I have toured the USS Nautilus, the nuclear-powered submarine in Groton, Connecticut, and the USS Pampanito was much smaller. But walking through the Pampanito while listening to the audio narration gave me an entirely new level of respect and admiration for the men who served aboard submarines--especially during wartime. A few helpful tips before you go: * Try to visit at a less busy time. Much of the submarine is essentially single-file, so having people immediately in front of and behind you can make it feel even more confined. * If you are claustrophobic this may not be a good tour for you. * You need to be able to **climb up and down a metal ladder** to enter and exit. * Moving between compartments requires stepping through high, narrow hatchways, so you need to be able to lift your leg and foot fairly high. * Pick up the free audio-guide device, or plan to stream the tour on your phone and bring your own earbuds. The narration doesn't just explain the different compartments--you also hear the voices and stories of submariners describing what it was actually like to live aboard. * Take a picture of the 11-step audio-tour sign at the ticket/audio-guide booth before you enter. It begins with No. 1, outside facing Alcatraz: "Let's remember...Pearl Harbor."* Having a photo of the list makes it much easier to know where you are in the submarine and when to start the next narration. The Aft Torpedo Room made an immediate impression on me. There were bunks for submariners right there among the torpedoes. Imagine not simply working beside the weapons but sleeping beside them. Regarding the Crew's Berthing area, after also touring Alcatraz, I found myself thinking that some of the prisoners there seemed to have more personal sleeping space than these submariners did. Even a bunk wasn't necessarily your own; submariners on different shifts could share sleeping space as one man went on duty and another came off. The Mess Hall and Galley were among my favorite areas to see. The mess hall was impressively small for a place that had to serve as both an eating area and one of the crew's few common spaces for relaxing and playing games. I was amazed that the cook could prepare so many meals in such a tiny galley--and that provisions stored beneath the floor had to be retrieved as they were needed. The Radio Room and other workstation areas seemed to provide barely enough space to pull a chair away from a tiny desk. If you've ever complained about working in a cubicle, touring the Pampanito may make that cubicle seem positively spacious. I've now toured the USS Nautilus, the USS Midway aircraft carrier ship in San Diego, and the USS Pampanito, three very different vessels from different periods of naval history. Seeing the working and living conditions aboard them has taught me something about myself as well: I know I don't have what it takes to serve in the Navy. And knowing that has only deepened my profound respect and admiration for the people who do--and especially for the submariners who went to war inside vessels like the Pampanito, living and working for weeks in conditions that are difficult to fully appreciate until you actually climb down that ladder and walk through those narrow hatchways yourself. read more

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I went on a tour of the USS Pampanito because my fiancé wanted to go for his birthday. The fee was $25, which is ok, but for two, it adds up. It is a submarine, so it will be cramped. I didn't mind how cramped it was since I'm tiny and short, but my fiancé being 5'11 had issues and had to be careful not to bump his head. He was definitely more interested in the mechanics of the sub than the actual history. I just liked looking around and a bit of the history. I liked the mess hall and the officers living quarters. The issue I mainly had was that I got motion sickness because it is moored in the bay. So that pretty much took 1 starsoff. I wish that was a bit of a disclaimer, but my fiancé enjoyed it. I had to sit down a few times to try to get myself together. We did the audio tour, but I was being a moron and played it on speaker. Sorry! I guess during weekends there is a docent there to talk more about the history, but my fiancé being a curious engineer asked more on the logistics and design. We also went at around 4ish, so it wasn't too crowded, but a few people were in the sub. I personally wouldn't go back again unless I have a motion sickness pill. read more

We took a self-guided tour through this World War II submarine. It was fascinating to see how our soldiers lived and worked on this ship. For anyone with mobility issues, this self-guided tour would be a problem. There's climbing up and downstairs and tight areas of going through small doors. This is a good one, especially for history buffs. read more

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My first time touring a submarine! What an eye-opening, instructive and unique experience. The audio tour, full of facts and personal stories, brought the whole thing to life. I expected the physical space to be cramped, but was shocked at how unbelievably small the crew kitchen was. When the USS Pampanito was commissioned in 1943 she represented the state of the art in submarine design and construction. She made six patrols in the Pacific during WWII--sank six imperial ships and damaged four others. Did you know: Museum ships are the only museum artifacts that are regularly stored in a corrosive environment (salt water.) So every seven years the Pampanito must be dry-docked in order to inspect, paint and complete vital repairs to her hull. A costly undertaking. Now I understand the steep admission fee! If you can swing the $25, I highly recommend this experience. read more

