Seasonal Public Events at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Seasonal events not currently up for purchase.
2021 In Review
2021 in Review
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Privacy Policy for Tour App
Privacy policy
This privacy policy ("Policy") describes how Maritime Museum Association of San Diego ("Maritime Museum Association of San Diego", "we", "us" or "our") collects, protects and uses the...
Visit
Visit
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General Admission
General Admission
Explore the museum:
Open daily 10am to 5pm
The entry gate closes daily at 4:00 pm, visitors already at the museum can stay until the final 5 pm shutdown.
General Admission ticket good all day, walk-up tickets...
Group Tours
Group Tours
Docent Led, Adult Groups 10+
The Maritime Museum of San Diego has designed this guided tour for community groups, or groups traveling to the region for conferences and meetings (for example.) Guided tours are led by trained and...
Group Rates – Day Sail Experience
Group Rates – Adventure Sail – Californian & San Salvador Day Sail Experience.
Click here to download, Group Sales Sheet
Email Rebecca Saikowski, or Call for a Reservation.
(619) 234-9153 ext. 129
Public Events
Current and Upcoming Public Events at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure
Pirate-Themed BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure
Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure presented by San Diego Pirate Adventures. These popular 90-minute performances are staged aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s 16th century Spanish galleon San S...
Parade of Lights
Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Dinner at Maritime Museum of San Diego
2024 Parade Theme: Peace on Earth
December 8th & 15th
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition hosted by the local boating community....
Tim Flannery & The Lunatic Fringe
Tim Flannery & The Lunatic Fringe (with special guests) Perform At Maritime Museum Of San Diego
“Flan” Returns Saturday, December 21 aboard Star of India
The beloved former San Diego Padres player, MLB broadcaster, and show ann...
Guided Docent Led Tours
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
Guided Docent Led Tours at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is your opportunity to learn of the ships in-depth stories from our trained knowledgeable historians, and enjoy the waterfront sights...
VIP Private Tour
2 Hour VIP Private Tours
Step aboard the Star of India and our fleet of historic vessels on a captivating VIP Docent Guided Experience. Behind the scenes two-hour tours from 10:30 to 12:30 on most weekdays. (excludes K-12 school groups, summer...
EarthCam
EarthCam from atop Berkeley smoke stack
Enjoy other views from, EarthCam Network - California
On the Water Adventures
On the Water Adventures at the Maritime Museum of San Diego
Looking for on the water adventure? We have that covered. Enjoy one of our many exciting options to feed your adventurous side.
General Sail Day info - What to bring on a...
Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure
BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure presented by San Diego Pirate Adventures
These popular 90-minute performances are staged aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s 16th century Spanish galleon San Salvador . Guests will be fully engaged in pirate t...
Historic Bay Cruises Aboard Pilot
Unique 45 minute Historic Bay Cruise aboard the 1914 Pilot.
PILOT - Enjoy a narrated bay cruise aboard the oldest active pilot boat in the country! Launched in 1914 to her removal from regular service in 1996, Pilot enjoyed an active career...
Tall Ship Adventure Aboard Californian
Tall Ship Adventure Aboard Californian
Tall Ship Adventure is a four-hour adventure history sail aboard the schooner Californian .
The Californian is a replica of a gold rush era revenue cutter and the Official Tall Ship of the State...
Swift Boat Naval History Tour
Swift Boat Naval History Tour
Take a High-Speed Bay Tour Aboard a Legendary Swift Boat PCF-816 (Patrol Craft Fast)
Includes Maritime Museum General Admission
Be a part of history, ride the only active passenger carrying Swift...
San Salvador Sailing Adventure
San Salvador Sailing Adventure
A 4 hour San Diego day sail
The San Salvador is a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542.
These 4 hour Sailing Adventures are for...
Exhibits
Exhibits at the Maritime Museum of San Diego
Visiting & Permanent Exhibits included with museum admission.
Art Of Navigation
Included with Maritime Museum of San Diego General Admission
Treasured Tools. Refined Resources. Turning Intellect, Math, Nature & Science into Beauty.
S.T.E.A.M. of the Early Days
Art of Navigation draws upon some of the finest...
