A Guide To Maritime Museum Of San Diego

Maritime Museum San Diego
Julie
Julie 
Published
| 3 min read

The Maritime Museum of San Diego has earned an international reputation for top quality in reconditioning, preserving, and functional historic vessels. With a high-class selection of sailing ships, submarines, and steamboats, the museum has various ancient vessels. It includes Star of India as the oldest active ship of the world, HMS Surprise from the famous film “Master and Commander,” and the B-39 Russian submarine. Visitors can join daily public tours to enjoy the exhibition of the collection of ships. Guests will have a chance to uncover onboard each vessel’s enticing exhibits, as well as enjoy an art gallery, gift shop, and attractive play area for children. Moreover, they can enjoy a voyage to San Diego Bay on board a classic vessel as well. The Maritime Museum of San Diego gives an international class exploration for everyone. Here’s a guide to Maritime Museum of San Diego for you.

Things to do / Highlights

Berkeley Ferry and U.S.S. Dolphin at the Maritime Museum of San Diego
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Rasmussen used under CC BY-SA 3.0

There are several highlights and activities related to maritime heritage to pursue at Maritime Museum of San Diego. You can explore new activities and discover new exhibitions while you’re here.

Exhibition

Guests can enjoy various recent exhibitions such as a new exhibit named “Wish You Were Here,” presenting a range of classic color postcards and photography at Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Ships exploration

Explore different types of vessels for several hours, including steamships, tall sailing ships with deck exhibits, and submarines. Afterward, guests can take a tour of San Diego Bay’s past days and the city’s connection with the US Navy.

Tours, ship charters, and bay cruises

As one of the nation’s lead attractions, the Maritime Museum offers guests plenty of self-guided tours, group tours, as well as bay cruises and tall ship charters, such as a sailing adventure on San Salvador - the state’s official tall ship. Also, enjoy a new pirate adventure.

Different venue for private/corporate events

As a family and kid-friendly venue, the Maritime Museum of San Diego provides several ancient ships to host private parties, anniversaries, reunions, and wedding receptions. Guests can use the waterfront background to get outstanding photos of their memorable day.

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What to Buy

San Diego Comic-Con 2011 - Lego Pirates of the Caribbean ship (6039242209)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user The Conmunity - ... used under CC BY 2.0

Guests can visit the Museum Gift Shop that opens every day. The shop sells various souvenirs (coffee mug, glass, tumbler, ball cap, ship model, t-shirts, and challenge coins), toys, apparel, posters, household accessories, historic books and magazines, and other special maritime souvenirs for sea lovers.

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Travelers tips

san-salvador-01364
Source: Photo by user Port of San Diego used under CC BY 2.0

Guests who will join sailing adventure and bay cruises on a Day Sail should bring sunblock, sunglasses, use closed-toed shoes (non-slip sole), warm jacket, and a sun protection hat. For your information, passengers are not permitted to bring folding chairs, strollers, glass containers, and alcohol. Meanwhile, bagged lunch and non-glass beverages are allowed onboard. Also, don’t forget to take your camera to take lovely souvenir photos!

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How to get there

Star of India ship
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jon Sullivan used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is situated on Harbor Drive near the corner of Ash Street. San Diego provides many types of public transportation, offering visitors with economical options to discover the area.

Public transport

If guests make a visit from another city and stay close by, it’s better to use a cab, Lyft, Uber, a Bus, or a PediCab.

Buses: You can get to the Maritime Museum by bus. Visit the Metropolitan Transit System website for information San Diego public transportation, including current bus schedules.

Waterfront Summer Shuttle: There is the Port of San Diego’s Waterfront Shuttle to connect visitors to San Diego Bay with the waterfront. The Shuttle departs every 20 minutes every day from May 24 to September 2, from 10am to 10pm. Its stops are in between Sheraton Marina to Harbor Dr. Bridge. It costs **3 USD.

Private transportation

The museum is found a few blocks west of Interstate 5. Take the “Airport” exit and use the signs on the freeway to lead you to the museum.

Parking information

Parking can be hard in most metropolitan areas, including the San Diego and Embarcadero areas. When traveling in your own vehicle, you can park in the following locations: Downtown San Diego Waterfront Area Parking, Southwest Little Italy/Northwest Columbia, and County Building parking.

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How to get tickets

Maritime Museum's Festival of Sail
Source: Photo by user Port of San Diego used under CC BY 2.0

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is open every day from 9am to 9pm from June to September. In the fall, the museum is open from 9am to 8pm.

How to book tickets:

To purchase tickets, you can visit their website, where you can directly buy the ticket online. You can also book a ticket via tour or ticket providers. Check out Klook, Getyourguide, and Viator for better deals and express track options. If you want to visit many attractions, discount packages are available for several favorite attractions when visiting Maritime Museum of San Diego. Make sure to be on the lookout for deals and promos.

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Maritime Museum of San Diego information

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Address: Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92101-3309

Website: Maritime Museum of San Diego

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 18 USD (adult); 13 USD (seniors, military with ID, students 13 - 17 years); 8 USD (children aged 3 - 12 years); Free (children aged 2 and under)

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One thing that excites me when I lived or traveled outside Indonesia (Europe, Asia, and the US) is the chance to learn new experiences: "I travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape me."

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