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San Francisco, California / Museums

SS Jeremiah O'Brien (Liberty Ship)

Step aboard the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, the last unaltered Liberty Ship in existence and a National Historic Landmark that participated in the Normandy D-Day landings of 1944.

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SS Jeremiah O'Brien (Liberty Ship)
ssjeremiahobrien.org, og_image_ssjeremiahobrien.org

What is the SS Jeremiah O'Brien known for?

It is the last unaltered and fully operational Liberty Ship in existence and one of the last vessels that participated in the Normandy D-Day landings that still sails under its own power. It is also designated as a National Historic Landmark.

How much does it cost to visit?

General admission is $20.

What are the hours?

Dockside tours are available daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The ship is open year-round, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Where is the ship located?

The ship is located on the north end of Pier 35 in San Francisco, near the intersection of Kearny St, North Point St, and The Embarcadero.

What can I see on the ship?

Visitors can explore virtually the entire ship, from the flying bridge to the engine room, which is powered by a functioning triple-expansion steam engine.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is a living piece of maritime history and a National Historic Landmark. Launched on June 19, 1943, at the New England Shipbuilding Corporation in South Portland, Maine, this vessel is the sole survivor of the 6,000-ship armada that stormed Normandy during the D-Day landings of 1944. It remains the only Liberty ship in the world that is both completely unaltered and fully operational. Throughout World War II, the ship completed seven voyages to global destinations, including Northern Ireland, England, India, Australia, and South America. Today, it serves as a museum where visitors can explore nearly the entire vessel, from the flying bridge down to the depths of the engine room. The heart of the ship is its 2,500-horsepower, triple-expansion reciprocating steam main engine, which still functions today. Originally docked at Pier 45, the ship was relocated to the north end of Pier 35 following a four-alarm blaze on May 23, 2020, that destroyed a quarter of the structures at its former location. Now situated near the intersection of North Point St, Kearny St, and The Embarcadero, the ship continues to sail under its own power for special events. Beyond daily dockside tours, the vessel hosts unique experiences such as Fleet Week voyages and an annual Seaman’s Memorial Cruise. On designated Steaming Weekends, typically the third Saturday and Sunday of each month, the boilers are lit off so that guests can witness the massive engine plant in active operation.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for the third Saturday or Sunday of the month to see the steam engine in action during Steaming Weekends.
  • General admission for dockside tours is $20, with hours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as you will be navigating the steep ladders and metal decks of a working WWII ship.
  • Check the official calendar for the annual Seaman’s Memorial Cruise if you wish to experience the ship underway on the bay.

Nearby context

The ship is moored at the north end of Pier 35 on the San Francisco waterfront. It sits within the bustling Embarcadero area, positioned near the intersection of North Point St and Kearny St, making it an accessible stop for those walking along the city's historic shoreline.

Sources

Evidence and links