Celebrating The Sea
New Sea-Centric Art Exhibit Reveals Maritime Museum's Hidden Treasures
Now Open in the Compass Gallery, ferryboat Berkeley
Exhibit included with general admission.
Curated by Museum Librarian, Kevin Sheehan, Ph.D.
The Maritime Museum...
Model Gallery
Features Model Making Legends, Exquisite Representations, Illustrations, Maritime Fine Art
Model Gallery exhibit is located in a newly created visitor annex on the aft-end of the 1898 Victorian-era steam ferryboat Berkeley .
The Maritime...
To The Brink Of War
To The Brink Of War Exhibit is preserved as the film,
The Man Who Saved The World
Produced by the Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Man Who Saved The World is a depiction of a moment in the Cold War when the world came frighteningly...
Charting The Sea
Technology and History of Navigation
Charting the Sea covers two major eras of Pacific maritime history; the Age of Exploration and the Age of Science . San Diego, once an object of European discovery, is now a hub for expeditions into the depths ...
Age of Sail
All the technology of the age of sailing and explorers
Exhibits aboard the 1863 bark Star of India place her in context as an example of the final and highest technology of the Age of Sail. Visual and hands-on displays show visitors how ships are...
Age Of Steam
The world at the time of steam power
The Age of Steam exhibit incorporates many features of the Ferryboat Berkeley . She was part of the technological revolution of steam power, which enabled the world's commerce to be transacted on precise timetables...
Harvesting The Ocean
San Diego area commercial fishing
Harvesting the Ocean chronicles the growth and subsequent decline of commercial fishing out of San Diego. This Maritime Museum exhibit profiles the technology and the people who built an industry that once made San...
San Diego's Navy
History of the Naval Presence in San Diego
San Diego's Navy is the only exhibit depicting the remarkable history of the United States Navy in San Diego. From the visit of the "Great White Fleet" over 100 years ago, when the harbor was too shallow...
The Ships
Walk the decks of historic ships
The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s experience includes a walking ship tour clearly marked to comply with social distancing guidelines. Tours take guests back in time as they stroll the upper decks of the h...
Californian
The Official Tall Ship of the State of California
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Californian
Californian was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay. She was launched with great fanfare...
HMS Surprise
A Detailed Re-Creation Of A 24-Gun British Frigate.
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HMS Surprise
The ship now known as HMS Surprise began life in 1970 as a replica of the 18th century Royal Navy frigate Rose. During...
PCF 816 Swift Boat
In Honor Of Those Who Served. In Remembrance Of The Shared Swift Boat History.
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Mark ll Patrol Craft Fast Swift Boat
A Swift Boat at the Maritime Museum of San Diego!
The U.S....
San Diego Harbor Pilot Boat
Nearly A Century As San Diego Harbor's Main Pilot Craft.
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1914 Pilot Boat
From her launching in 1914 to her removal from regular service in 1996, the Pilot enjoyed an active career...
San Salvador
San Salvador
THE FIRST EUROPEAN VESSEL TO REACH AMERICA'S WEST COAST
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About
The San Salvador under the command of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, arrived at the port we now...
Star of India
Step Aboard The World's Oldest Active Sailing Ship.
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Star of India
The world's oldest active sailing ship. She began her life on the stocks at Ramsey Shipyard in the Isle of Man in...
Steam Ferry Berkeley
An 1898 Steam Ferryboat From San Francisco Bay
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Berkeley
The Berkeley is an 1898 steam ferryboat that operated for 60 years on San Francisco Bay. A California State Historic Landmark,...
Steam Yacht Medea
A Century Old And Built Of Oak, Teak And Steel.
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Medea
Named after a Greek mythological figure, the Medea has a past almost as colorful as her namesake. Originally, the steam yacht was...
USS Dolphin
The Deepest-Diving Submarine Ever.
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555 USS Dolphin
The deepest diving submarine in the world, Dolphin is responsible for many "firsts", but is not primarily associated with any...
General Museum Information
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Location, Hours, Contact Us.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is located on Harbor Drive near the corner of Ash Street just a few blocks West of interstate 5. From interstate...
