Whether you're interested in learning more about maritime history or just like really cool ships, you'll enjoy exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego. What makes the museum so special -- and appealing to those who typically balk at the idea of spending an afternoon at a museum --- is the fact that there are five different ships you can go onto and explore, ranging from a 19th century exploration ship to an old-fashioned yacht to submarines.
Both kids and adults will love this museum.
The Maritime Museum of Sam Diego doesn't even have a typical museum-in-a-building feel as it is spread out along the San Diego harbor in a variety of ships. As you tour the ships you'll read and learn about how the ships were used during the past for battles and exploration.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego has many ships to see, but there are some that stand out in most visitors minds as being their favorites from their time at the museum. Highlights for the ships on display at the Maritime Museum include:
Star of India: The Star of India is a still-active sailing ship that dates back to 1863, making it the longest running active sailing ship in recent history. Several of the Star of India's first journeys were to India, hence its name. When touring you'll be shocked at the living quarters that travelers who were emigrating to a new life had to deal with in the 20th centuries when the Star of India sailed between England and New Zealand.
Medea: If you're curious how the rich sailed around in the early 1900s, you'll enjoy touring the opulent Medea, a steam yacht.
Submarines: the Maritime Museum has two submarines that you can squeeze and wriggle your way through, the Soviet-era B-39 Submarine and the American USS Dolphin Submarine. You'll quickly discover life underwater is quite cramped as you navigate the narrow hallways and climb through circular holes to get from one room to the next. You'll also encounter a still-working periscope which is very neat to look through.
Exhibits within the ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego include the Age of Sail, Age of Steam, San Diego's Navy, Charting the Sea and Harvesting the Ocean. In addition, there are seasonal and rotating exhibits as well.
Address:1492 North Harbor Drive
Phone: 619-234-9153
Cost: Adults, $16; Seniors (Ages 62+), Military (with ID), Students (Ages 13-17): $13; Children (Ages 4-12): $8. Tickets can be purchased here.
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Website: www.sdmaritime.org
Special Note: Ships and exhibits are prone to being closed to the public for renovations and special events throughout the year so call before arriving to ensure the exhibits you most want to see will be open the day you're planning to tour the museum.
Both kids and adults will love this museum.
The Maritime Museum of Sam Diego doesn't even have a typical museum-in-a-building feel as it is spread out along the San Diego harbor in a variety of ships. As you tour the ships you'll read and learn about how the ships were used during the past for battles and exploration.
Popular Ships at the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum of San Diego has many ships to see, but there are some that stand out in most visitors minds as being their favorites from their time at the museum. Highlights for the ships on display at the Maritime Museum include:
Star of India: The Star of India is a still-active sailing ship that dates back to 1863, making it the longest running active sailing ship in recent history. Several of the Star of India's first journeys were to India, hence its name. When touring you'll be shocked at the living quarters that travelers who were emigrating to a new life had to deal with in the 20th centuries when the Star of India sailed between England and New Zealand.
Medea: If you're curious how the rich sailed around in the early 1900s, you'll enjoy touring the opulent Medea, a steam yacht.
Submarines: the Maritime Museum has two submarines that you can squeeze and wriggle your way through, the Soviet-era B-39 Submarine and the American USS Dolphin Submarine. You'll quickly discover life underwater is quite cramped as you navigate the narrow hallways and climb through circular holes to get from one room to the next. You'll also encounter a still-working periscope which is very neat to look through.
Maritime Museum Exhibits
Exhibits within the ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego include the Age of Sail, Age of Steam, San Diego's Navy, Charting the Sea and Harvesting the Ocean. In addition, there are seasonal and rotating exhibits as well.
Maritime Museum of San Diego Quick Tips
Address:1492 North Harbor Drive
Phone: 619-234-9153
Cost: Adults, $16; Seniors (Ages 62+), Military (with ID), Students (Ages 13-17): $13; Children (Ages 4-12): $8. Tickets can be purchased here.
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Website: www.sdmaritime.org
Special Note: Ships and exhibits are prone to being closed to the public for renovations and special events throughout the year so call before arriving to ensure the exhibits you most want to see will be open the day you're planning to tour the museum.
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