Aquatic Park Historic District, San Francisco

Name: Aquatic Park Historic District
Address: 960 Beach St, San Francisco, 94133, United States

#29 among attractions in San Francisco

Sport venue, Sport, Park, Neighbourhood, More...

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Aquatic Park Historic District, San Francisco

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Almonroth / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Funcrunch / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Funcrunch / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Nealmueller / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Almonroth / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Almonroth / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Binksternet / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the bustling city of San Francisco, the Aquatic Park Historic District stands as a testament to the city's rich maritime history and as a haven for both sports enthusiasts and leisure seekers. This waterfront complex, situated at the northern end of the Fisherman's Wharf, offers visitors a unique blend of historical significance and recreational opportunities.

The centerpiece of the district is a horseshoe-shaped municipal pier, which provides a protective barrier for the park's serene lagoon. The lagoon itself is a popular spot for swimmers, who brave the chilly waters of the San Francisco Bay, and for rowers and paddlers who glide along its calm surface. The protected waters make it an ideal location for open water swimming and various aquatic sports, earning the venue its sport venue tag.

Surrounding the lagoon are a series of beautifully restored buildings that date back to the 1930s, including the Maritime Museum, housed in the Streamline Moderne building designed by architect William Mooser. The museum's art deco facade and nautical-themed murals, created by Hilaire Hiler, are a visual treat, and its exhibits delve into the maritime history of the Pacific Coast.

The park also features the historic Hyde Street Pier, home to a fleet of historic vessels, including the Balclutha, a square-rigged sailing ship from 1886, and the Eureka, an early 20th-century paddlewheel ferry. These ships not only serve as interactive exhibits but also provide a picturesque backdrop for the district.

For those looking to unwind, the lush green spaces and picnic areas throughout the park offer a peaceful respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, including Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a prime location for photographers and sightseers alike.

Alternative names: Elevation: 20 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°48'23"N, 122°25'26"W

Address

960 Beach StNorthwest San Francisco (Aquatic Park-Fort Mason)San Francisco 94133 United States

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Day trips

Aquatic Park Historic District – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Musee Mecanique, Bimbo's 365 Club, Lombard Street, Maritime Museum.

0.5 miNE
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
Musee Mecanique, San Francisco
13 min walk • Nestled in the picturesque Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco, Musée Mécanique is a vibrant homage to the bygone era of arcade entertainment. This interactive museum is a treasure trove of over 300 mechanical machines, ranging from 20th-century penny arcade games...
0.5 miE
Nightlife, Dancing
Bimbo's 365 Club, San Francisco
13 min walk • Step into a time capsule of glitz and glamour at Bimbo's 365 Club, a quintessential San Francisco nightlife institution. Nestled in the heart of the city's North Beach neighborhood, this storied nightclub has been a beacon of entertainment since its inception in 1931.
0.4 miSE
Street
Lombard Street, San Francisco
11 min walk • Lombard Street in San Francisco, United States, is famous for its steep, one-block section with eight hairpin turns. Touted as "the crookedest street in the world," this iconic thoroughfare is located in the city's Russian Hill neighborhood.
~300 ftE
Exhibits on the oceangoing experience
Maritime Museum, San Francisco
2 min walk • Nestled along the scenic waterfront of San Francisco, the Maritime Museum stands as a beacon of the city's rich seafaring history. Housed in an art deco building that mirrors the waves of the ocean, the museum offers a deep dive into the maritime heritage of the West...
~880 ftW
Forts and castles, Park, National park
Fort Mason, San Francisco
5 min walk • Fort Mason, in San Francisco, California originated as a coastal defense site during the American Civil War. The nucleus of the property was owned by John C. Frémont and disputes over compensation by the United States continued into 1968. In 1882 the defenses were named for Richard Barnes Mason, a military governor before statehood.
0.5 miNE
WWII submarine turned museum and memorial
USS Pampanito, San Francisco
13 min walk • USS Pampanito, a Balao-class submarine, was a United States Navy ship, the third one named for the pompano fish. She completed six war patrols from 1944 to 1945 and served as a United States Naval Reserve training ship from 1960 to 1971.
0.5 miE
Museum, Specialty museum, Game and entertainment center
The San Francisco Dungeon, San Francisco
13 min walk • The San Francisco Dungeon was a tourist attraction that recreated historical events using 360° sets, special effects, and live actors. Visitors walked through the Dungeon, and were guided through each show by professional actors. The attraction also contained a dark boat ride.
0.5 miNE
Functioning WWII-era ship and museum
SS Jeremiah O'Brien, San Francisco
12 min walk • SS Jeremiah O'Brien is a Liberty ship built during World War II and named after the American Revolutionary War ship captain Jeremiah O'Brien.
~970 ftE
Nightlife, Restaurant
Buena Vista Cafe, San Francisco
5 min walk • The Buena Vista is a café in San Francisco, California, credited with introducing Irish coffee to the United States in 1952. The Buena Vista Café originally opened in 1916 when the first floor of a boardinghouse was converted into a saloon. The current owners also operate the Trident in Sausalito.
0.5 miE
Museum, Neighbourhood, Piers and boardwalks
Wax Museum at Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco
12 min walk • The Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, was an attraction with over 270 wax figures. Originator Thomas Fong opened the museum in 1963 after seeing the wax figures at the Seattle World's Fair and it was run by the Fong Family until its closure in 2013. It has attracted over 400,000 visitors a year.
~320 ftSE
Chocolate factory turned shopping center
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco
2 min walk • Ghirardelli Square is a landmark public square with shops and restaurants and a 5-star hotel in the Marina area of San Francisco, California. A portion of the area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as Pioneer Woolen Mills and D. Ghirardelli Company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Aquatic Park Historic District?

Nearby attractions include Maritime Museum, San Francisco (2 min walk), Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco (2 min walk), Cartoon Art Museum, San Francisco (3 min walk), Corsair/Viking Sea Scout Base, San Francisco (4 min walk).

How to get to Aquatic Park Historic District by public transport?

The nearest stations to Aquatic Park Historic District:

Bus

Beach Street & Polk Street • Lines: 19 (2 min walk)
North Point Street & Polk Street • Lines: 18, 2, 24, 27, 30, 38, 38A, 4, 49, 54, 58, 72, 74, 76, 8, 91 (2 min walk)

Trolleybus

North Point Street & Polk Street • Lines: 30 (2 min walk)
Van Ness Avenue & North Point Street • Lines: 30 (3 min walk)

Tram

Hyde Street & Beach Street (5 min walk)
Hyde Street & North Point Street (6 min walk)

Ferry

Pier 41 Gate 1 • Lines: Blue & Gold Fleet (17 min walk)
Pier 41 Gate 2 • Lines: Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco Bay Ferry (18 min walk)