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This is fun...submarines from WWII...I don't know how you study because it's confusing...not my priority...I had seen the submarine in Alameda..you can play with the controls and old switches..it's fun and I had not seen this submarine...I saw the one in Hawaii...there's probably so much to say..old bunk beds and quarters...steel and industrial..it's fun and I saw the submarine in Alameda 10 years ago...hope you enjoy this activity and find out more about it.. read more

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I have been wanting to visit this historic site for a number of years and finally all the pieces fell into place and five of us went a few days ago. I had never been a sub before. We took the SMART to the ferry and from there to the Ferry Building then walked to the sub, which is near Fisherman's Wharf. Only $20 for seniors. SF is beautiful. The streetcar is right there and we took that back. The Pampanito is extremely interesting and the free self-guided smartphone tour was excellent. The narrators had served on the sub during the war and the described how it was living on board with 70 other sailors. Torpedo tubes, torpedoes (hopefully made safe), deck guns, controls, enlisted men's bunks, officers bunks, the head, the galley, it's all there. How did they cook for so many in such a small galley? How did they all fit somewhere to eat? They don't want you to fool with the controls but a few needed adjustment nevertheless. It must have been very crowded when in operation but when we visited it was not crowded, there were very few people besides us. It was well ventilated and did not smell of oil or diesel or anything. There was a little motion from the waves but not much. Some of the hatches require a bit of agility to get though but they are really OK. There are not any tight spots to get through and just the ladder down at the start then another ladder up at the end. read more

Free entrance on Veteran's Day! Scenic route when one is down by fisherman's wharf and Pier. It gives people something to do while touring the area! read more

USS Pampanito - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have been wanting to tour a submarine and our trip to San Francisco had a perfect opportunity. Docked right in fisherman's wharf there is a dock that has the submarine stationed. It's costs $25 to tour. We had a reciprocal membership and were able to tour for free. I think $25 is a bit steep since the tour is only about an hour long. We got there right when they opened and there was no line. After going thru the admission booth they have a QR code for you to scan for an audio tour from your phone. The audio tour does a great job of describing each area of the sub and how it operated. There were only a handful of people on the tour the day we went so it was easy to linger and listen to the audio. If there were more people on the tour I could see how this would be a challenge and you might want ear phones as not to disturb others. Overall the audio was really informative and gave a great understanding on what the conditions were like for the crew members. They had discuss the sad reality of the submarines that did not make it back. Both educational and a symbolic remembrance of the lives lost. read more

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The USS Pampanito made six patrols in the Pacific during WWII, during which she sank six imperial ships and damaged four others. The museum opens every day and it could take twenty to thirty minutes or even longer going inside. read more

USS Pampanito - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

Must see while in San Fran! There are old US ships and even in one the Titanic scene in the bunker was filmed here! read more

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This was a different activity and I never thought I would be able to tour it until my boyfriend really pushed for it! It was interesting to see the inside of the submarine and ever more so seeing how people could live in such conditions for a long period of time! read more

Would have enjoyed the tour but $25.00 seemed to steep a price to pay. But great to see from the outside read more

The USS Pampanito is a famed submarine that was active during WW2 in the Pacific, where the war between the United States and Japan was at its all time unfortunate high. Today, it is a national museum located right in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf in beautiful San Francisco. When I took the tour, it was a life changing experience for myself. Being docked in the Bay Area since the mid 1970's, the USS Pampanito houses so much history. The tour is self guided. It is around $20 for adults and much less for children. This is definitely a family oriented landmark. The history that you're taught throughout the tour is beyond mind blowing. It does have very small and narrow hallways and many dark areas and big steps, so please be careful and keep a very watchful eye ahead of you. The mess hall, the infirmary, the bedrooms where the bunks were held, it is all just amazing to see. It takes you back to when the ship was commissioned during the war. It was an emotional tour for myself, but very informative. This is just something beyond amazing to check out if you're in the Bay Area. My deepest congrats and thank yous to all those that served. It is so worth the price. You're going to get much more than what you paid for. read more

