A visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego presents a fascinating glimpse into life on the high seas. Located on the piers at the North Embarcadero in downtown San Diego, this is one of the world’s largest and finest collections of restored vessels. More than a century of seafaring craft is on display.
The Star of India, a massive sailing ship, is the centerpiece of the museum and iconic to San Diego’s waterfront. It’s sure to set your imagination in motion, calling up the lives of the immigrants that made passage from the UK to New Zealand, or the crews that lived aboard for months at a time during its life as a fishing vessel. On board, there’s a play area where kids can get dressed in costumes and play sailing games. The Star of India is the oldest active ship in the world, sailing into the harbor once a year — a real sight to behold.
For a revealing glimpse into California’s past don’t miss The Berkeley, a passenger ferry that served 60 years transporting passengers across San Francisco Bay. You can stand where Russell Crowe stood in the 2003 Hollywood film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World aboard the HMS Surprise, an impressive replica of a navy frigate. Visitors are also able to explore the inner-workings of the B-39, a genuine Soviet Attack Submarine that was tasked with tracking the movements of U.S. warships. And for a true sense of majesty, take in The Californian, a replica of the wooden tall ship by the same name.
If you fancy getting out on the water, the museum offers a 45-minute narrated cruise on San Diego Bay aboard a fully-restored 1914 Pilot boat, which offers great views back towards the city.
For a more in-depth understanding of the maritime history of San Diego, spend some time in the museum’s five permanent exhibitions. The displays explain the ages of sail and steam and the process of charting and harvesting the sea. The area’s naval history is also explored.
Three or four hours is enough time to see everything in the museum, and you can avoid the stress of finding parking on the busy waterfront by catching the trolley, San Diego's light rail system.
