Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego
4.5
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About
The Maritime Museum of San Diego experience includes admission to a world-class collection of historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats, and submarine, each offering entertaining and educational exhibits. Your visit includes the world’s oldest active sailing ship, Star of India and option to add Bay and Naval History boat tours and tall ship sailing adventures.
San Diego, California
Tours and Tickets by Maritime Museum of San Diego
Museums
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 91% of travelers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$24
per adult
Cultural Tours
45 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$34
per adult
Historical Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$48
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
1,814 reviews
Excellent
1,127
Very good
555
Average
111
Poor
13
Terrible
8
Carlos R
Lake Forest, CA130 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
We went in a drizzle. Most of the time you will be inside the ships. When the rain eases up you can go on the decks or go to the next ship.
I passed this site many times. I did not realize how many ships were there. If you look at all the exhibits you can easily spend over two hours here.
Two sailing ships; one a merchant ship; the other a war ship used in a movie. There are two submarines. I only went in the Russian one. It had an interesting story associated with Cuban missile crisis. There was a steam boat, a recreation of a ship used around Columbus’ time and a modern sail boat available for rides on weekends. There may have been more.
You can leave, get lunch and continue your tour. However note that the closest parking goes from like 10 to 5. It does not appear to allow you to buy beyond that without buying a separate one that would go from 5 to 11pm. Sorry get there before 2pm to get the most out of it.
I passed this site many times. I did not realize how many ships were there. If you look at all the exhibits you can easily spend over two hours here.
Two sailing ships; one a merchant ship; the other a war ship used in a movie. There are two submarines. I only went in the Russian one. It had an interesting story associated with Cuban missile crisis. There was a steam boat, a recreation of a ship used around Columbus’ time and a modern sail boat available for rides on weekends. There may have been more.
You can leave, get lunch and continue your tour. However note that the closest parking goes from like 10 to 5. It does not appear to allow you to buy beyond that without buying a separate one that would go from 5 to 11pm. Sorry get there before 2pm to get the most out of it.
Written March 14, 2020
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.
Var13
San Diego, CA9 contributions
Feb 2020
The Maritime Museum is a wonderful collection of boats, ships and even two submarines. There is so much to see it may take a couple of visits. I chose to celebrate my birthday with several friends in costume as well as taking the Smokey Bear Birthday Banner. (Smokey turned 75 and I have 1 of 100 banners that have been sent around the world.) We were welcomed by employees and visitors alike.
Also talked some crew and visitors to participate with the Banner Challenge.
Definitely bring a camera and comfy shoes. Be prepared for lots of stairs, ladders and walking on slightly rolling decks. The submarines are a bit of a tight fit but well worth walking thru to get an idea of what it is to be a submariner.
Highly recommend!
Also talked some crew and visitors to participate with the Banner Challenge.
Definitely bring a camera and comfy shoes. Be prepared for lots of stairs, ladders and walking on slightly rolling decks. The submarines are a bit of a tight fit but well worth walking thru to get an idea of what it is to be a submariner.
Highly recommend!
Written February 18, 2020
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.
Wow! It sounds like you had a great time at the Maritime Museum for your birthday! Thank you for sharing your special day with us! Cheer! Theresa
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gaboca2020
San Diego17 contributions
Apr 2019
The Maritime Museum gives you the opportunity to learn about and explore several ships, merchant ships, sail boats, submarines and even the old ferry that used to transport passengers between the city and Coronado island. You can also learn about the old tuna canning industry of San Diego. It's a fun experience for all, young and old.
Written January 13, 2020
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.
Thank you for visiting to learn about our ships and pacific maritime stories! The old ferry that you explored was registered as a California Registered Historical Landmark 20 years ago. Such a treasured ship in the Maritime Museum of San Diego's collection of vessels.
Written January 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WeMagellan
Boston, MA26 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
This is a nice museum located at the waterfront in downtown San Diego. You gain access to multiple different boats including one submarine. I did not see it advertised but if you show them your ticket from the USS Midway Museum you can get a $5 discount, I believe it works in reverse as well but just double check if you plan on doing so.
Also one important note is on Saturdays one of the ships (San Salvador) goes on a 4 hour sail at 12 and is done for the day as they can’t guarantee you can see it when it returns because they have to clean and prepare it for the next day. If you ask they will write on your ticket to give you a chance to come back for free and see it another day, but if you want to avoid this go before noon or on a weekday/Sunday.
I didn’t see the San Salvador yet, but the other boats were interesting with the Star of India and the submarine (USS Dolphin) being the most unique to look at. Another one is currently down for maintenance (HMS Surprise) but you can see a view of it from the other ships but you cannot go on and explore it.
Overall interesting and relaxed museum if you’re interested in maritime history.
Also one important note is on Saturdays one of the ships (San Salvador) goes on a 4 hour sail at 12 and is done for the day as they can’t guarantee you can see it when it returns because they have to clean and prepare it for the next day. If you ask they will write on your ticket to give you a chance to come back for free and see it another day, but if you want to avoid this go before noon or on a weekday/Sunday.
