Maritime Museum of San Diego

Maritime Museum of San Diego The Maritime Museum of San Diego experience includes admission to tour an historic fleet and exhibits Have extra time to head out on the water?

Welcome aboard our floating fleet of adventure and history! General admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego grants you access to one of the world’s finest collections of historic sea vessels. Once on board our museum ships, you will find that we offer something for all ages. From sail to steam to submarine, the Maritime Museum of San Diego will fascinate you for hours as you move from vessel

to vessel and discover an impressive array of below deck galleries and exhibits. The Maritime Museum also offers an affordable treat, only available for general admission ticket holders. For just an additional $10.00 you can enjoy the 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruises that run daily aboard the 1914 Pilot, a nationally recognized landmark vintage vessel. On the weekend, for only $15.00 more with general admission ticket purchase, you can also experience a 75-minute narrrated Naval History Tour aboard a restored PCF 816 Swift boat! There is no better way to spend the day than on the bay! Planning a family gathering, wedding or special company party or reception? In need of a fascinating, unique waterfront location? Imagine your event aboard one of the Museum's ships! Venues such as the Star of India, the steam ferryboat Berkeley, and H.M.S. Surprise, are just a few of the vessels available to customize your special event!

06/02/2026

Behind every ship is a story worth remembering!

The Swift Boat carries the memories of those who served, the history that shaped our nation, and the dedication of the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep her legacy alive.

Every engine start, every tour, and every trip across San Diego Bay is a reminder that history is not something we read about. It's something we can still touch, hear, and experience together.

Most San Diegans have never stepped aboard this remarkable vessel. We hope you'll take a moment to discover the people, stories, and sacrifices that make the Swift Boat so special.

Come aboard and help keep her story alive. ❤️

Special thanks to the veterans, volunteers, crew members, and supporters who help keep her story alive.



05/31/2026

The waterfront isn't just something to look at. It's something to EXPERIENCE.

This July 4th, we're inviting San Diego aboard.

Walk historic ships.
Feel the bay breeze.
Listen to some great music.
Enjoy great food and drinks.
Watch the Big Bay Boom from some of the most unique viewing locations in the city.

For America's 250th Anniversary, we're opening up the Maritime Museum campus like never before with multiple ships, waterfront venues, entertainment areas, VIP seating options, and unforgettable views of the fireworks.

You can spend another year watching from a distance.

Or you can be part of the celebration.

This is your waterfront.

🎟 Tickets available now at sdmaritime.org
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/july-4-celebration/
Purchase general standing tickets or reserved seating VIP.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank You for the Kind Words!Nothing makes us happier than hearing about the memories our guests create while expl...
05/31/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank You for the Kind Words!

Nothing makes us happier than hearing about the memories our guests create while exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

"A really great stop for people of all ages... Very fun for kids and adults. There is so much to explore it is hard to even see it all."

Whether you're a local looking for a day on the waterfront or visiting San Diego for the first time, our collection of historic ships, fascinating exhibits, and hands-on experiences offers something for everyone.

We're honored to be part of your San Diego adventure and grateful you chose to spend your final hours in the city with us.

Have you visited recently? We'd love to hear about your favorite ship or experience in the comments!

Yoga Friends, Please Note!Due to the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon & Half Marathon taking place this weekend and the ...
05/31/2026

Yoga Friends, Please Note!

Due to the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon & Half Marathon taking place this weekend and the resulting road closures and access challenges, our scheduled yoga class for tomorrow, May 31, has been cancelled.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we navigate the event impacts throughout the downtown waterfront area.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the mat soon!

Thank you for your continued support.

THIS IS YOUR WATERFRONTNEW FOR 2026A REIMAGINED 4TH OF JULY ON SAN DIEGO BAYSan Diego...When was the last time you truly...
05/30/2026

THIS IS YOUR WATERFRONT

NEW FOR 2026

A REIMAGINED 4TH OF JULY ON SAN DIEGO BAY
San Diego...

When was the last time you truly experienced your waterfront?

Not from across the bay.
Not through a car window.
Not from a crowded patch of grass.

For America's 250th Anniversary, we're transforming the Maritime Museum into a waterfront celebration unlike anything we've offered before.

-Explore multiple historic ships.
-Enjoy live music and DJs.
-Grab dinner, drinks, and treats for the family.
-Watch the Big Bay Boom from some of the most unique viewing locations on San Diego Bay.

This isn't just another place to watch fireworks.

It's a chance to EXPERIENCE San Diego's waterfront in a whole new way.

This is your waterfront.

And this year, you're invited aboard.

🎟 Tickets on sale now.
General Event Admission Tickets
VIP Reserved Seating Tickets
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/july-4-celebration/

05/30/2026

One of the best parts of opening night? Seeing our ships and waterfront spaces filled with people connecting, exploring, learning, and experiencing something new together.

Take Me to the Water by Dr. Collins is now open at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and this exhibit is more than something to simply walk through, it’s something to feel.

Whether you’re a local looking for your next weekend plans, hosting friends from out of town, or simply wanting a unique San Diego waterfront experience, this is your sign to come down and see it before everyone else does.

Don’t miss it.




SCOUTS, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!Ready to earn your Oceanography Merit Badge while exploring one of San Diego's most unique wa...
05/30/2026

SCOUTS, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!

Ready to earn your Oceanography Merit Badge while exploring one of San Diego's most unique waterfront destinations?

This isn't a classroom lecture. This is hands-on learning aboard the historic Maritime Museum of San Diego, where Scouts will dive into the fascinating world of ocean science while surrounded by maritime history.

⚓ Explore the science behind our oceans
⚓ Learn from knowledgeable instructors
⚓ Complete Oceanography Merit Badge requirements
⚓ Discover life on the waterfront
⚓ Experience a museum unlike any other in San Diego

Whether you're fascinated by marine life, ocean currents, weather patterns, conservation, or maritime exploration, this program brings oceanography to life in an engaging and memorable way.

Saturday, July 25, 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Space is limited and these programs fill quickly.

Don't miss the opportunity to earn your badge while experiencing San Diego's waterfront in a whole new way.

Register today and turn your curiosity into adventure.

05/29/2026

Weekend plans? We've got one delicious suggestion... 🧀🥔

One of our favorite food trucks is rolling onto the waterfront and serving up comfort food perfection!

Think gooey grilled cheese, crispy golden tater tots, and all the cheesy goodness needed to fuel your Maritime Museum adventure.

Whether you're exploring historic ships, enjoying the bay views, or just looking for a great bite to eat, be sure to stop by and treat yourself.

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Historic ships, waterfront views, and incredible food

Who's bringing their appetite this weekend?

05/29/2026

Behind every great sailing experience is an incredible crew.

From the moment you step aboard the San Salvador, you're not just taking a sail around San Diego Bay, you're stepping into a living piece of maritime history guided by a passionate crew and knowledgeable captain who bring the ship to life.

Whether you're hosting a corporate event, team outing, client appreciation event, or private celebration, our crew doesn't just sail the ship. They share stories, answer questions, teach guests about life at sea, and create an experience that is both educational and unforgettable.

One of the things we hear most often from guests is how much they learned and how much fun they had doing it.

The San Salvador is more than a venue. It's an experience.

Ready to set sail with your team?

Address

1492 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA
92101

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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