Host Your Event
Hosting Your Event
Host your next event with the world famous Maritime Museum of San Diego. A spectacular waterfront location on beautiful San Diego Bay.
Pirate Parties, San Diego Weddings, Corporate Events, Sailing Charters, Team Building...
Corporate Meetings & Receptions
Top Conference Networking and Social Event Venue
We are San Diego's best location for corporate receptions, meetings and private events. Each historic vessel offers a distinct platform for your next gathering.
The National Historic Landmark,...
Weddings and Receptions
Extraordinarily Elegant San Diego Waterfront Weddings and Receptions
One of the Best Wedding Venues in San Diego
The lovely 1898 Berkeley ferryboat , gracing San Diego Bay with her turn-of-the-century charm and ambiance, is available for...
Charters, Team Building, and Theme Parties
Charters, Team Building, & Theme Parties
Ignite the adventure in your team with a Charter, Team Building Event, or a Theme Party.
From a large affair to an intimate gathering, our knowledgeable event planners will ensure that everything...
Pirate Parties for Kids
To book your party, contact our Special Events Team:
• 30 day advance notice
• 30 kid limit for parties
Burials at Sea - Scattering of Ashes
Scattering of Ashes -
An At-Sea Memorial Service Or A Celebration of Life
A burial at sea ceremony may also celebrate the recognition that like life, all bodies of water flow together, connect, and will unite on this earth so that ultimately,...
Media & Filming
Commercial Film Production and Photography Aboard Our Fleet of Historic Ships
The Maritime Museum of San Diego provides an extraordinary location for motion picture, television production and still photography.
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Education
Maritime Museum of San Diego Education Programs
Explore the great age of sail and steam on San Diego's downtown waterfront. At the Maritime Museum, children relive history and learn about the science of the sea. Our ships and collections represent...
Adventure
Adventure - Call for program availability
Explore and gain an understanding of marine-related opportunities through hands-on activities at our Museum. Dockside and on the water programs can be tailored to your schedule and age group, so you have some...
Living History
Living History
Maritime Museum of San Diego’s award-winning living history programs are designed as a hands-on exploration of history, literature and group problem solving.
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Music
Here you will find MP3s and lyrics of historical music and sea chanteys that correspond with each of our Living History programs. These songs have been preserved for historical accuracy — therefore, some will contain concepts and views which do...
Science
Science
Maritime Museum of San Diego science programs teach children the wonders of the maritime environment.
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4th and 5th Grade - Economy...
School and Youth Tours
Educational Tours For Youth And School Groups
Explore the museum with our talented education staff.
Experience includes a 1.5 hour walking touring of five historic vessels. Tour can be tailored to fit grade level and curriculum needs, minimum...
Scouts
Welcome. We offer a variety of dockside and sailing programs at the Maritime Museum for Scouting and other youth organizations. While some of our programs may be designed for specific scouting requirements, all programs can be tailored to your...
Video and Digital
Teacher Lesson Plan Resources
E X P L O R E
Video and Digital
Teacher Lesson Plan Resources - EXPLORE
Thank you for your interest in Maritime Museum of San Diego’s EXPLORE video and digital teacher lesson plan resources. To share your comments and experience using these free virtual t...
Publications
Maritime Museum of San Diego Publications
The Maritime Museum of San Diego has a rich history of maritime publications.
Mains'l Haul published since 1964
Full & By, our quarterly members newsletter.
Euterpe Times, newsletters...
Mains'l Haul
Mains'l Haul
A Journal of Pacific Maritime History
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Published since 1964, Mains'l Haul is the only peer-reviewed North American journal devoted to the Pacific's maritime heritage....
Full & By
Full & By
Full & By, a newsletter of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Full & By is a term describing a sailing vessel when all sails are drawing full and the course steered is as close to the eye of the wind as possible....
Euterpe Times
Euterpe Times
Euterpe Times was a creation of our sail crew member Brad Holderman, with contributions by Bert Creighton and others. It was conceived as a way of connecting our sail crew with happenings at the Museum and around the world...
Library and Research
Library and Research
The collection is housed aboard the Berkeley .
Conserved aboard the historic ferry Berkeley , the library, archives, and objects collections specialize in the story of human interaction with the sea, particularly in the...