USS Pampanito - View from the side on this cloudy of days - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

This was the best experience I have done for $25.00 but be warned not for super tall people lots of small tight places but very good walk alone tour start and end of sub and come out in front can feel Ocean movement. read more

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Hubby wanted to tour this submarine while in San Francisco. He liked it. Would recommend. Tickets were $20 per person but if you get that tourist map there is a $5 off coupon you can use. Recommend. Fun! read more

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I hadn't toured the USS Pampanito in years and wanted to show this WWII submarine to my little boy. The USS Pampanito is located on Pier 45 at the Wharf. On other tours, I'd met servicemen who were on board as docents. I thanked them for their service and they answered questions and told their stories of what it was like to live and serve on a sub during wartime. "Brave," "claustrophobic" "terrifying" and "uncomfortable" were adjectives I remembered. When we walked up to the kiosk to buy tickets, my little boy and I were greeted by an indifferent young guy who said they had no discounts when I asked if they had any for AAA or USAA. "Not anymore." I wish I'd read the sign or he would've offered if I was a member of the National Maritime Park - which I am - that I could've paid less. Call me flinty but I thought $18.50 was pretty steep for 1 adult and 1 child admission (did not include audio tour, the headsets looked nasty). So being that my little boy is 7, he raced through the submarine in 6 minutes' flat as I raced to catch up, climbing through hatches and trying to point out things that were of historical interest, "Look how close together these bunks are. They look pretty uncomfortable." "See, the tables have ledges so plates and glasses won't slide off the edge." "Wow, this is the torpedo room, do you know what a torpedo is?" (Maybe it was better he wasn't paying attention. Does a 7 year-old need to know about military weapons? Probably not.) Go on a weekend when you might be able to meet a military serviceman on board the sub. To me, listening to his stories and being able to thank an American hero were the best parts of touring the USS Pampanito. read more

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Cool! Located on Pier 45 at the Fisherman's Wharf, this World War II fleet submarine was smaller than the USS Nautilus I've visited and toured in Groton CT. This was a Groupon deal, otherwise, adult admission is $6/person and an additional $3 if you want a tour history headset. USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a National Historic Landmark. It had a colorful history of completing six patrols in the Pacific during World War II during which she sank six Imperial Japanese ships and damaged four others. Can't imagine how our seamen stayed inside underwater that long under cramped quarters. Everything was small, real estate and probably privacy, also, is very, very limited. It had sleeping cots in the torpedo room, for crying out loud. There may have been like 3 or 4 cots. Must have felt like sardines in here at the time and I'm not a very tall person. Fun trivia about the USS Pampanito is that it is the only submarine named for the pompano fish. Although, there is the USS Albacore in Portsmouth NH, which we just missed touring by one day due to scheduled annual maintenance. She was decommissioned at Mare Island on December 15, 1945. USS Pampanito earned six battle stars for World War II service. Cool museum to check out if you love history. Also, while in the control room and listening to the docent speak, I was getting a bit seasick... the waves of the ocean can be felt and was moving the submarine. Review #0299 read more

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I'm sorry fellow reviewers but I just wasn't as impressed with USS Pampanito, maybe because I didn't get the audio tour? So I might just have to see at changing that when next in Fisherman's Wharf with some free time on my hands. The Submarine is impressive in stature and inside actually kind of creepy, especially when you think of the 60-80 people sharing the tiny little living space. It's easy to see why so many crewman would go crazy! Where it was great to walk around the inside I was very disappointed to find that almost everything was locked and behind giant perspex doors / divider's, it would have been nice to explore a little more in depth. We also knew nothing of the audio tour until I got home and I saw the Yelp reviews. The guy at the ticket office could have at least told us about it as having the additional information of what we were looking at while we were walking around would have no doubt made the experience better. $12 per person fee.. I assume the audio is slightly more. read more

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I got the groupon option for this submarine and was definitely worth indulging in some history. If you are claustrophobic or easily seasick I wouldn't recommend going on this. The submarine is anchored and won't be moving around except for the waves that cradle it. It was the first time I've gotten inside a submarine and it is definitely a lot tighter than I had imagined. You could see the living spaces and the bunk beds that the crew members slept in and lived in. There are even little notes that give you little backgrounds of what you are looking at. There are also actual easter egg letters to find throughout the sub. The headphones weren't working so I wasn't able to go through the self tour with that. read more

