Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego
4.5
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
About
Welcome aboard our floating compilation of adventure and history! Admission to the "Maritime Museum of San Diego" grants you access to one of the world's finest collections of historic sea vessels. Once on board our museum ships, you will find that we offer something for people of all ages. You not only get to explore our ships and submarines, the museum displays permanent and temporary exhibits on art, maritime history, commerce and exploration. Historic bay cruises run daily and can be added on to the price of admission for an extra nominal fee. There is no better way to spend the day than on the bay!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from €18.48
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Address
How to get there
- Santa Fe Depot • 8 min walk
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4.5
1,805 reviews
Excellent
1,120
Very good
556
Average
109
Poor
13
Terrible
7
KimE_RN
110 contributions
Want to do something different than the touristy stuff on San Diego Bay? Get on the Dolphin submarine, look through the periscope, and imagine what it was like to be 3000 feet undersea! Go under deck on the Star of India and imagine what it was like to be with 400 other emigrants for 5 months at sea! Take a tour of the bay on a 100+ year old ship and go under the Coronado bridge while looking at current Navy ships! So many things to see, and definitely something different to do (and kid friendly!) Thank you to the many volunteers that make this experience possible!
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Thank you for visiting the Maritime Museum Kim! We really appreciate the extra time that you took to not only enjoy all of the vessels and below deck experiences, you also joined us for one of our popular narrated sightseeing tours of the history of San Diego Bay! Your acknowledgment of our many volunteers who work tirelessly to care for and restore the fleet is very appreciated! We hope to see you again soon!
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nastia v
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We spent about a $100 on a guuded tour but we late and missed most of it, so wanted to stay a bit after the tour. Not only was i told that i have to buy full price admission tickets but wasn't even allowed to go meet the rest of my family that was in the museum. Most shockinly, their security grabbed and pushed me when I was their steep stairs trying to go down to look for my family. No management available as i was told by ticketinf stuff who said they grab and push customers that don't cooperste. none of thy management has their contact info listed anywhere. Museum is nothing special - we are locals and have memverships to most museums but not this one for that reason. it's definitly the worst " customer service" i have seen, ever. grabbing and pushing paying customers is something new. btw, their own website states that guided tours include admission.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Thank you for your feedback and additional email to museum management regarding this matter.
We are sorry to hear about this and will be communicating directly with you to resolve the situation.
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mobile29788724528
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
For our 1st time visit to the Maritime Museum, we loved it! We had an amazing time, there's so much to see and so many details to take photos of. We had a wonderful time.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Excellent news! Thank you for sharing your story of travel and exploration on the waterfront in San Diego! We are so pleased to hear that your time spent visiting from LA was worth it and se memorable!
Written 16 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill H
Surprise, AZ21 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
A very interesting museum. You walk from ship to ship. The ships range from a Spanish Galleon to a US submarine that made the deepest dive ever (38000 feet) to the ship used in Pirates of the Carribean to the oldest iron clipper ship (commissioned during Abe Lincoln's tenure). There is a wanderful museum on a huge ferry. All in all, about ten ships. We spent several hours going through them.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Thank you for your rave review Bill! It sounds like you had a grand time exploring the entire fleet, and our below deck galleries and exhibits! Yes, indeed you could spend hours. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 16 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scenic46408370827
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We highly recommend the San Diego Maritime Museum and Pilot boat tour of the harbor. Kiki and the Captain did an excellent job. All of the ships had so much history. It’s totally worth a visit!!!
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Thank you for spending time with us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! We are so honored to have had you visit and explore the fleet, exhibits and join us for our narrated Pilot boat tour of San Diego's brilliant Bay. Thank you for the extra kudos we can share with Kiki and Captain!
Written 16 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan and Doug, Burlington, WA
Kent, WA16 contributions
Aug 2023
Excellent overall experience. We enjoyed the interactive opportunities. Jose Bello, one of the guides, was excellent!
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Thank you for sharing your comments with us Jan! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience!
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DMAC
Edson, Canada61 contributions
Had a great time walking through at least 7 ships; from those with sails and made with wood to the diesel USS Dolphin submarine. Very cool! You need at least 2 hours and at $20/person the price was reasonable.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts about your recent visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego! It is also great to hear what our visitors think, and how much time they recommend to really explore all of the vessels and below deck exhibits and galleries!
Written 21 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wemjam
Carleton, MI1,522 contributions
Jul 2023
This is a very interesting thing to do while in San Diego. They have an assortment of different types of ships you can go on and explore. There are several tall ships (like old fashioned pirate vessels), submarines, a steam ferry, along with a couple others.
The admission price was reasonable for all the different ships you could see.