Library and Archives
Library and Archives
In addition to 8,000 historic postcards, the library and archives contain over 18,000 photographs, 12,500 slides, 600 nautical charts, 100 journal and magazine sets, and also ship's logs, documents, ephemera, film, video, ...
Archives
Archives
The following represents a small portion of our scholarly resources and archival holdings. Please follow the links under "Archives" to view the finding aids.
The Euterpe Star Of India Index
The Euterpe Star Of India Index
The following indices provide details on all known passengers, officers, crew, and fishermen associated with the Euterpe and Star of India up until her retirement by the Alaska Packers.
These indices were compiled...
Euterpe Star Of India Original Documents Collection
Euterpe Star Of India Original Documents Collection
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Processed by Joseph Cottingham
Descriptive Summary
Creators: Lloyds Register of Shipping, Alaska Packers Association, United States Department...
Charles Sweet Collection
Charles Sweet Collection
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Processed by Astrid Rodgers
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-3309
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Fax: (619) 234-8345
E-mail: librarian@sdmaritime.org...
Shirley Wilson Collection
Shirley Wilson Collection
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Processed by Christian Dato and Jennifer Edwards
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-3309
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Fax: (619) 234-8345
E-mail:...
U.S.S San Diego (CL-53)
U.S.S San Diego (CL-53)
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Processed by Jennifer Edwards
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-3309
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Fax: (619) 234-8345
E-mail: librarian@sdmaritime.org...
U.S.S. Bennington (PG-4)
The Burke Everett Bodwell Sr Collection U.S.S. Bennington (PG-4)
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Processed by Joseph Cottingham
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-3309
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Fax:...
Kettenburg Collection
Kettenburg Collection
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Processed by Joseph Cottingham
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-3309
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Fax: (619) 234-8345
E-mail: librarian@sdmaritime.org...
The Scrapbook Collection
The Scrapbook Collection
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Fred Nelson Scrapbook
Processed by Joseph Cottingham
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-3309
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Fax: (619) 234-8345
E-mail:...
Historical Maritime Documents Collection
Historical Maritime Documents Collection
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Processed by Joseph Cottingham
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-3309
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Fax: (619) 234-8345
E-mail:...
Historical Newspaper And Poster Collection
Historical Newspaper And Poster Collection
MacMullen Library & Research Archives
Processed by Joseph Cottingham
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-3309
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Fax: (619) 234-8345
E-mail:...
Walter E Hadsell Collection
Walter E. Hadsell Collection
What is the W.E. Hadsell Collection?
An extensive collection of photographic negatives produced by the studio of W.E. Hadsell was donated to the Maritime Museum of San Diego in 2008. The negatives were individually...
Research and Reproduction
Research and Reproduction
The privileges of checking out books, ships' plans, and audio-visual materials in the lending collection are reserved primarily for Maritime Museum members. Our collections are open to the public for research by appointment. P...
Library Donations
Library Donations To The Museum
The library gladly accepts donated items that conform to the scope and content of the Maritime Museum of San Diego's guidelines for collections. When determined to be of value to the collection, these items are incorporated ...
Volunteers and Interns
Volunteers and Interns
The collections and curatorial departments of the Maritime Museum of San Diego actively encourage the work of volunteers and interns in assisting the museum to fulfill its goal of collecting, preserving, and presenting all aspects...
Museum Links
Museum Links
Other libraries and archives in San Diego region also contain significant collections of books, photographs, and documents related to maritime history. CLICK HERE to consult a brief research guide to local repositories.
Other Maritime ...
Local Maritime History Resources
Local Maritime History Resources
While the library and archive of the Maritime Museum of San Diego contains a wealth of information, we also advise researchers to investigate other local resources for historical materials. For further information ...
Museum Writings And Publications
Museum Writings And Publications
The library and archive contain a treasure trove of information for the student of the maritime history of Southern California, and the Pacific Ocean. Naturally the museum's primary focus is on archival materials and ...
Library Contact Information
Library Contact Information
The museum collections, library, and archives are staffed by volunteers and one museum employee. If you intend to visit for research, we strongly suggest calling ahead to ensure that staff will be in attendance.
The Library...