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This awesome piece of history is hidden from view and I actually had to ask around before I found it (around the corner from the Musee Macanique--worth a look too). The USS Pampanito is a must visit if you've never been inside a submarine or are a history buff. It is incredible that people could actually live in small quarters like this (see pics). Takes about 20 minutes to walk through and for a few dollars there is an audio tour available. This is an A+ place to bring the family and friends, You will walk away learning about SF naval history. I purchased a Groupon for $10 that got me admission for two to this Historic Submarine Tour. My toddler son got in for free( kids under 6 yrs is free). Highly recommended for kids all ages (+) Parking is terrible, as it tends to be in this area (-) Great learning field trip/experience (+) read more

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Took this tour on a whim and TOTALLY worth it! This sub is permanently stationed in the water and does not actually troll around the bay, but you do have to get your sea legs situated as it does list/move with the water. I would highly recommended as this is a living piece of US history because it's an actual WW2 submarine that saw action. I was able to get a great price for a family of four using Groupon. But make sure you pay the additional small fee for the ipod headphones so you can get the guided tour with details and stories from the actual crew. The walk through will last about 45 minutes. *Just make note that since this is a submarine, the spaces are tight and would be difficult to maneuver through if your large or have difficulty walking. read more

USS Pampanito - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

U.S.S. Pampanito Short story: It's a World War II submarine turned into a floating museum. Slightly longer story: It's a really great floating museum located along Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Even longer: The USS Pampanito is a submarine that saw combat in the Second World War and survived to tell the tales. It is now moored to Pier 45 in San Francisco -- behind the Red and White Fleet, next to the Musée Mécanique located off of Embarcadero adjacent to the Fisherman's Grotto and Alioto's. The Pampanito has a great and informative tour that allows you to go into the sub. It is well-kept and an amazing part of history! For instance, you learn about submarines in general as well as the capabilities of this particular sub. You learn which about the various ships that this sub fired upon during the war. You learn why there is a broomstick attached atop the sub's mast. The tour is as long or short as you want it to be. You can tour every nook and cranny (listening to the MP3 guides) and speak with guides...or simply see what you want. TICKETS: You can visit this tour this ship for about $20 per adult, $12 for seniors, $10 for youth (ages 6-12) and FREE for children up to 5-years-old. Military active duty (by ID) are $9 but FREE if in uniform. Family tickets can be purchased at a discount: $45 for 2 adults and 4 youth. However, you can often find discounts at places like GroupOn or other discount ticket outlets. GroupOn often has two adult tickets for $13 or the Family tickets (2 adults/4 youth) for $18. PARKING: Parking anywhere along Fisherman's Wharf is hit-or-miss. There is a parking lot along Embarcadero across the street, but it is pricey and often fills up by the afternoon. Thankfully, there is ample parking elsewhere along Embarcadero (further east) -- and some with meters (that accept credit card). If you can park at a meter -- do it. It is usually less expensive (but will require a longer yet scenic walk or jumping onto a trolley). IF I DRIVE, I like to park beneath the Bay Bridge next to Pier 26 (near Red's Java House) and walk along the Embarcadero. That is a long walk (~2 miles) but allows you to visit all of the sights and sounds along the way (e.g., the Bay Bridge, the Ferry Building/Pier 1 shops and restaurants), the views from Pier 14, Justin Herman Plaza, the Exploratorium, Pier 39, etc.). You can often find a rickshaw driver if you get too tired walking. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: If you take CalTrain to the main downtown 4th and King station (the final stop), jump on the "E" (E-line) trolley on the corner of 4th and King (cost = $2.50) and it will take you directly to Fisherman's Wharf (with stops at Pier 39 or the Fisherman's Grotto). It will also take you by some great tourist sites too (like AT&T Park). read more

USS Pampanito - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

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DBF! Great to see the USS Pampanito in such good shape, and bringing the story of submarines to visitors. The boat is clean and shipshape, and the tour is really interesting! read more

