Maritime Museum of San Diego

• See actual steam engines alongside historic photographs in The Age of Steam, an exhibit aboard the Victorian-era Ferryboat Berkeley. She was part of the technological revolution of steam power, which enabled the world’s commerce to be transacted on precise timetables and schedules.
• Explore an example of the final and highest technology of the Age of Sail: the 1863 bark Star of India. Visual and hands-on displays show visitors how ships are sailed and how people worked and lived aboard them.
• Learn about the remarkable history of the United States Navy in San Diego with hundreds of rare photos, artifacts and models in San Diego's Navy. From the visit of the “Great White Fleet” over 100 years ago, when the harbor was too shallow to accommodate the Navy’s large ships, San Diego has grown into the largest naval base in the Pacific.
• Go back to a time when to a time when ocean travel was sedate, luxurious, and exclusive in the special exhibit Steam and Splendor: Treasures from the Ocean Liner and Cruise Ship Ephemera Collection. See some of the Museum’s hidden treasures, never before shown to the public, along with vintage brochures, passenger lists, menus, cabin plans, and images of dining rooms and recreational areas. The exhibit includes rare ocean liner-related artifacts from both the Maritime Museum of San Diego collection as well as those generously loaned by local private collectors.
• Board and explore a world-class collection of National Historic Landmark Vessels, including the Star of India, the steam ferry Berkeley, PCF 816 Swift boat and 1914 Pilot.
• Climb aboard a Man of War! Explore the H.M.S. Surprise, a replica of the Rose naval frigate and key location prop featured in the award-winning film Master and Commander: Far Side of the World.

Tips

• Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Tours include movement from ship to ship via museum docks and use of ladders when visiting exhibits found below deck.
• Allow plenty of time to explore this impressive fleet of historic vessels. Visitors may spend 1-2 hours at the Museum or more if time permits. Last guest admission is at 4pm daily.
• The visitor experience includes a combination of outdoor and indoor locations. Please bring sunscreen, hat and sunglasses if possible, especially if you would like to add an on-the-water adventure to your visit.
• Learn more about what you'll experience at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
• To get the full experience, allow about one to two hours for your visit. If you're short on time, don't miss the Star of India and the USS Dolphin Submarine.

Amenities

• Gift Shops: Located on the lower deck of the 1898 Victorian-era steam ferryboat Berkeley; open Wed-Mon, 10am-4pm.

Best Time to Visit

• Arrive early in the day to allow plenty of time to explore the fleet and exhibits, and consider adding on a 45-minute historic bay tour on the Pilot boat, or on weekends add a 75-minute Naval History Bay tour aboard the PCF 816 Swift boat.

Parking/Transportation

• Port of San Diego embarcadero parking is limited to 3-hour meters. You may not refill meters. If planning for a longer parking need, choose daily parking options in downtown San Diego and walk to the Maritime Museum OR choose public transportation and ride share solutions. Get more information on parking, transportation and directions.

Reservations Not Required.

Once you purchase your tickets, be sure to use our My CityPASS®️ app to plan your attraction visits and make reservations (if required). Go to my.citypass.com to download the app for iPhone or Android or to use our browser-based web app. You’ll find all of the information you need to reserve your times, plus attraction details such as hours and location, special offers, maps and more. We recommend making reservations as soon as possible for the best availability. To learn more before purchasing, click the link below.

See reservation and planning information.