SS Jeremiah O'Brien

Such an amazing experience. I was shocked how much of the ship we were able to see for a great price. Staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about the ships history. There are so many incredible things to see once inside. Take your time and get the full experience, you won't want to miss anything.

Lovingly maintained by a corps of enthusiastic and caring volunteers, the Jeremiah O’Brien is a treasure of America’s finest hour, when democracy-loving Americans worked together to use America’s wealth of resources to save Europe and the world from fascism. America made a massive amount of these vessels, and they turned the tide of the war. The Jeremiah O’Brien is one of only two remaining Liberty ships in the entire United States (the other one is in Baltimore, Maryland). (If you’re going to tour a liberty ship, the Jeremiah O’Brien is the one that’s best set up for public tours - the SS John Brown on the east coast is a little more out of the way.) As this is an original world war two vessel that still works and actually sails under its own power with its original engine, boarding and touring it requires the ability to climb and descend stairwells, some of them narrow and steep. Take care and hold on to the rails. Closed-toed, flat shoes are recommended. The upper decks are relatively clean, and you can visit the flying bridge and the bridge. You can also check out the weaponry used for defense. If you go to the engine room, there is a small chance you may get oil or grease on your clothing as the machinery is all still operable and the vessel goes out for cruises several days a year. If you are really interested in history and visiting San Francisco for several days, consider calling ahead to see which days volunteers are working aboard if you want to be able to ask more questions and see more of the ship. Our kid *loved* the ship, but if you do bring children, you’ll have to keep a close eye on them as this is an actual ship, and one crewed by volunteers. The Jeremiah O’Brien is an amazing piece of American history to share with the next generation. Special thanks to the crew of the Jeremiah O’Brien for making our visit so special. We are thankful for the work they do to keep this proud history alive.

Such a great experience!! Highly recommend this (even over Alcatraz!). My husband and I loved this. We went on a Thursday when there was an engineer there which means we got to go in the engine room. Such a cool thing. It is still a functioning steam boat that takes roughly two cruises a year. We hope to fly in and go on one of the cruises!

This is one of the only two surviving Liberty ships. It might not look fancy as Battleship or Aircraft Carrier Museum but this ship is still alive and can sail on its own. Unlike other ships, you can actually feel how sailors would’ve done daily routines abroad her. There is an upcoming cruise for May 30th, 2026.

Great experience! We went there on a weekend and it was not crowded like places near by. The volunteers were very friendly and answered my questions in detail. The whole ship is preserved and maintained very well. You can even play with the anti-aircraft gun in the front of the ship!

If you are a ww2 fan or a ship fan. This is a must see. This ww2 ship is in original state en you can walk true the whole ship incl the engine room One of the best things i did in my life 👌👌👌👌👌

10 out of 10 An amazingly well preserved liberty ship. You get access to the boilers, the bridge, and the cargo hold. Lots to see and volunteers all over to answer your questions.

We went to see the USS Jeremiah O'Brien on Saturday July 4th 2026. I have to say all of the volunteers that work and assist the public are outstanding. They are all very personable, friendly, knowledgeable, and kind it makes the visit even more pleasurable. We were there on the 4th of July however, I am going back for one of the 3 different excursions you and take. This ship is in working condition and you can take a trip around the bay. I highly recommend this be on your "To Do List" when visiting the city.