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Take Me to the Water

Explore the stories of Black mariners whose lives and work helped shape the Pacific world.

500 years of Black Mariner legacies in whaling, fishing, surfing, swimming, sailing, exploration, and defense shaping the U.S. Pacific.

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Now Open

Included with General Admission

Experience 500 Years of Seafaring History.

Explore historic ships, bay tours, and one of the top waterfront attractions in San Diego.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is widely considered one of the top things to do in San Diego, renowned for its excellence in restoring and operating historic vessels, including the world’s oldest active sailing 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!

Special Events

Experience exciting events all year long!

Throughout the year, the museum hosts a rotating lineup of special events—from concerts and themed experiences to exclusive exhibits—offering something new to discover year-round.

Special Events

  • Fourth of July fireworks over San Diego Bay from the Maritime Museum waterfront.
    July 4th Fireworks

    4th of July Celebration

    Celebrate the Fourth of July aboard historic ships and waterfront venues with live entertainment, food, bars, and front-row views of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom fireworks.

  • Three costumed pirates posing on San Salvador with San Diego Bay in the background.
    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 June 13th.

  • Father’s Day beer toast over San Diego Bay with boats
    Celebrate Dad

    Fresh air, ocean views, and a day for Dad

    Celebrate Dad with historic ships, a complimentary craft beer, and a bonus on-the-water tour—all included with General Admission. Sunday June 21st.

  • 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 3rd.

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

    Overnight Adventure Aboard Star of India

    Stay overnight on the historic 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. July 25th

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.

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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

Discover More at the Museum

Programs, partnerships, news, and unique experiences—worth discovering.

FILM & MEDIA

Seen in Major Productions

Authentic historic ships for film, television, and commercial production—available in San Diego and on location.

Explore Filming →

San Diego • On Location

Filming aboard historic ships