KING PHILIP clipper ship sailing card from circa 1860 showing wood-engraved illustration of the ship

King Philip Shipwreck

King Philip Shipwreck San Francisco: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Along the windswept sands of San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, the rare and evocative remains of the King Philip shipwreck offer a tangible window into the city’s storied maritime past. This mid-19th-century clipper ship, built in 1856 in Alna, Maine, was a vital link during the California Gold Rush and remains an enduring symbol of the city’s emergence as a West Coast metropolis. Today, the King Philip’s legacy lives on beneath Ocean Beach’s ever-shifting sands, periodically revealed by extreme low tides and winter storms.

This guide provides all the essential knowledge and practical advice needed to explore the King Philip shipwreck, including historical background, visiting information, accessibility, safety tips, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, photographer, or curious traveler, visiting the King Philip offers a memorable and educational experience. (National Park Service, The Vintage News, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park)

Sailing card for the clipper ship King Philip commanded by I. Bickford

Front page of The San Francisco Call newspaper from March 28, 1902

Introduction
Historical Context and Origins
The Shipwreck Event and Aftermath
Archaeological and Cultural Significance
Location, Accessibility, and Visiting Details
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
Safety and Visitor Etiquette
Photography and Interpretation
Environmental and Legal Protections
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
References

Historical Context and Origins

An icon of the Age of Sail, the King Philip was a full-rigged clipper ship constructed by Samuel Watts in 1856. Named after Metacomet (King Philip), the Wampanoag leader of King Philip’s War, the ship was celebrated for its speed and design. During its years of service, the King Philip transported goods and passengers around Cape Horn, playing a pivotal role in connecting East Coast trade to the burgeoning economy of Gold Rush-era San Francisco. The vessel’s presence underscores the city’s rapid transformation into a major American port during the mid-1800s. (The Vintage News)

The Shipwreck Event and Aftermath

On January 25, 1878, while being towed through the Golden Gate, the King Philip’s towline snapped, casting the ship adrift. Despite the crew’s efforts to anchor, strong currents and heavy surf drove her onto Ocean Beach. The ship was battered by waves, destroying its rudder and hull. Remarkably, all crew members survived. The remains were auctioned and salvaged, with the hull eventually buried under the sand. The King Philip would slip into obscurity, occasionally reappearing as tides and storms shifted the coastline. (The Vintage News)

Archaeological and Cultural Significance

The King Philip is the only visible 19th-century clipper shipwreck on the West Coast. Its periodic exposure offers rare opportunities for both public education and archaeological research. The shipwreck provides insight into 19th-century shipbuilding and maritime trade, and its namesake invokes deeper narratives of indigenous history and early American conflict. The King Philip is protected under federal law, and its remains serve as a multidimensional artifact—linking technological innovation with the broader sweep of American history. (The Vintage News, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park)

Location, Accessibility, and Visiting Details

Geographic Setting

The shipwreck lies on San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, near Lawton Street and the Great Highway (MapQuest). It is easily accessible from the city and offers sweeping Pacific views.

Access and Terrain

By Car: Parking is available at lots along the Great Highway, near Lawton Street and the Beach Chalet.
By Public Transport: Muni’s N Judah Metro line and bus routes 18-46th Avenue & 23-Monterey provide convenient options.
By Bicycle: The Great Highway features a multi-use path with bike racks near parking areas.

Physical Accessibility

Reaching the shipwreck requires walking over sandy, uneven beach terrain. Wheelchair-accessible areas are available on nearby promenades and parking lots, but direct access to the wreck may be limited for those with mobility challenges.

Facilities

Ocean Beach provides basic amenities, including restrooms, outdoor showers, and nearby cafes and restaurants in the Outer Sunset neighborhood.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Shipwreck Visibility

No Tickets or Fees: The site is public and free to visit.
No Official Hours: Ocean Beach is open year-round; the shipwreck is only visible during extreme low tides, especially after winter storms.
Best Times to Visit: Winter and early spring, during minus tide events. Use local tide charts (NOAA Tides & Currents) to plan your visit.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Permanent guided tours are not available, but the National Park Service and local historical groups occasionally offer special programs and educational walks when the wreck is exposed. These events provide expert insight and are announced via official websites and visitor centers.

Safety and Visitor Etiquette

Tide Awareness: Arrive early during minus tides and be vigilant of the incoming surf, which can quickly conceal the wreck.
Sandy Terrain: Soft sand and shifting conditions may be hazardous; wear sturdy shoes.
Surf Conditions: Ocean Beach can be dangerous due to strong currents—swimming is not recommended.
Legal Protections: Do not disturb, climb on, or remove any part of the wreck. The site is protected under the Abandoned Shipwreck Act.

Photography and Interpretation

The King Philip shipwreck is a striking subject for photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset. Close-up images of the weathered wood, contrasting with the vast Pacific backdrop, can be especially dramatic. Panoramic shots from elevated points near the Beach Chalet capture the wreck within its natural setting. The National Park Service occasionally installs interpretive signage during major exposures; check for updates online.

Environmental and Legal Protections

The King Philip is federal property, and removing artifacts or disturbing the site is strictly prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife habitats along Ocean Beach. (Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy)

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Cliff House: Historic site with spectacular ocean views (Cliff House).
Sutro Baths and Lands End: Ruins and scenic hiking trails.
Beach Chalet: Dining and WPA murals.
Golden Gate Park: Cultural and recreational activities nearby.

Restrooms, food, and parking are all available within walking distance of the shipwreck site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When is the King Philip Shipwreck visible?
A: Only during extreme low (minus) tides, usually in winter and early spring. Check local tide charts before visiting.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, the site is freely accessible and requires no ticket.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: While parking and nearby promenades are accessible, the sandy beach terrain to the wreck is challenging for wheelchairs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, local historical groups offer guided programs when the wreck is exposed.

Q: Can I touch or remove artifacts from the wreck?
A: No. The wreck is protected by law; disturbing or removing artifacts is prohibited.

Summary and Recommendations

The King Philip shipwreck is a rare monument to San Francisco’s maritime heritage, offering a unique, immersive historical experience with no entrance fee or restricted hours. Because the remains are only visible during rare minus tides, careful planning is crucial—consult tide charts, dress for coastal weather, and prioritize safety. Respect the site’s fragility and protections to help preserve this important cultural resource.

Enhance your visit by exploring nearby attractions like the Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and Golden Gate Park. For real-time updates, guided tour information, and in-depth content on other San Francisco historical treasures, follow the National Park Service, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and download the Audiala app.