See and visit historical sailing ships, steamboats and submarines at Maritime Museum of San Diego, and even sail on some of them. Established in 1948, this open-air museum hosts one of the largest collections of historical sea vessels in the United States. Take a self-guided tour through the ships and mind your head--it can be quite cramped inside. See the oldest ship in the world still able to sail--the 1863 Star of India, which used to sail the seas for up to a year at a time--and a 1,814 metric ton (2,000 ton) diesel-electric Soviet submarine, among others. Visit the archives and exhibits to learn more about that mystical connection that people and sea have always shared. Arrange your visit to Maritime Museum of San Diego and discover more family-friendly attractions in San Diego using our San Diego travel route tool.
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Maritime Museum of San Diego reviews
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With some museums, you walk around a big building and read signs next to an artifact or two, but with this museum you walk through the historical ships. Ships range from steam powered to old sailing..... more
With some museums, you walk around a big building and read signs next to an artifact or two, but with this museum you walk through the historical ships. Ships range from steam powered to old sailing..... more »
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My 15 and 9 year old kids and I really loved this site. Seeing the decks and interiors of the tall ships was extremely engaging and time-traveling. We loved it. Go on a nice sunny day!
My 15 and 9 year old kids and I really loved this site. Seeing the decks and interiors of the tall ships was extremely engaging and time-traveling. We loved it. Go on a nice sunny day! more »
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Just wrote a review for Star of India which is included in the Maritime Museum. So basically I'll just rewrite it. Cool ships and boats to see. Explore at your own pace on unguided tour or take a guided tour, which is available only on certain days and times. Two ships were MIA so we didn't get to see them all. One in repairs and one out at sea (ocean?). Unguided tour could easily take an entire afternoon if exploring in depth. Lots of ship ladders going from level to level! Take this into consideration if you are challenged getting around, have babies or small children. These ladders are very steep and there are not always good handholds. Many need to be taken facing the steps like a regular ladder. Everything was interesting to see and money well spent for an afternoon.
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Wonderful museum. Dedicated people. Harbor tour was worth it. Needs more funding and attention paid to it. Models were awesome and made by a dedicated person. Ships were interactive. Staff was enthusiastic and welcoming. Gift shop was extremely cost affordable and not tourist trap pricing. (got a sweet coffee mug for $6? Heck yes!) This place deserves more attention and yeah, touring the ship from master and commander and pirates of the Caribbean was also a highlight. Must visit local.
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