Sometimes Referred To As The San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park
San Francisco Maritime Museum, Maritime Museum ships, the San Francisco museum - all the best of maritime history.
This park is made up of three things:
The San Francisco Maritime Museum - right next to The Argonaut Hotel
Hyde Street Pier (Pier 41)
Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building - looks like a cruise ship but it's a building.
I think parts of this park are one of the best San Francisco attractions. It has the most centrally located beach of all the San Francisco beaches – Aquatic Park right in the middle of it.
I recommend staying at the Argonaut Hotel San Francisco because it is located right across the street. And . . . if you didn’t know San Francisco beaches existed and the San Francisco weather forecast is warm and sunny then you just might find yourself enjoying a picnic lunch and a great novel!
San Francisco Maritime Museum - Old Name
Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building
This building has recently changed names and now has beautiful murals in it and a clean fresh look to it.
Murals Inside The Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building
In October 2009 they were just finishing up the last touches on the brand new murals.
Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building
Views From The Back of the Bathhouse
The views from the back of this building are wonderful. If it’s a rainy or cold day this is a nice sheltered place to take in the sweeping vistas of the San Francisco Bay.
Splashing On Aquatic Park Beach
Notice in this picture that the kids are not in the water very far – San Francisco Bay is a cool 56 degrees – brrr!
Alcatraz Swimmers Finishing Up At Aquatic Beach
One Saturday I took this picture while some Alcatraz swimmers were just finishing up their 3-hour swim around Alcatraz Prison.
Take A Maritime Museum Photo
SF Maritime Museum
It is part of the historic brick cannery warehouse which is home of the Argonaut Hotel San Francisco. The exhibits tell the stories of waterfront workers and those who worked at sea. To be honest - I wasn't particularly impressed with this San Francisco museum but it is free and worth a few minutes of your time. I think you can find a better museum of maritimne history in other cities. Luckily, there are many other San Francisco museums worth your time.
The hours are typically 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with additional summer hours. There is no admission fee. Contact them at 415-447-5000.
A Great Place To Rest Your Feet And Have Lunch
Aquatic Park National Maritime Park
This park is located at the end of Jefferson Street and where Hyde and Jefferson Streets connect. Just steps away is the Powell and Hyde Cable Car Turnaround, the Hyde Street Pier and the Argonaut Hotel San Francisco.
Hyde Street Pier
This pier is found at the corner of Jefferson and Hyde Streets. It has some maritime museum ships such as historic sailing and steam vessels.
Admission to the pier is free but there is an admission fee to board the ships.
As you can see there is a lot to do around the park. The Hyde Street Pier and the Bathhouse are the better part of these museums San Francisco. Enjoy your day.
