Maritime Museum of San Diego

Explore real tall ships, submarines & seafaring history at San Diego’s floating museum—where the past sails into the present! 

Why Visit?

The Maritime Museum of San Diego cruises you through an engaging journey of over 500 years of maritime history. The museum displays historical ships and submarines for visitors to have a look at and explore. The museum flaunts the precious Star of India, which is the oldest ship still afloat. 

Other worth mentioning ships with historical significance include The Berkeley, a ferry that played a pivotal role in the rescue operations during the San Francisco earthquake (1906); The Pilot, which served San Diego for the longest time. The museum also showcases a collection of sailing ships like the Californian, HMS Surprise, and steam-powered vessels such as Berkeley and Medea. 

The most fascinating of all the displays must be the USS Dolphin Submarine, which features as the deepest diving submarine in the history of the U.S Navy. Travellers can venture into this museum and observe these pieces of history, each having an individual story to share. 

The museum hosts exhibits events like cruises, concerts, and much more to dive deeper into marine history, and make for an enriching experience. Set foot on an enthralling voyage through maritime history at the Maritime History Museum of San Diego.

What to Expect

 Historic Ships & Submarines – Walk the decks of real tall ships, explore a 19th-century steam yacht, and even go inside a Russian B-39 submarine.

Interactive Exhibits – Learn about navigation, shipbuilding, and San Diego’s maritime past.

 Sailing Adventures – Book a bay cruise on the Californian (California’s official tall ship) or the Medea (a 1904 steam yacht).

 Special Events – Pirate-themed days, sunset sails, and holiday celebrations.

 Stunning Waterfront Location – Right next to the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village.

Tips for the Best Experience

1. Join a docent or guided tour since the guides share insider tales that are not mentioned on the signboards.
2. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get a parking spot.
3. Watch your head and hold onto railings while stepping aboard a ship for a cruise.
4. Check for special events like live music, themed cruises that are hosted by the museum.
5. Purchase tickets online to save time.

How to Get There

1. By train: Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or the Coaster and get off at Santa Fe Depot, from where the museum is within walking distance.
2. By trolley: Hop on the Blue or Green line to reach the County center and walk for approximately ten minutes to reach the museum.
3. By bus: Buses 992 and 215 that stop at N Harbor and India St, respectively, have close access to the museum.
4. By car: From I-5 take the airport exit and follow the signs to the museum.

Things to know about Maritime Museum of San Diego

1. Entrance fees: $24
2. Opening hours: 10am to 5pm
3. Average time to explore: 3-4 hours.