San Diego: Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission
San Diego County, San Diego
From sail, to steam, to submarine, Maritime Museum of San Diego features 500 years of seafaring history on an educational walking tour of this historic fleet.
Overview
The Maritime Museum of San Diego offers historic ship tours and exhibits, ideal for maritime enthusiasts visiting San Diego’s waterfront.
Highlights
- The Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship
- The Californian, California’s official state tall ship
- The 16th-century galleon replica San Salvador
- The Victorian-era steam yacht Medea
- The H.M.S. Surprise, featured in the films Master and Commander and Pirates of the Caribbean
Description
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is noted for restoring and operating historic vessels, including the Star of India. It houses one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships and maritime exhibits.
Your visit begins at the ticket booth, where you will receive a map for a self-guided tour of the museum's waterfront fleet.
Start with the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, featuring below-deck galleries on maritime history, naval exploration, vintage photography, and ship models.
Explore the USS Dolphin, the Navy’s deepest-diving research submarine, to learn about sailors' life aboard.
Along the waterfront, you will see ships spanning centuries, including the fully rigged HMS Surprise with restored exhibit spaces above and below deck.
Many ships offer hands-on exhibits and below-deck access, providing an immersive view of historical seafaring life.
Includes
- General admission ticket
- Access to all historic vessels and onboard exhibits
- Self-guided exploration with map
Excludes
- Optional tall ship sailing experiences
- Narrated bay cruises (when available)
- Swift Boat Tours (when available)
- Food and beverages
- Parking
Important Information
- This is a self-guided experience across multiple historic ships and exhibits.
- Visitors should be comfortable walking and climbing stairs or ladders between decks.
- Some areas have low ceilings, narrow passageways, and uneven surfaces.
- Food and drinks are not allowed inside exhibit areas.
- Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM; gate closes at 4 PM.
- Allow 1.5 to 3 hours to explore fully.
- Some ships may close occasionally for special events or maintenance.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book tickets in advance and wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing. Visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds and allow ample time for exploration.
