The Maritime Museum of San Diego is renowned for its excellence in restoring and operating historic vessels, including the world's oldest active ship, the Star of India. Home to one of the world's finest collections of historic ships and exhibits, the Museum has been recognized among the top maritime museums globally—and is a must-see on any San Diego visit.
Step aboard one of the city's most unique waterfront experiences and explore a world-class fleet of historic vessels and immersive exhibits at your own pace. Your visit begins at the ticket booth, where you'll receive a map to guide you through the collection.
Start with the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, home to engaging below-deck galleries featuring maritime history, naval exploration, vintage photography, and finely crafted ship models.
Continue your journey beneath the surface aboard the USS Dolphin, the Navy's deepest-diving research submarine, and discover how sailors lived and worked at sea.
As you make your way along the waterfront, you'll encounter a diverse range of historic ships spanning centuries of seafaring history.
Don't miss the HMS Surprise, a fully rigged naval frigate featured in Master and Commander and Pirates of the Caribbean, with restored exhibit spaces both above and below deck.
Throughout the Museum, many ships feature hands-on exhibits and below-deck access, offering a deeper, immersive look into life at sea.
