Hyde Street Pier National Park – Pier Renovation Begins – What to Know for Your SF Visit

Explore This Iconic Waterfront Landmark on a Private San Francisco Jeep Tour – Before It Temporarily Changes Course

When you visit San Francisco, you expect iconic sights: the Golden Gate Bridge, clanging cable cars, and fog-draped hills. But there’s another treasure waiting on the waterfront—Hyde Street Pier. Part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, this pier was once the bustling terminal for ferries carrying cars and passengers across the bay. Today, it’s home to one of the most unique historic ship collections in the country.

Well… it was—until recently.

As of early 2025, Hyde Street Pier is closed for renovations, and its beloved fleet of historic ships is being relocated to Mare Island in Vallejo for restoration. But don’t worry—on your San Francisco private tour, you can still learn all about the incredible legacy of this National Park site. And you’ll have a front-row seat to one of the most ambitious preservation efforts on the West Coast.

Let’s dive into why Hyde Street Pier has long been a local gem, what’s happening now, and where the historic ships are headed next.

Why Hyde Street Pier Is So Special

Located at the western edge of Fisherman’s Wharf, Hyde Street Pier has been an open-air museum of maritime history for decades. Until recently, visitors could step aboard vintage vessels from the 1800s and early 1900s, soaking up stories of the Bay Area’s seafaring roots.

It was one of the few places in the country where you could walk the deck of:

• • A three-masted square-rigger that rounded Cape Horn

  • A coal-powered steam tug that once pulled six barges at once

  • A scow schooner sailed by Chinese-American crews

  • An early ferryboat that once carried Model Ts across the bay

This hands-on, family-friendly destination made it easy to imagine San Francisco’s waterfront as it was a century ago.

Why the Ships Are Leaving Hyde Street Pier

In short: the pier is no longer safe.

The current pier structure is over 60 years old and no longer capable of safely supporting the weight of the historic ships—or the thousands of annual visitors. The National Park Service (NPS) has declared the pier structurally unsound. Some ships have already been moved, and the rest are scheduled to depart by March 2025.

This closure is part of a major preservation effort to rebuild the pier and restore the fleet. Until then, Hyde Street Pier as we know it is changing—but the story isn’t over.

Where Are the Ships Going?

The fleet is being temporarily relocated to Mare Island in Vallejo, California.

Why Mare Island?

• • It has sheltered riverfront berthing, ideal for fragile ships

  • Expert contractors and marine engineers are on site

  • It avoids the rough currents and weather of San Francisco Bay

  • The NPS secured a long-term lease for the space in August 2023

This new location provides the right tools, environment, and care to ensure these maritime icons survive for future generations.

Which Ships Are Moving—and What Work Will Be Done?

Each vessel has its own story—and its own maintenance plan at Mare Island.

Eureka (1890)

This double-ended ferryboat will receive the most extensive rehab, including:

• • Hull stabilization

  • Deck repair

  • Electrical and safety system updates

Balclutha (1886)

The iconic square-rigger that made 17 Cape Horn voyages will undergo minor repairs to ensure seaworthiness and structural safety.

C.A. Thayer (1895)

The lumber schooner will receive routine maintenance and minor structural fixes after arriving at Mare Island.

Hercules (1907)

This steam-powered tugboat will also undergo standard restoration after relocation.

Eppleton Hall (1914)

This paddlewheel tug from England will get light maintenance, making her ready for display again soon.

What’s Happening at Hyde Street Pier Now? (April 2025)

At this time, no construction or demolition has begun. The planning stage is still in progress, and no contracts have been awarded yet for the full pier replacement.

That means:

• • You can still visit the area—but you won’t be able to board the ships.

  • The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center is open inside the Argonaut Hotel.

  • The Maritime Museum at nearby Aquatic Park is also open—and worth the stop.

Visit the Nearby Attractions Instead

Even though Hyde Street Pier’s ships are gone for now, the surrounding area is still brimming with historical charm. Add these to your private small-group San Francisco Jeep Tour:

Visitor Center (Corner of Hyde & Jefferson)

Located in a historic 1908 brick warehouse, this free museum features:

• • The immersive “Walk Along the Waterfront” exhibit

  • Models, oral histories, and maritime artifacts

  • Friendly rangers happy to share stories of the pier and beyond

Maritime Museum (Aquatic Park)

Step inside a 1930s Art Deco landmark, filled with:

• • Nautical murals and period architecture

  • Exhibits on Pacific Coast steamships and shipbuilding

  • Panoramic bay views from its curved glass windows

FAQs About the Hyde Street Pier Ship Relocation

Why are the ships being moved?
The current pier is unsafe and needs to be rebuilt. The ships are being relocated to preserve them during the construction process.

When will the pier be rebuilt?
Planning is underway, but no timeline is set. The project is expected to take several years.

Where can I see the ships now?
Once moved, the ships will be housed and maintained at Mare Island in Vallejo. Public access will likely be limited during restoration.

Are the Visitor Center and Museum still open?
Yes. Both are still part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and open daily.

Can I still see the Hyde Street Pier while on a Jeep Tour?
Absolutely. We’ll drive by this iconic spot and share stories of its past—and what’s to come.

5 Fun Facts About Hyde Street Pier’s Ship Fleet

1. 1. The Eureka once ferried Model T cars across San Francisco Bay.

   2. Balclutha sailed under three national flags: British, American, and Hawaiian.

   3. C.A. Thayer helped build early California cities by hauling timber from the Pacific Northwest.

   4. Alma is the only surviving scow schooner on the West Coast.

   5. Hercules once towed six fully loaded barges using steam power alone.

See It While You Can—Before the Big Changes

Hyde Street Pier is evolving—but its legacy lives on. On a private San Francisco Jeep Tour, we’ll take you right to the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Maritime National Historical Park, where the story of San Francisco’s working waterfront continues to unfold.

Even while the ships are away, the history, views, and vibe of the pier remain worth a visit.