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Experience 500 Years of Seafaring History.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is renowned for its excellence in restoring and operating historic vessels, including the world’s oldest active ship, Star of India. With one of the finest collections of historic ships and exhibits available for public tours, it’s been named one of the top three maritime museums globally. A must-see for your bucket list!

Sail crew climbing the mast of Star of India

Special Events

Experience exciting events all year long!

Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of special events, including concerts, themed cruises, and exclusive exhibits. Some events occur just once a year, while others are offered multiple times, providing unique experiences for visitors year-round.

Special Events

  • Star of India with family and crew at helm.
    Family Overnight

    Star of India Family Overnight Experience

    Stay overnight on the 1863 tall ship Star of India at the Maritime Museum. Families join the crew in costume for hands-on sailing tasks, stories, and historic accommodations. Next overnight July 25th.

  • Sailor Days

    Summertime Sailor Days

    Sailor Days offers family-friendly maritime adventures every Tuesday and Wednesday this summer—free with general admission.

  • Actors dressed as pirates engaging with guests aboard the San Salvador during the 'Boarded!' adventure.
    Boarded!

    Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure

    Join a 90-minute pirate adventure, where guests train as crew, learn pirate skills, and take part in an interactive show. Next show October 11th.

  • Hausmann

    Experience live music on the bay!

    Enjoy Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime, a quarterly concert series aboard the historic 1898 steam ferry Berkeley. Next concert September 14th.

Things to Do

Craving adventure on the water?

Enhance your visit with a Harbor Cruise on Pilot, or a Naval History Tour on the Swift Boat, or a unforgettable sailing experiences, aboard San Salvador or Californian.

On the Water Adventures

  • The Californian, California's official state tall ship, sailing with crew and passengers participating.
    Californian

    Tall Ship Adventure Aboard Californian

    Embark on a four-hour adventure aboard Californian, the Official Tall Ship of California, where you can join the crew, haul lines, and experience sailing history firsthand.

  • The 1914 Pilot boat offering a 45-minute historic bay cruise with passengers on deck.
    Pilot

    Historic Bay Cruises Aboard Pilot

    Step aboard Pilot, a 1914 San Diego-built vessel, for a unique 45-minute historic bay cruise and explore the rich maritime history of San Diego Bay.

  • The Swift Boat PCF-816 cruising through San Diego Bay during a naval history tour.
    Swift Boat

    Swift Boat Naval History Tour

    Take a high-speed Swift Boat Naval History Tour aboard PCF-816, the only active passenger Swift Boat, and cruise past San Diego’s naval landmarks.

  • The San Salvador, a replica 16th-century galleon, sailing with full sails on open water. Nice view of the sails from the main deck while underway aboard San Salvador.
    San Salvador

    San Salvador Sailing Adventure

    Experience a 4-hour adventure aboard the historic San Salvador, a magnificent replica 16th-century galleon, and feel the wind in the sails on the open water.

Things to See

Included with General Admission

Your General Admission includes access to a world-class collection of historic ships, including Star of India, HMS Surprise, and San Salvador, along with engaging maritime exhibits that bring seafaring history to life. Docent-led and group tours are also available for a deeper exploration of maritime heritage.

General Admission

  • Maritime Museum of San Diego ships under sail. Left to right, Californian, Star of India, and San Salvador.
    The Ships

    Step Aboard the Past

    Step aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic fleet and explore legendary sailing ships, steam-powered vessels, and iconic maritime history.

  • Picture of an old time steam ship telegraph. Telegraph is used for relaying messages from the captain to the engine room. Some of the telegraph commands, stop, slow, half, full, both ahead and astern. Steam ships don't typically have gearboxes, the engines are capable of running both directions.
    Exhibits

    Exploring the Wonders of Maritime History

    Explore maritime history through diverse exhibits, showcasing maritime heritage and artistry.

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