Be cautious around sea lions, and dead or sick birds. If you get “bombed” by a bird, wash with soap and water immediately, monitor for signs of illness, and call your doctor. Report beached, sick or distressed wildlife to Wildlife Mortality Reporting.
Full details →+3 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
As a key part of the National Park Service in California, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers a rich combination of natural wonders and cultural history. It is a fantastic destination for families, hikers, and photographers looking to capture the authentic spirit of the region.
About San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is a national historical park located in California. San Francisco is located in a Mediterranean climate. The rainy season usually lasts from November to March. The warmest months are usually September and October. The famous San Francisco fog begins rolling in through the Golden Gate in the spring and can persist throughout the summer months. That said, the city can be foggy and windy any time of the year, so if your visit to “sunny California” includes a stop in San Francisco, bring some warm clothing. The average annual temperature is 62.5°F (16.9°C).
The park is located within the city limits of San Francisco, in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, on the shoreline of San Francisco Bay.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to San Francisco Maritime is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Live Music, and 15 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at San Francisco Maritime
🥾 Activity-Specific Gear
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for San Francisco Maritime
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of San Francisco Maritime before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 4 active alerts for San Francisco Maritime. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of San Francisco Maritime. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Our 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area in the stunning San Francisco Bay. As you explore the cove and the historic landmarks around it, you will experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the city’s seafaring past.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco Maritime
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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