Permits & Reservations

 

Special Use Permits

As a unit of the National Park Service, San Francisco Maritime NHP must balance preserving the resources with allowing for a variety of visitor uses. While several types of activities such as weddings, filming, and swim events are allowed in the park, many uses are prohibited.

Permit Application Process:

• Read through the Special Use Permit Rules and Information below.

• Complete a Special Use Permit Application or a Special Use Permit for Filming/Still Photography Application

• Send in your application to the park's Special Use Permit Office by email.

• After your application is reviewed, a permit specialist will contact you to discuss your event proposal. Please note that 21 business days is the minimum amount of time required for processing most permit applications, and applications for large or complex activities may take longer.

• Note: Submitting an application does NOT mean your permit request has been approved.

The Office of Special Park Uses will consider multiple criteria while reviewing your application, including whether or not there is a meaningful association between the park and the event, and how the event contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park.

For more information, please contact the Office of Special Park Uses by email or call [phone].

 

Special Use Permit Rules and Information

Read through the general rules and information about Special Use Permits in the park before submitting your applicaiton.

General Rules

• Submission of an application does not guarantee permit approval.

• Additional documents may be required for complex events.

• All advertising, branding, and signs on site must be approved by NPS prior to your event.

• Signs cannot be more than 30% advertising.

• ‘All events require at least 1 monitor for the duration of the event including all load-in and load-out times. As the size and complexity of the event increase additional monitors will be required. Monitors are billed at $90/hour/monitor.’

• We only allow 4 large events in Aquatic Park cove each year.

• A date and location can be held up to one year in advance with an application and application fee.

• Not all events will be granted exclusive use of an area.

• Your event and materials must provide Universal Access.

• Sound cannot exceed 85db.

• Unmanned aircraft (drones) regardless of whether the operation is for recreational, hobby, business, or commercial purposes, is not allowed, and will not be permitted.

Holidays and other event black-out dates exist. Please contact the permit office concerning availability.

Filming and Photography

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Occurs in areas open to the public;

  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;

  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;

  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

First Amendment Permits

• Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. People may exercise these rights peacefully in national parks, but the National Park Service retains as its highest priority the protection of park visitors and resources. Therefore, the National Park Service requires a permit for most First Amendment activities in order to establish the location, time, number of participants, and other general conditions under which such events may occur. The content of First Amendment activities is not regulated, and the opinions expressed by permittees do not necessarily reflect the vision, mission and/or policy of the National Park Service.

• A permit is required for First Amendment activities that meet any of the following criteria:

  • Groups larger than 25 participants

  • Utilizes significant equipment including generators, platforms, tents, etc.

  • Would like a guarantee of priority use of a specific location

  • Is requesting an area not otherwise open to the public

• A group of 25 people or less is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if they do not meet the criteria above, but they are encouraged to get one as a permit will prevent another group from reserving the area.

• Examples of First Amendment Activities:

  • Religious services

  • Political speeches

  • Press conferences

  • Voter registration

  • Public demonstration, picketing, assembly or rally expressing opinions and views

• Type of Activities Not Covered by the First Amendment:

  • Church picnic or social gathering

  • Wedding ceremonies or receptions

  • Political fundraiser or other invitation-only political activity or event

  • Solicitation of donations

  • Community parades, athletics, or sporting events

• First Amendment permits are issued at no cost to the permittee. Many of the activities not covered by the First Amendment can be accommodated through a Special Use Permit for which cost recovery will be charged.

 

Short-Term Leasing (Event Rentals) at the Aquatic Park Bathhouse

The park manages events at the Aquatic Park Bathhouse (currently the Maritime Museum) through Short-Term Leases, which require a different application process from typical Special Use Permits. The Aquatic Park Bathhouse is available for private events when not open to the public.

Visit our Short Term Lease page to complete your application to use the Aquatic Park Bathhouse for your next private event.

 

Reservations for Schools and Educational Groups

Reservations for school and educational groups must be made at least two weeks prior to your visit. Please email e-mail us for inquiries and reservations or visit our Education page for more information.

 

Anchor Permits

San Francsico offers unique overnight stays for visitors with boating vessels. Enjoy the beautiful views, nearby destinations, and maritime history from Aquatic Park Cove. Boaters can reserve an anchor permit for Aquatic Park Cove through Recreation.gov. For more information on anchoring overnight in Aquatic Park Cove, visit our Anchor Permits page.