's archives and research library

Stories

Discover tales of struggle and daring on the high seas and along the waters and sloughs of San Francisco Bay.

Preservation

Learn about restoration and preservation projects in the park.

Research

Explore articles written by rangers about the resources in the park