I didn’t see the San Salvador yet, but the other boats were interesting with the Star of India and the submarine (USS Dolphin) being the most unique to look at. Another one is currently down for maintenance (HMS Surprise) but you can see a view of it from the other ships but you cannot go on and explore it.
Overall interesting and relaxed museum if you’re interested in maritime history.
Written January 19, 2024
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.
Wow! Thank you for visiting and sharing your tour tips! And yes! Your midway ticket is your green light to save $5 on Maritime Museum of San Diego general admission for adults, and save $3 on senior, military, or child ticket purchase. Promotional signage must have been missed the day you were here. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
Written January 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nastia v
5 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 October 28, 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.
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 October 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dana P
8 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
If you've got any interest in boats, past and/or present, this is a great museum. There is a lot to see, with a selection of boats. Personally, I found the U.S.S. Dolphin submarine absolutely fascinating. The "centerpiece" ferry boat acts as the museum's display facility, and that alone can keep you interested for hours. The cost for this attraction is amazingly inexpensive by comparison to most sight-seeing features.. There is only one problem, which has nothing to do with the museum, and that's the local parking. You can NOT park for a period longer than 3 hours, and it would be very easy to spend more than those three hours at the museum. For that matter, we had to give up seeing one of the ships because we ran out of time at the parking meter. It's near impossible to find other parking in the area.
Written April 4, 2024
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.
Thank you for visiting Dana! We really appreciate the time that you spent aboard our fleet and exploring our wide range of displays, exhibits and maritime themed galleries. We know parking can be a challenge in the popular downtown San Diego waterfront. We would love to have you return! Perhaps the next time try a rideshare solution, or if available a day spot at an area ACE parking lot.
Written April 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christopher D
Falcon, CO34 contributions
May 2021
We really enjoyed touring all of the ships that they had on display. It was fascinating to see a Russian sub up close. Too bad we couldn't go inside because of the restrictions, but the other ships were all open for the most part.
I would definitely recommend adding the harbor tour for the additional $5. SO worth the trip. It was just over 45 minutes and although the harbor was a little windy that day, it was beautiful. We sat in the front of the "Pilot" boat and were able to hear the narrator very well. He was interesting and knowledgeable. Would definitely do that tour again.
I would definitely recommend adding the harbor tour for the additional $5. SO worth the trip. It was just over 45 minutes and although the harbor was a little windy that day, it was beautiful. We sat in the front of the "Pilot" boat and were able to hear the narrator very well. He was interesting and knowledgeable. Would definitely do that tour again.
Written May 10, 2021
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.
Yes! The 45-minute narrated Pilot boat Bay History tour is a must do in San Diego! Now $18 per person with general admission. We offer 4 runs daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Thank you for helping to spread the word! (Note we have closed the Russian sub. However, visitors can still enjoy the USS Dolphin sub tour experience.
Written December 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MikeB1952
Santa Fe, NM1,167 contributions
Mar 2020
We were scheduled for a Californian Cruise. We were a little early for the Cruise so decided to do a mini-tour of the Museum. It's always fun. We love reliving the days of sail driven boats, particularly the Star of India, HMS Surprise and San Salvador. And the exhibits on the Burkeley are great. An excellent way to spend some time.
Tip: our sister-in-law worked downtown San Diego and pointed us to the parking garage under the City Administration Building just across the street. This was a real find. Less than a block's walk to the ships.
Tip: our sister-in-law worked downtown San Diego and pointed us to the parking garage under the City Administration Building just across the street. This was a real find. Less than a block's walk to the ships.
Written March 22, 2020
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.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your recent visit and sail with us at the Maritime Museum! Parking is limited and tips are great. There have been changes to the waterfront park underground times for public parking. Now after 5pm. Other good options are to take ride share and locate a downtown or ACE parking lot near Little Italy and walk to the waterfront. Parking in front of the museum is metered and limited to 3-hours.
Written December 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jellertsen
Cambridge, MA3 contributions
Feb 2020
We joined the captain, first mate and a friendly and knowledgeable team of docents for a 4 hour cruise into San Diego Bay on the tall ship San Salvador. Sails went up as soon as we cleared the harbor. Saw Tijuana and the Coronodo Islands and beautiful San Diego from a new vantage point. With sails up and engine cut, one could imagine the experience of Coronado and his men at sea. The ship, a frigate, is a remarkable recreation of the real thing. Highly recommend this unique experience.
Written February 25, 2020
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.
Wow! Sounds like you had a glorious sail aboard San Salvador! Thanks for visiting and sharing your memories with us!
Written March 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IndustrialBubba
Idaho36 contributions
Nov 2021
This museum is a collection of different boats from history, It starts with the Berkley ferry that operated in San Francisco for many years and ends up on the Star of India cargo sailing vessel that is the oldest ship that still sails. There is also the Dolphin submarine that you can board and look through the periscope. A replica of Cabrillo's ship shows how sailing would have been when California was discovered. The HMS Surprise gives an idea of sea life aboard a military frigate, complete with cannons. A very interesting way to spend a few hours.
Written November 18, 2021
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.
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