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It's historic and great to see however the price point knocks this down a few stars. Not worth the price they charge. $20 for adults and $10 for kids under a certain age. read more

USS Pampanito Tour Here the USS Pampanito Submarine Tour is part of the Maritime Museums. The submarine USS Pampanito was built in 1943 in New Hampshire and was assigned to duty for WWII. Ths submarine normally carried a crew of 70 men and 10 Officers. Ever since the end of WWII the USS Pampanito was returned to San Francisco and maintained. In 1982 it was decided that the USS Pampanito would be a part of the Maritime Museum as a memorial. Since then she was revised to accommodate tours to the public. The Tour allows you to board the Submarine and you start with boarding the Main Deck. There is a Audio Tour to go along with the main tour for an extra $2.00. So from the Main Deck http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VkyaZ8AZdFd5VIFpKiREew?select=Zw33MuU3vYTi8wUSvmYF_Q you will walk towards the end of the Submarine to the main entrance to the bottom of the Submarine. There you will have deep stairs to climb down and space is very tight so you need to be careful when entering. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VkyaZ8AZdFd5VIFpKiREew?select=MhTIrFEU2BbA2xZzt5pKPQ The first room once you enter you will be the After Torpedo Room...this is where the torpedo's were fired from the rear of the Submarine. As you make your way thru the Submarine you will get to see the many rooms and tight space the men had to work with. Soon enough you will come to the Engine Room. There you can see lots of manual labor was involved in operating the Submarine. You will also get to see the Battery Room, Crew's Mess , Radio Room, Control Room and the Forward Torpedo Room. Just before you hit the Forward Torpedo Room you will see the Periscope. The Periscope was kind of hidden because the Periscope was not down...so you'll have to look up through a hatch to see the Periscope.. After the Forward Torpedo Room you will make your way up back to the top front of the Submarine. There you will get a close up of the Lookout Platform, Gun Deck (front and back). The tour was very exciting and very educational and informative. The Tour can be completed in 30 minutes. The tour is $10.00 for adults, but if you have a AAA card you can get in for $6.00. If you are a member of the Maritime Museum (which I'm thinking about signing up for) the tour is free. It is an additional $2.00 for the Audio Tour which is well worth it. It explains what you are looking at and helps you go through your tour without missing any major parts of the Submarine. The Audio Tour can also be heard on their website for free....but it's best to do the Audio Tour when you are actually on the Submarine....that way you get a complete visual and the real thing in within reach. Well worth the time and education. Think I will go back soon for more details that I may have missed or maybe take my niece and nephews there. I'm sure they will enjoy it just as much. Be careful when on the Submarine....lots of tight space, deep stairways, as you enter and exit various rooms in the submarine you will need to step over and duck under obstacles. The Submarine is docked in the waters and does rock a little. This was a fun and enjoyable tour. - 5 Stars read more

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If you love war history and naval history, this is the place for you. They are building a full museum, not yet finished that will explain the entire operation of this submarine during World War Il, used to destroy Japanese subs. Great audio tour. If you are claustrophobic, you will not want to tour below. I am not sure how those men stayed down there for as long as they did in the tight quarters. Interesting history. $20 per adult; however, they give discounts to military and free to military that are in uniform. read more

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Guys... If you are ever in San Francisco, you have to make sure you visit the USS Pampanito. It is very cool, fun and a unique experience. Adult tickets are about $12 so it's bagger all really and anyone can afford it so do it! - This sub and the guys who served aboard it are legends... The USS Pampanito (SS-383) was a World War II Balao class Fleet submarine. She made six patrols in the Pacific Ocean during WWII and, during that time, she sank six japanese ships and damaged another four. Pampanito is docked at Pier 45, which is a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf. It is a memorable experience from the moment you get on the deck to when you're navigating your way inside the sub; and you wonder: "How on earth did those guys manage to live for so long in such tight spaces?" They deserve a lot of credit, especially when you have to volunteer to serve on a sub. I also had the honour of meeting a former crew member 'Oscar Perelta' and listening to him talk about his time on Pampanito is a truly humbling experience. The USS Pampanito is a must-do in San Fran and I highly recommend it! read more

