The Balclutha was first launched from the shores of Scotland in the late 19th century and was used to transport wine, coal, and manufactured goods from Europe, and to carry grain from the States.

The Eureka was also built near the turn of the century by the North Pacific Railroad Company. It was used to ferry both people and train cars across San Francisco Bay, and was later rebuilt to carry auto cars as well.

Nearby, the National Maritime Museum contains nautical exhibits, reprints of over 250,000 historic photographs, models of ships, as well as artifacts from the old whaling industry, the gold rush, and other maritime industries important to the West Coast. A special feature of the museum is a 14,000-volume library collection of maritime history. The museum looks out over San Francisco Bay, including Alcatraz Island.

What to see and do. The Balclutha, C.A Thayer, and Eureka are available for boarding; guided tours are conducted on the Hercules. You can schedule a celebration or reception for up to 250 on any one of the Balclutha's three decks. The museum can also accommodate receptions and other events: 350 guests for a stand-up function and 150 for a seated event. The museum space is available from 5 PM until midnight.

Daily events are offered with music and traditional maritime crafts. You can also watch marine life and view San Francisco Bay from the picnic area. The maritime library contains a reading room and research facilities. Call for a free copy of a quarterly calendar of events. There is no entrance fee for the museum or library; a small fee is charged for entrance to Hyde Street Pier. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. The park is at the west end of Fisherman's Wharf between Hyde and Polk streets.