The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a collection of historic vessels moored along the downtown Embarcadero, just steps from the USS Midway. Its crown jewel is the Star of India, an 1863 iron-hulled merchant sailing ship that's the world's oldest active sailing vessel. The fleet also includes tall ships, a historic steam ferry, a replica of an 18th-century galleon, and submarines (including a Cold War-era Soviet sub) — all of which you can board and explore. It's a hands-on dive into seafaring history and a natural companion to the USS Midway.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves one of the finest collections of historic ships in the United States, berthed along the downtown Embarcadero a short walk from the USS Midway. Rather than a building of exhibits, the museum is the fleet itself — a row of vessels you board and explore, each telling part of the story of seafaring and San Diego's maritime heritage.
Its centerpiece is the Star of India, built in 1863 — an iron-hulled, full-rigged merchant ship that is the world's oldest active sailing ship, still seaworthy and occasionally sailed. Around it, the fleet includes tall ships and sailing vessels, the historic steam ferry Berkeley, a replica of the 18th-century galleon San Salvador (the type sailed by the explorer Cabrillo), and submarines visitors can climb through — among them a Cold War-era Soviet attack submarine, a memorable and slightly claustrophobic experience.
It's a hands-on, all-ages outing for anyone interested in ships and history, typically taking a couple of hours, and its Embarcadero location makes it an easy pairing with the USS Midway and a harbor cruise for a full maritime day. The museum also offers occasional sailing experiences and harbor tours aboard some of its vessels. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be climbing aboard and below decks.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided exploration of a fleet of historic ships and submarines you board and walk through. On the downtown Embarcadero. Occasional sailing and harbor experiences available.
Best time
Mornings are calmest. A clear day is best for the open decks. Pairs well right before or after the nearby USS Midway.
How long
1.5-2.5 hours to explore the fleet.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for climbing aboard and below decks — the submarines, in particular, involve tight spaces and ladders. Don't miss the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship. It's steps from the USS Midway and harbor cruise departures, so combine them for a maritime day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Ship and history enthusiasts, and families who enjoyed the USS Midway and want more maritime history.
- Families
- Kids enjoy clambering through the tall ships and especially the submarines; mind the tight spaces and ladders with little ones.
- Couples
- A pleasant, unusual stroll through history with bay views; brief enough to pair with other Embarcadero stops.
- Pair with
- The USS Midway and a harbor cruise — all on the same Embarcadero — make a full maritime day.
- Time needed
- A couple of hours.
Good questions
What is the Star of India?+
An 1863 iron-hulled, full-rigged merchant sailing ship — the world's oldest active sailing vessel, still seaworthy and occasionally sailed. It's the centerpiece of the Maritime Museum's historic fleet.
What ships can I board?+
The fleet includes the Star of India and other tall ships, the historic steam ferry Berkeley, a replica of the 18th-century galleon San Salvador, and submarines — including a Cold War-era Soviet attack sub you can climb through.
How long does a visit take?+
Typically 1.5-2.5 hours to explore the vessels. Wear comfortable shoes for the decks, ladders, and tight submarine spaces.
Can I go sailing?+
The museum offers occasional sailing experiences and harbor tours aboard some of its vessels, separate from general admission. Check current offerings when booking.
Where is it and what's nearby?+
On the downtown Embarcadero, steps from the USS Midway and harbor cruise departures — easy to combine for a full maritime day.