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My girlfriend and I spent a fascinating time on this historic boat. It was in a very good state of preservation and the audio tour (included in the price of admission) was highly informative, great for orientation in each compartment and quite moving. Obviously, the cramped space inside a World War II submarine is limited, so even a few fellow tourists can create choke points or force you to progress faster than you might wish. Perhaps there might be days in mid-week when you might be lucky enough to be alone or in a smaller group. Highly recommended to all History and Military/Naval Warfare buffs! read more

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If you love history, then for 6$ while you are touring in fisherman's wharf , tour this submarine..... A part of our history. A vintage US World War II sub than what I see can still sail. 4 Diesel engine is till in tack the the radio room sill works lol. It's a self tour with the option for a portable audio with the tour. We went from aft work our way the bow. We seen vintage torpedoes both sides ( I hope they are not armed lol) and man I don't know how they can survive such cramped up space .... There were bunk beds both aft and bow and on the middle I counted 12 set of 3 stack bunk beds ... That's 36 ? Wow I don't know how I would survive for months having no privacy and be in each other's neck but war is war. I'm intrigue by how they can co exist in such a cramp area. The galley and the kitchen was cramp. I can still smell the diesel and the age of the sub. Any way it's a short ... Do it your self tour and explore from top to bottom. read more

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Holy shit. Thank god this was just a straight-shot walk through of this submarine. If this tour were any longer I might have fainted in here. No joke. Thanks to my boyfriend who wanted to visit all things old and military related and to this damn submarine itself, I've diagnosed myself with claustrophobia. Prior to this, I was perfectly comfortable in being in tight spaces. I've been to Disneyland numerous times @ maximum capacity level, I;ve been to USS Midway in San Diego and I enjoyed THAT a lot. But THIS....this was another story. While walking through the dark supertightcorridor and seeing the old and smelly living quarters; all of a sudden, we heard creepy old school 30's music. Not sure exactly where, just somewhere in this submarine. Felt like I was starring in a horror movie. My initial reaction was O_O FUCK. HAUNTED. GHOSTS. SOMETHING ELSE IS IN HERE WITH US!!!!!!!! (what made it worse was we were the ONLY people on the submarine). I wanted to sock my boyfriend. The look I gave my boyfriend after we got back on land was anything cute or happy. To sum it up: NOT for people who are claustrphobic or doesn't like to be in enclosed space. OR ladies with big purses/bags because your purse will be hitting and getting in the way of everything. P.S. $8 with student ID and $12 for general admission. ugh. Could've spent that on tacky SF souvneirs or iced coffees. read more

So glad we found this hidden gem (well, it's not really THAT hidden) on the internet before heading out to SF. We opted out of the audio tour for time reasons, but if you have time to slowly make your way through the vessel, totally go for the extra $2/person to get the self-guided audio tour. We made up our own stories/ideas to go with what everything was for! SO TINY INSIDE - unbelievable that people lived and worked on these ships - INSANE -- and makes you feel so much more respect for those that serve today (and those that have served in the past). One reviewer mentioned taking some Dramamine for motion sickness before getting on board... I'm very sensitive and get motion sickness easily, and forgot the Dramamine, and was ok without it. You can definitely hear the water banging on the sides of the ship while you're in it, but the swaying isn't horrible. Overall - DO NOT PASS THIS UP! Such a cool piece of history and a very quick tour of a real-life submarine! TIP-show your AAA card for a discount on entrance fees! read more

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See a piece of history and walk them the USS Pampanito. They give you an iPod to listen to a story as you go along. The story includes different things about the crew and the layout of the sub. Very competitively priced and conveniently located. Stop on by. read more

It's a rare experience to be able to walk around inside a World War II era submarine. If you get the chance to take the tour here and see the boat, it's definitely worth it. Just taking in the environment and the history of the ship is overwhelming. I've been on another submarine museum before, but that one was locked to a dock so it couldn't move. This one is free in the water, so the boat is swaying under you as you walk through the ship, as it might have been if it were docked in a harbor / shiphouse. It gives an even more authentic experience as you walk through the tiny spaces having the floor moving around. Seeing that the "office" where all the reports were typed up was about the size of my refrigerator gave me a greater appreciation for my cube at the studio where I work. There's two toilets on the ship to serve around 80 people, two showers, which they weren't allowed to use very often in order to conserve water - made me enjoy my shower more that night. The admission & audio tour costs 11 bucks and is self guided, lasting about a half hour. We took probably closer to an hour, moving at our own pace, taking lots of photos, exploring the space. As other people have said, the audio tour is great, incorporating recordings from sailors who served on this boat. It's full of great details - you start finding out how movies are inaccurate in favor of drama - for example the sailors would mostly wear tshirts, shorts and flip flops when out at sea because the ships were too hot. They'd pack up their uniforms and never wear them on missions. If you're one of those people that detests war and just likes to be mad at everything, then maybe this is not for you. If you can appreciate history, the era, the technology with which this was built, and most importantly the men who served on it, then by all means, check it out. read more

