Maritime Museum of San Diego

Walk along downtown San Diego’s waterfront, and you’ll see one of the city’s most well-known attractions — the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego – where a fleet of historic vessels and exhibits await. This Museum is nontraditional with the experience found throughout an iconic collection of ships, nesting exhibits and galleries, with the magnificent Star of India, an 1863 iron bark, as the main draw.

The Museum’s collection includes the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley; the topsail schooner Californian; the USS Dolphin, an American research submarine; the 1904 steam yacht Medea; a Vietnam Era PCF 816 Swift boat; and the Navy frigate replica H.M.S. Surprise (featured in the popular films “Master and Commander” and “Pirates of the Caribbean 4.”) The most recent fleet addition is the 16^th-century galleon San Salvador, a replica of the first European ship to reach America’s West Coast in 1542.

Visitors not only explore the decks of these world-class vessels via self-guided or docent-led tours, but experience firsthand the thrills of sailing on them too. Four-hour excursions include the tall-ship adventure aboard the schooner Californian, a traditionally rigged tall ship. Haul a line, man the helm and end the day with a cannon salute. Embark upon another half-day sail aboard the 16th-century Spanish galleon San Salvador. The majestic ship was hand-built by Museum staff and volunteers, and made possible by generous supporters and donors over many years and launched in 2015.

Shorter adventures include a 45-minute narrated harbor cruise aboard the Pilot, an assistance craft for commercial ships first launched in 1914. If you’re lucky, the boat will take you right under the flight deck of the awe-inspiring aircraft carrier USS Midway nearby. Also enjoy a 75-minute Docent Veteran volunteer-narrated Naval History Bay tour, describing the region’s strong ties with the U.S. Navy and PCF 816 Swift boat’s role in the U.S., Malta, Vietnam and more. Each of the bay tours can be added to general admission.

Book any of these on-the-water adventures online at http://www.sdmaritime.org/  or walk up to the waterfront ticket booth and ask about availability.

Aside from unforgettable tours, the Museum also features fascinating maritime-themed exhibits and hosts popular events such as exquisite Hausmann Quartet concerts, hilarious interactive pirate theatrics in ‘BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure,” Big Bay Boom (Independence Day) fireworks dinner and the holiday San Diego Bay Parade of Lights dinner aboard the Berkeley, as well as Living History educational programs for K-12 students. Visitors also shouldn’t miss the Museum’s world-renowned research library for members as well as a retail shop with lots of souvenirs, historic and academic books or memorabilia.

Getting married? Having a party? The venue is available for weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, retirement celebrations and children’s pirate-themed birthdays! Sailing charters, or a celebration of life through the scattering of ashes at sea can also be arranged by the Museum’s event planners.

From fascinating exhibits and family-friendly bayside events to ocean-going fun on world-class vessels, the Maritime Museum of San Diego offers adventure for both landlubbers and seafarers. The iconic venue at 1492 North Harbor Drive is open year round 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with last visitor entry at 4 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.sdmaritime.org or call (619) 234-9153.

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• $3 Off General Admission

  

  

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