San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Things To Do Near San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

You will have a fascinating adventure at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Take of tour of their fleet of historic ships and explore the museum. Check out the Maritime Voices series, where you will hear stories about the maritime park told by park rangers. Staying in an RV means you can stay nearby and take your time exploring the area without worrying about check-out times.

Hiking Trails

• Presidio Ecology Trail

  The Presidio Ecology Trail is an easy path that leads from Arguello Gate to the Presidio’s Main Post. You can park at the Presidio golf course parking lot and walk across the road to get to the trailhead. You will be able to take a little detour to Inspiration Point for stunning views of the Bay and Alcatraz. There are many diverse habitats on this trail as well, where you can see serpentine grasslands, redwoods, Monterey pine, and cypress. You will may also spot small critters like hummingbirds and butterflies.

  Location

  103 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129

  Length

  1.7 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Lover’s Lane Trail

  Lover’s Lane Trail is located near the Presidio in San Francisco. If you love nature, the outdoors, art, and history, this is the perfect trail to explore. This is the oldest footpath through the Presidio and was used by Spanish soldiers and missionaries to get to Mission Dolores. Enjoy a nice walk, some bird-watching, and just a little daydreaming.

  Location

  Lovers Lane, San Francisco, CA 94129

  Length

  0.6 miles

  Intensity

  Easy to Moderate

• Bay Area Ridge Trail

  The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a popular spot where you can take a nature trip to enjoy the wildlife and bird-watching. There are a few historical sites along the way that offer interesting information about the area. Enjoy the lovely scenery as you walk, especially as you wander along the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

  Location

  103 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129

  Length

  1.7 miles

  Intensity

  Easy to Moderate

Sightseeing

• Golden Gate Bridge

  The Golden Gate Bridge is a treasure of San Francisco, attracting more than 10 million visitors a year. This suspension bridge connecting Marin County with downtown San Francisco features 746-foot-tall towers and sweeping main cables. The bridge has inspired paintings, photography, and romance novels. It can be viewed and photographed from the Marin Headlands above, the rest area at one end of the bridge, a ferry under the bridge, or various points throughout the city. 

  Location

  Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129

• Alcatraz Island

  Alcatraz Island is located 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco and is a popular spot to visit, either by taking a ferry around the island or by getting off the boat for a tour. On the island, you will find a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a prison. Go to Pier 33 and purchase tickets to ride the boat over to the island. Once you land, you get an orientation and then ride a tram up to the Cell House. From there, you can explore. Be sure to bring good walking shoes and a jacket as the trails can be steep. 

  Location

  San Francisco, CA 94133

• Coit Tower

  Coit Tower is a 210-foot tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood that provides panoramic views of the city and the bay. The tower is in Pioneer Park and was built between 1932 and 1933. On the ground floor are a history museum and 10-foot-tall murals. 

  Location

  1 Telegraph Hill Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94133

Museums

• Maritime Museum

  The Maritime Museum is located in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building and is a showcase for a collection of art from 1930. There are dazzling murals on the walls and collections with over 35,000 items. This interesting museum is dedicated to preserving local maritime history. You can also enjoy a gorgeous view of the bay in the outdoor area. 

  Location

  900 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

• San Francisco Cable Car Museum

  The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a free museum in the Nob Hill neighborhood of town. It features a collection of historic cable cars, mechanical displays, and photographs. You can also learn all about the history of cable cars, including the inventory, technological advances, and builders who constructed them. The museum provides information on recent efforts to save and rebuild these historic cars as well. 

  Location

  1201 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop

  If you love chocolate, visit the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. The quality chocolate is world-renowned and the store is housed in a former chocolate factory near Fisherman’s Wharf. Ghirardelli Square dates back to 1864 to a factory owned by Domingo Ghirardelli, San Francisco’s original chocolatier. 

  Location

  900 North Point Street, Suite F301, San Francisco, CA 94109

• Pier 39

  Pier 39 is a fun shopping center right on the water in San Francisco. There are a variety of shops, a video arcade, the Aquarium of the Bay, and street performances. Check out the virtual 3D rides and views of the California sea lions on the marina. Get a souvenir at the Alcatraz gift shop. Bow Wow & Kitty Too is a fun gift shop here, and you can check out the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant during your visit. 

  Location

  The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133

• Blue Mermaid Restaurant

  The Blue Mermaid Restaurant is a popular spot known for its chowder and stylish nautical décor. You can enjoy the oceanfront ambiance with sights and sounds from the waterfronts. They feature steamed mussels and classic cioppino, and their cuisine is paired with your choice of microbrews, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails. 

  Location

  471 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

• Buena Vista

  The Buena Vista has been open since 1916 and serves a signature Irish coffee. Their menu includes a variety of items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy eggs benedict, a patty melt, or corned beef and cabbage. They offer great desserts as well. 

  Location

  2765 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

How To Get To San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

To get to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park from Interstate 5, exit onto I-505 South. Follow the interstate to Vacaville and take Exit 1A onto I-80. Turn right at Emeryville and continue onto I-80. Take Exit 2C to Folsom Street. Merge onto Fremont Street. Continue onto Front Street, turn right on Kearny Street, and then turn left onto Columbus Avenue. Finally, take a left onto Beech Street, which will take you to the park. 

Address

499 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

Fee: Entry fee (per person) $15.0

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates the maritime history of the Bay Area. You can explore the collection of ships and the museum and hear stories from the past. You will also find a vast amount of other fun activities in the Bay Area. Traveling by RV means you can comfortably move around the city and see what it has to offer while having a comfortable spot for breaks. Learn about the history the museum is preserving and relish the beauty that the area offers now.