Maritime Museum of San Diego: Historic Ships Exploration
4.6
82 Ratings
San Diego
Step on board and back in time at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Explore historic ships with below deck exhibits and discover 500 years of seafaring history along the waterfront.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Maritime Museum of San Diego - The Maritime Museum of San Diego includes a collection of historic ships and fascinating exhibits including sail, steam, and submarines. The iconic and majestic Star of India is docked in downtown San Diego on the beautiful waterfront and is the main attraction at the museum.
The museum is kid friendly and encourages hands on experiences for families. The fun does not stop dockside! General admission includes access to all vessels and exhibits!
The museum also contains a world renowned research library as well as a retail shop with lots of souvenirs, historic and academic books or memorabilia for sale. The Maritime Museum of San Diego offers something for everyone!
What's Included
- Admission ticket
- Entry to below deck exhibits
What's Not Included
- Does not include bay excursions
Additional Information
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is not your average museum with indoor exhibits and galleries. Instead, it boasts a collection of historic ships docked at the stunning local waterfront, each housing their own unique exhibits below deck. A single reasonably-priced general admission ticket affords you the opportunity to explore all ships and exhibits. The diverse fleet includes everything from towering sailing ships to steam ferry boats and the USS Dolphin submarine. Venture on board and journey through five centuries of maritime history!
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Maritime Museum of San Diego
North Harbor Drive
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(82 Ratings)
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Travelisfun2011
Mar 17, 2024
Fun stop - This was a last minute decision and I’m so glad we did it. Our 4 (almost 5) loved it. There’s lots to see. They had volunteers who told us all about the ships. Worth the time for sure
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Immyness
Mar 14, 2024
All Aboard - We loved turning the variety of boats and were enthralled with the historical value each held. The docents offered wonderful tidbits of information and it made out visit even more enjoyable. We would definitely visit again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kime_rn
Nov 17, 2023
Get off the beaten path and onto historical ships! - Want to do something different than the touristy stuff on San Diego Bay? Get on the Dolphin submarine, look through the periscope, and imagine what it was like to be 3000 feet undersea! Go under deck on the Star of India and imagine what it was like to be with 400 other emigrants for 5 months at sea! Take a tour of the bay on a 100+ year old ship and go under the Coronado bridge while looking at current Navy ships! So many things to see, and definitely something different to do (and kid friendly!) Thank you to the many volunteers that make this experience possible!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cina_h
Oct 18, 2023
Maritime Fun - Lots to see, Great history lesson for all ages. Real hands on experience, great people working there to help with ticketing needs. A+ service!
Review provided by Viator
Mobile29788724528
Oct 3, 2023
The L.A to San Diego Vist - For our 1st time visit to the Maritime Museum, we loved it! We had an amazing time, there's so much to see and so many details to take photos of. We had a wonderful time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Billhh6579iz
Sep 14, 2023
Wonderful Museum - A very interesting museum. You walk from ship to ship. The ships range from a Spanish Galleon to a US submarine that made the deepest dive ever (38000 feet) to the ship used in Pirates of the Carribean to the oldest iron clipper ship (commissioned during Abe Lincoln's tenure). There is a wanderful museum on a huge ferry. All in all, about ten ships. We spent several hours going through them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scenic46408370827
Sep 1, 2023
San Diego Maritime Museum and Pilot Boat Tour - We highly recommend the San Diego Maritime Museum and Pilot boat tour of the harbor. Kiki and the Captain did an excellent job. All of the ships had so much history. It’s totally worth a visit!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janburlington
Aug 15, 2023
Excellent - Excellent overall experience. We enjoyed the interactive opportunities. Jose Bello, one of the guides, was excellent!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_h
Jul 14, 2023
Ships ahoy - Lots of different old time boats to roam around in. Plus a sub you could go inside and check out. The museum had lots of cool things to look at.
Review provided by Viator
Macdondav
Jul 29, 2023
A Unique Experience - Had a great time walking through at least 7 ships; from those with sails and made with wood to the diesel USS Dolphin submarine. Very cool! You need at least 2 hours and at $20/person the price was reasonable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
