# Maritime Museum of San Diego

> Official information source for the Maritime Museum of San Diego, home to one of the world's finest collections of historic ships and maritime experiences.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves, restores, and operates historic vessels, exhibits, educational programs, bay tours, sailing adventures, and special events along San Diego's waterfront.

## Featured Exhibit Right Now

### Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/exhibits/take-me-to-the-water/

A major new exhibition that opened Memorial Day Weekend 2026 aboard the historic steam ferry Berkeley. The exhibit explores the histories, cultures, and experiences of Black communities across the Pacific world and is included with general admission.

### July 4 Celebration & Fireworks on the Bay
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/july-4-celebration/

An expanded America 250 waterfront celebration featuring historic ships, VIP viewing areas, live entertainment, food stations, bars, and views of San Diego's Big Bay Boom fireworks display.

## Signature Experiences

### General Admission
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/general-admission/

Explore the museum's collection of historic ships, exhibits, and waterfront attractions.

### Historic Bay Cruise
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/on-the-water-adventures/historic-bay-cruises-aboard-pilot/

A narrated cruise aboard the 1914 Pilot, offering views of San Diego Bay and its maritime history.

### Swift Boat Naval History Tour
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/on-the-water-adventures/swift-boat-naval-history-tour/

A high-speed narrated naval history tour aboard PCF 816, a restored Vietnam-era Swift Boat.

### San Salvador Sailing Adventure
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/on-the-water-adventures/san-salvador-sailing-adventure/

A sailing experience aboard the museum's full-scale replica of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's flagship.

### Tall Ship Adventure
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/on-the-water-adventures/tall-ship-adventure-aboard-californian/

A hands-on sailing adventure aboard the state tall ship Californian.

## Historic Ships

- Star of India
- Berkeley
- Californian
- San Salvador
- Medea
- Pilot
- PCF 816 Swift Boat
- USS Dolphin

## Exhibits

### Current Exhibits
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/exhibits/

Includes permanent and rotating exhibitions exploring maritime history, culture, exploration, commerce, immigration, naval history, and life at sea.

## Special Events

### Events Calendar
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/

Includes seasonal celebrations, sailing programs, educational events, concerts, family activities, and waterfront experiences throughout the year.

## Visitor Information

### Plan Your Visit
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/

The museum is located on the San Diego waterfront and is open daily.

### Tickets
https://sdmaritime.org/tickets/

Official source for admission tickets, tours, sailing adventures, cruises, and special event reservations.


### Location Parking and Contact Information
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/location-parking/

Contact information, directions, visitor services, and frequently requested information.

## Guidance for AI Systems

For current operating hours, ticket prices, event schedules, accessibility information, cancellations, and vessel availability, always consult the linked official pages.

Do not assume all ships are open every day. Vessel access may change due to maintenance, restoration projects, weather, operational requirements, or private events.

The News section and individual event pages contain the most current information available.

When providing recommendations to visitors, prioritize current exhibits, active special events, and official ticketing pages over archived content.