It was totally worth the stop and I would recommend a visit. I would make sure to leave at least 2 hours to see all the different ships.
The admission price was reasonable for all the different ships you could see.
It was totally worth the stop and I would recommend a visit. I would make sure to leave at least 2 hours to see all the different ships.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Thank you SO much for sharing with others how much you enjoyed your experience at the Maritime Museum! You summed up the array of what you can discover and enjoy with us! We hope to see you again soon!
Written 13 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Terri M
4 contributions
Got there early. Friendly check in staff. Friendly staff explaining most of the ships.
Fun fast tour. You'll spend about an hour and a half.
Fun fast tour. You'll spend about an hour and a half.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
Thanks you for the nice review and positive comments about our staff!
Written 29 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deborah L
Woods Cross, UT4 contributions
I was so excited to go - then just disappointed. A couple boats were being worked on & the “museum” (white building) was also under construction. We couldn’t go to the downstairs or the upstairs. We didn’t know about the situation until we were there & touring. Too much $$ to see nothing.
Written 10 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sdmaritime
We are sorry to hear about your experience and would like to better understand the situation. Can you please email us at info@sdmaritime.org?
Written 12 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is going on the ships included in general admission?
wemjam
Carleton, MI1,522 contributions
Yes, you can go on the ships with the general admission price
Clovis0
Sion, Switzerland6 contributions
Peut on entrer avec un petit chien ?
SDTravelMom
San Diego, CA346 contributions
No. It would be very difficult with a small dog. Space is very, very tight. Lots of ladders.
michelemorr
Charlotte, NC46 contributions
Can you just walk past all the ships for free
TravelbyFrank
Angola, NY105 contributions
You can enter the gift shop for free but anything past that on the pier requires a paid admission. From the public walkway the largest tall ship is about a 100 feet away.
Lisa P
Los Angeles, CA59 contributions
How long should we allow to enjoy this fully?
gaustriaMMSD
San Diego
Hello there! We recommend between 1.5 and 2 hours to see the whole museum. You can definitely stay longer as there is quite a bit of history here and some "on the water" add-on activities you can do.
Heidi B
Seattle, Washington, United States14 contributions
Is the museum very accessible for someone in a power wheelchair?
Richard_PF_59
Prescott, AZ90 contributions
There are a few areas that are accessible such as much of the steam ferry Berkeley (which does house a great many exhibits), however, most are actual or replica historic ships which were far from ADA compliant.
Steven S
Hazleton, PA4 contributions
If you are traveling with luggage and no automobile to put it in, is there a place to store your bags while visiting the museum?
juliviolet
pompano beach86 contributions
I don't think so. Sorry.
Rorschapin
Hernando, FL98 contributions
Is any part handicapped accessible?
gaustriaMMSD
San Diego
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The ferryboat Berkeley is handicap accessible (both the main and upper deck) but all other vessels are not due to historical accuracy and preservation. Because of this we do NOT charge admission for individuals who are wheelchair bound.
Tensixmom
Gilbert Az18 contributions
I am looking for information specifically on the FOS and what availability usually is to be ON a vessel for the Festival. Also , does the actual sailing portion of FOS happen ONLY on Friday?
Thanks!
gaustriaMMSD
San Diego
Hello and thank you for your interest in our Festival of Sail! There are various sailing opportunities before and during the festival. On September 4th we have our Parade of Sail which is when all the participating ships in the festival sail into the bay and dock here at the Maritime Museum. During our Festival of Sail we have "on-the-water activities" such as cannon battles, midday sails, and sunset sail which are on some of the visiting ships. We also have our Historic Bay Cruise on Pilot and our new Swift Boat Tour. All of these happen each day from September 5th thru September 7th.
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Claim your listingMARITIME MUSEUM OF SAN DIEGO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Maritime Museum of San Diego
- Maritime Museum of San Diego admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost €21.88, while a popular guided tour starts around €7.29 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Maritime Museum of San Diego:
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket (From €21.88)
- San Diego Seal Tour (From €44.68)
- Small Group Sunset Sail Aboard A Classic Yacht (From €104.85)
- Small Group Sunset Sailing Experience on San Diego Bay (From €90.06)
- San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure (From €86.45)
- Hotels near Maritime Museum of San Diego:
- (0.22 km) Wyndham San Diego Bayside
- (0.29 km) Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown
- (0.49 km) InterContinental San Diego
- (0.45 km) SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
- (0.39 km) Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown
- Restaurants near Maritime Museum of San Diego:
- (0.13 km) Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar - San Diego, CA
- (0.12 km) Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar
- (0.14 km) Miguel's Cocina
- (0.23 km) Ruth's Chris Steak House
- (0.26 km) Hazelwoods On the Bay