Public Events Seasonal

Seasonal Public Events at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Seasonal events not currently up for purchase.

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HMS Surprise is closed and in drydock.

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

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General Admission

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EarthCam from atop Berkeley smoke stack Enjoy other views from, EarthCam Network - California
On the Water Adventures

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

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

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 <em>Californian</em>

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

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...
<em>San Salvador</em> Sailing Adventure

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

Exhibits at the Maritime Museum of San Diego Visiting & Permanent Exhibits included with museum admission.
Art Of Navigation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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

San Salvador THE FIRST EUROPEAN VESSEL TO REACH AMERICA'S WEST COAST [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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 [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="About"] 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

[wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="Location"] 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. [wc_row][wc_column size="one-half"...

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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="5th Grade - Prelude t...

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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="4th and 5th Grade - Economy and Ecology of San Diego Bay"] 4th and 5th Grade - Economy...
School and Youth Tours

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<br>Teacher Lesson Plan Resources<br>E X P L O R E

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

Mains'l Haul A Journal of Pacific Maritime History [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="Mains'l Haul"] 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 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 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. [wc_tabgroup layout="box"] [wc_tab title="Tickets...

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

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

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...