USS Pampanito is a World War II submarine moored at Pier 45 in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. The National Historic Landmark operates as a floating museum and memorial, with a 30-minute audio tour to accompany a visit aboard.
- Location: Pier 45, in the center of Fisherman’s Wharf
- Typical hours: Open daily
- Adult admission: $25 for ages 14–61
- Tickets: Available online or at the Box Office or Visitor Center at Pier 45
Where USS Pampanito is moored
USS Pampanito (SS-383) is moored at Pier 45, in the center of Fisherman’s Wharf. The World War II Balao-class fleet submarine is operated as a floating museum and memorial by the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association.
Built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1943 and decommissioned in 1945, Pampanito made six Pacific patrols during the war. It sank six Japanese ships and damaged four others. On its third patrol, in September 1944, the submarine rescued 73 British and Australian prisoners of war from the sea and called in three other submarines to assist.
Getting to Pier 45 from La Casa Inn
Aquatic Park Historic District is about an 11-minute walk away. Pier 45 is in Fisherman’s Wharf, the waterfront neighborhood at the center of the submarine’s berth.
The surrounding waterfront also includes Aquatic Park Historic District. For a walk-focused look at that area and Fisherman’s Wharf, read the guide to Aquatic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf.
What a submarine visit involves
A visit takes you aboard the submarine, where a 30-minute audio tour accompanies the experience. Pampanito is being restored to represent its late-summer 1945 configuration. La Casa Inn is a San Francisco motel.
The boat’s wartime record gives that visit a clear historical frame: its six patrols, ship attacks and rescue of prisoners of war all took place during World War II. The San Francisco Maritime National Park Association operates the submarine as both a museum and a memorial.
Tickets, access and visitor considerations
- Ticket
- $65 for two adults and two juniors Active military with ID: $10 Children age 4 a
The San Francisco Maritime National Park Association gives admission prices by age and eligibility, and offers a family ticket. You can buy tickets online or in person at the Box Office or Visitor Center at Pier 45.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
- Adults, ages 14–61: $25
- Seniors, ages 62 and over: $20
- Juniors, ages 5–13: $15
- Students with ID: $20
- Family ticket: $65 for two adults and two juniors
- Active military with ID: $10
- Children age 4 and under: Free
- San Francisco Maritime National Park Association members: Free
The submarine is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last boarding at 5:30 p.m. For inclement-weather information and hours, call (415) 775-1943. Hours and prices can change, so check the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association’s official site before you go.
FAQs
Where is USS Pampanito?
It is moored at Pier 45, in the center of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
What time is the last boarding?
The last boarding time is 5:30 p.m. The submarine is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much are USS Pampanito tickets?
Adult admission for ages 14–61 is $25. Prices differ for other age groups, students, military visitors and members; a family ticket is also available.
Is there an audio tour?
Yes. The operator offers a 30-minute audio tour to accompany a visit aboard the submarine.