Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship, Star of India. Experience 500 years of seafaring history from sail to steam to submarine with just one ticket.  Visitors may also add an on the water historic bay cruise to learn more about San Diego Bay and or deep military roots.

The Museum’s tall ship schooner Californian and galleon replica San Salvador take passengers sailing on San Diego Bay most weekends.

The Museum displays permanent and temporary exhibits on maritime history, commerce and exploration and stages popular public events year round including the popular “Pirate Days” and family overnights aboard Star of India. Thousands of school children from throughout Southern California visit the Museum each year for a variety of dockside and at-sea educational programs.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego historic vessel collection includes the National Historic Landmark Victorian-era steam ferryboat Berkeley, 1863  barque rig Star of India, 18th century royal navy frigate replica featured in the award-winning motion picture Master And Commander, HMS Surprise, and now America’s west coast Discovery ship San Salvador, a replica of the vessel European explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542.

The Museum’s collection also includes the 1904 steam yacht Medea, 1914 Pilot boat and Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift boat plus the USS Dolphin and Soviet navy foxtrot submarine.

Several ships in the fleet play host to more than 200 private events each year including weddings, private parties, pirate themed birthday events for young and old, corporate or convention receptions, civic/community group networking events, meetings and seminars, and team building charters.

Founded in 1948, Maritime Museum of San Diego grew out of the earlier efforts of a group of local historians and maritime enthusiasts who acquired the sailing ship Star of India in 1927. Now fully restored, the Star of India is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers and skilled craftsmen and sailed at least once a year.