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I enjoy learning about WWII history and is an honor to board this living history. To see this beautiful submarines with all it's machinery. A lot of people in San Francisco bay don't have a clue of how important the bay area was during WWII and I hope this gives you a small clue of the roles our city played. TIp: If you have an Ipod you can download the walking tour prior to visiting the pompanito and save yourself the audio tour charge read more

The last time my hubby and I visited the USS Pampanito was pre-kid, so at least 11 years have gone by. This is a fascinating WWII era diesel submarine. It's a wonderful step back in time and gives one a new sense of perspective and appreciation for soldiers during WWII (and any era). Even if you're not a fan of military (kind of a borderline peacenik hippie, like me) you will still have a great appreciation of the mechanical aspects and the personal sacrifice by submariners. Note: if you're motion sensitive, you will be rocking with the movement of the tide of wake of other passing vessels so if you're prone to motion sickness take a Dramamine in advance. Likewise there are tight spaces, but if you aren't debilitatingly claustrophobic, you should deffo go on this tour! Just an hour below gives you a taste of what it would be like to be under water for 75 days. Gives the Wrigley Field moniker "The friendly confines" a whole new meaning! Great for adults and kids alike! read more

We had an 18.00 groupon for a family of four to tour the Pampanito. Our 11 year old was super excited. The sub was amazing and it was neat to see a WW2 sub like the one my grandpa was on. He always said there was a multi step procedure for using the toilet and I can see why :) We were bummed that our price did not include the Ipods that gave an explanation of everything. It would have made it even more meaningful. We regret not paying extra for one of us to have one. We are a family on a budget and would not have been able to afford the tour without the Groupon. Still, we left with a heightened sense of appreciation for all those who served. read more

USS Pampanito - Inside. My 11 year old history buff loved it. - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's bigger inside than I would expect! Been wanting to come here for a year or so. Student discount! Get the audio tour if you want to learn something. Otherwise expect a quick walk through which can be easily done under half hour. A volunteer docent was there to explain the ship on the day i was there. He only volunteers twice a month but I am very touched to see someone who is so passionate about such a service. Good people out there. read more

Beautifully preserved piece of maritime and military history right in our backyard! We took a tour (booked on Sosh) tonight after the museum closed, and it was really entertaining, fascinating, and humbling. Tour guides included 2 submariner veterans and a historian. They told us great tales about the submarine, and included mechanical facts, funny and frightening stories about her 6 war patrols. They let us play with the 40mm deck gun, and sound the dive alarm! It felt like being on a fun school field trip. Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious spread of wine, cheese, and snacks. What a wonderful time! read more

USS Pampanito - Nighttime tour with wine - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very interesting place, you should take the audio tour when you enter as well. Seamen who served on the submarine describes a lot of situations and explains much about the ship etc. It took us about 1 hour to get though the submarine. Here the prices: Self-guided tour, $2.00 Adults, $10.00 Children ages 6-12, $4.00 Children under 6 are free with an adult Senior Citizens (over 62), $6.00 Active Duty Military with current ID, $4.00 Family ticket for $20 which admits two adults and up to four children under 18. HNSA, CAMM members are free. read more

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Loved it. Enjoyed every aspect! You check in, tour the ship by starting from the inside of the back and make your way up to the front of the ship. There were probably 10+ tiny doors you go thru each time you pass an area (ie. Sleeping rooms, eating area, missile area, etc) and was worried we won't get. We are 230 pounds each . Lol. Thank you for preserving the beauty of the ship. #SFGoCard to save money on attractions. read more

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