Marina guide
San Francisco Marina Small Craft Harbor
San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA
Overview
The San Francisco Marina Small Craft Harbor sits on the city's northern waterfront beside the Marina Green and is run by San Francisco Recreation and Park. San Francisco calls it the oldest recreational marina operating in the city, and perhaps the Greater Bay Area, with roughly 35 acres of harbor and 727 berths. Two harbors make up the facility: the West Harbor, next to the Marina Green, and the East Harbor at Gashouse Cove.
Layout and who uses it
Most berths are leased to local owners, so this is mainly a home port rather than a transient stop. The Golden Gate and Angel Island are a short sail away, and the Central Bay's strong summer afternoon winds are just outside.
Visiting by boat
The harbor keeps 15 end ties for guest boats up to 90 feet. Rates are charged per foot, overnight only, and city guidance has listed $2 per foot per night from November to July and $4 per foot per night from August to October, so confirm current rates with the Harbor Office. On arrival you need proof of USCG documentation or state registration, proof of insurance and a photo ID.
Fuel and pump-outs
City Yachts operates the fuel dock in Gashouse Cove (East Harbor), selling diesel and gasoline. Two free pump-out stations run 24 hours: one in the West Harbor north of the Harbor Office and one at the Gashouse Cove fuel dock. No public launch ramp is listed for the Marina.
Good to know
The Harbor Office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Liveaboards aren't allowed.
Getting there & access
By water
Enter through the West Harbor entrance beside the Marina Green or the East Harbor at Gashouse Cove. Winds in the Central Bay build in the afternoon and strong tides run offshore, so check conditions before leaving. Call the Harbor Office at (415) 831-6322 for guest-berth directions and availability.
Guest-berth procedure
Guest berths are overnight end ties for up to 90-foot vessels. Bring proof of USCG documentation or registration, insurance and a photo ID. Check the current nightly rate with the Harbor Office before you arrive.
Fuel dock
The City Yachts fuel dock is in Gashouse Cove in the East Harbor and sells diesel and gasoline. Phone (415) 567-8880.
By road and parking
The Marina Green is at 1 Marina Green Dr. Public parking is on a first-come basis from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., while permitted tenants have striped spaces and some 24-hour exclusive spaces.
Launch ramp
No public launch ramp is listed at this harbor in the sources reviewed. Trailer boaters should check the State's boating facility listings, which include launch facilities at Pier 52 and Pier 54 on the city waterfront.
Amenities
- Guest end ties — 15 end ties for vessels up to 90 ft, overnight stays only
- Fuel dock — City Yachts, Gashouse Cove: diesel and gasoline
- Pump-out stations — Two free stations, open 24/7, in the West Harbor and at the Gashouse Cove fuel dock
- Harbor Office — Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily with duty staff after hours
- Marina Green — Waterfront park beside the harbor that hosts events such as Fleet Week and Escape From Alcatraz
- Parking — Public parking 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; striped tenant spaces
Rules & official resources
- No liveaboards are permitted in the harbor
- Commercial operations require written Harbormaster approval
- Subletting berths is against the Marina Small Craft Harbor Rules and Regulations
- Guest berths require proof of USCG documentation or registration, insurance and a photo ID on arrival
- Pump-out stations are free and available 24/7; use them rather than discharging sewage
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Bottom cleaning and antifouling
Boats kept in a slip pick up growth in the bay's nutrient-rich water, so regular diver cleaning and bottom paint protect performance.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Canvas and sail covers
Wind, fog and sun on an exposed north waterfront wear out covers, dodgers and cushions, and repairs are a steady need.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Engine service
Strong tides and afternoon wind just outside the harbor make reliable engines important, and owners often book mobile mechanics.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Marine electronics
Navigation, VHF and radar upgrades are common for boats venturing past the Golden Gate in fog.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 2, 2026