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San Francisco, California / Museums

SS Jeremiah O'Brien

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is America's last operational WWII Liberty ship, a National Historic Landmark permanently moored at Pier 45 in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.

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SS Jeremiah O'Brien
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What is the SS Jeremiah O'Brien known for?

It is the last unaltered, fully operational WWII Liberty ship in existence and the sole survivor of the 6,000-ship armada that stormed Normandy on D-Day in 1944.

How much does it cost to visit?

General admission is $20. Discounted rates are available for seniors (62+) at $15, juniors (5-12) at $10, and students or veterans at $15 and $10 respectively; children ages 4 and under are free.

What are the hours?

The ship is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

What can I see and do there?

Visitors can take historic tours of virtually the entire ship, from the engine room to the flying bridge. On Steaming Weekends, the 2,500-horsepower steam engine is operated for the public, and the ship also offers Memorial Cruises and Fleet Week voyages.

Where is it located?

The ship is located in San Francisco at Pier 45 (at the foot of Taylor Street) and Pier 35 (near the intersection of Kearny St, North Point St, and The Embarcadero).

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, serving as the last unaltered Liberty Ship in existence. Launched on June 19, 1943, from the New England Shipbuilding Corporation in South Portland, Maine, this vessel was one of more than 2,700 Liberty Ships built to transport vital materials to the European and Pacific fronts during World War II. It stands as the sole survivor of the 6,000-ship armada that stormed Normandy on D-Day in 1944. Visitors can explore virtually the entire ship, from the engine room to the flying bridge. A highlight of the experience is the 2,500-horsepower triple-expansion reciprocating steam main engine, which is operated on designated Steaming Weekends, typically the third Saturday and Sunday of each month, allowing guests to see the massive engine plant in action. As a National Historic Landmark, the ship is permanently moored at Pier 45 at the foot of Taylor Street. The vessel has a storied history of seven World War II voyages, which took it to destinations including England, Northern Ireland, South America, and Australia. Today, it offers historic tours, Memorial Cruises, and Fleet Week voyages to keep its legacy alive. Beyond the ship's decks, guests can visit the on-board store to find ship-inspired apparel and exclusive memorabilia. The museum ship is generally open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, providing a detailed look at the Merchant Marine's role in the world's largest naval conflict.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for the third Saturday or Sunday of the month to see the 2,500-horsepower steam engine operating.
  • General admission is $20, but active US military in uniform can enter for free.
  • Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth on the day of your visit.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes to explore from the engine room to the flying bridge.

Nearby context

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is located at Pier 45 in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, within walking distance of the Musee Mecanique and the Boudin Bakery Flagship and Bakery Museum.

Sources

Evidence and links