New Additions
New Additions to our Collections
The Cutty Sark model by Joe Bompensiero [2009.030.001]
Benjamin King backstaff / Davis quadrant [2011.012.001]
Paintings by Montague Dawson [2011.012.001-003]
Paper and card model of the San Salvador by modeler...
Gift Shop
Discover vintage books, hostess gifts, and kids items - we have something for everyone. Enjoy our sale products and coupons.
Members get double discounts the rest of the year, so don't miss out! Hurry in and see what's in stock before it's...
Tickets
Purchase Online Today!
Online Ticket Sales: 2.3% credit card fee and a 6% online ticket fee will be added to your total.
The final price will be displayed before checkout.
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Get Involved
Get Involved, Volunteer at the Maritime Museum.
A San Diego treasure, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is more than a collection of world-class exhibits and ships. It is a family of volunteers, members, and supporters like you, who are joined...
Support the Museum
The Many Ways You Can Support the Maritime Museum of San Diego
Join in the adventure! The Maritime Museum of San Diego is home to the maritime story of the West Coast and beyond with one of the most extensive collections of historic ships in the...
Donate
To Give: Click Here
Dear Shipmates:
It’s difficult to believe, as I write this, that this is my 30th and final year-end appeal letter.
Those years have seemed to pass in a flash, but it’s a flash densely packed with challenges and...
Membership
Museum Membership
Join the adventure
As a member of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, you support our preservation and education efforts, and in return receive many benefits! Bring the adventure and discovery to life as often as you would...
Planned Giving
Planned Giving
Welcome! We are pleased that you are interested in learning about the many benefits of gift plans. If you have any questions about the best way for you to benefit through a planned gift, please call. A member of our Planned Giving Team...
Ticket Donations
Ticket Donations
Thank you for considering the Maritime Museum of San Diego as an item for your fundraising event. We take pride in our support of local nonprofit organizations for such events benefiting our San Diego community. As a nonprofit...
Vehicle Donation Program
Vehicle Donation Program
A San Diego treasure, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is more than a collection of world-class exhibits and ships. It is a family of volunteers, members, and supporters like you, who are joined together by their passion for...
WoodenBoat Promotional Partnership
Wooden Boat Supports Maritime Museum of San Diego with Promotional Partnership
When you use our exclusive website to subscribe, WoodenBoat Magazine will donate $10 to the Maritime Museum of San Diego per new subscriber!
You can support...
Status Update
In Celebration of Star of India's 160th Birthday Sail, museum will be closed Saturday November 11 & Sunday the 12th.
About the Maritime Museum
About the Maritime Museum of San Diego
Mission
The mission of the Maritime Museum of San Diego is to serve as the community memory of our seafaring experience by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic...
ADA Visitors Information
Disabled Visitors Practice and Policy Guide
Revised June 27, 2022
In compliance with the “Americans With Disabilities Act” the Maritime Museum will do everything safely possible to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
Much of the Mus...
Cookie Policy
Cookie Policy Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Maritime Museum of San Diego ("we," "us," "our") uses cookies and similar technologies to recognize you when you visit our website at sdmaritime.org ("Website"). It explains what these technologies...
Privacy Policy
Maritime Museum of San Diego Privacy policy
This privacy policy ("Policy") describes how Maritime Museum Association of San Diego ("Maritime Museum Association of San Diego", "we", "us" or "our") collects,...
Refund Policy
Refund & Rebooking Policy with 96 hours notice:
If you provide at least 96 hours notice before the event date/time, you are eligible for either a full refund or one rebooking. However, if the event has already been rebooked once, no refund or rebooking...
Job Opportunities
Job Opportunities at Maritime Museum of San Diego
Come work for one of the top three Maritime Museums in the world.
We don't have openings often, but when we do, this is the place to look.
Educational Instructor
Position opening - Educational Instructor
Join our award-winning educational program team and teach aboard San Diego’s fleet of historic tall ships! As a Living History Instructor, you will bring history alive by combining authentic, hands-on e...
Marketing Coordinator
Employment Opportunity: Marketing Coordinator
The Maritime Museum of San Diego experience includes admission to a world-class collection of historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats, and submarine, each offering entertaining and educational...