Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a museum with historic vessels and exhibits positioned along the waterfront of San Diego Bay. The collection includes multiple ships from different periods and purposes, including submarines, tall ships, and smaller historic boats that visitors can explore.

The museum was founded in 1948 and focuses on the maritime heritage of the region. The Star of India, a ship from 1863, is among the oldest continuously active sailing vessels in the world and forms a significant part of the collection.

Walking through the vessels, you notice how each ship reflects different maritime traditions and the people who sailed them across generations. The way the museum preserves these floating structures shows how working with boats remains part of how locals connect to San Diego Bay.

The site sits on the waterfront, so wear comfortable shoes for boarding multiple vessels and allow time to move between them. Visitors should expect uneven surfaces and entry points on older ships that are sometimes narrow or steep.

The museum houses the HMS Surprise, a replica of a British Navy frigate that appeared in major film productions. The ship was constructed for filming and has since become one of the site's most notable attractions along the waterfront.

Location: Downtown San Diego

Inception: 1948

Official opening: 1948

Fee: Yes

Address: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-3309

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +16192349153ext.101

Email: support@sdmaritime.org

Website: http://sdmaritime.com

GPS coordinates: 32.72093,-117.17381

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02