Star of India — Attraction in San Diego

One of the most amazing museums you could ask for - I loved it!! Talking with the WWII vet volunteer (Mr. Allen) on the Berkeley was a blast, he had so many interesting stories to share. Crawling all through the Star of India was nothing but incredible, can't recommend it enough. And of you can, ABSOLUTELY do the military Swift Boat bay tour - and for the most fun, sit at the front of the boat!! Now to be fair, my only complaint, if you can call it that, is that the on-site parking maxes out at 3 hours, And the system they use isn't so great. I really wish they used a system like Park Mobile where if you are not there, you can manage it from your phone and add more time, and there is a daily cap out... But it's way more than 3 hours. Reason why I say this is because 3 hours was not enough time for me to see everything I wanted to see. Let's be honest, I could practically spend 3 hours on the Star of India alone! Plus if you do any of the boat tours, they can last anywhere from one and a half hours to 4 hours - If you do one of the tall ship tours, you simply wouldn't be able to park there anyway. And I see that as being a little bit unfair. So that's my only real complaint - however, I was smart enough to ask the guy at the ticket counter what his recommendation for parking would be because I was probably going to be there for 5 hours at least, and he recommended that I park across the street in the underground parking. This was a fantastic recommendation because it was close enough where walking wasn't too painful (I do have physical limitations) and the price was reasonable. And they allow you to park there all day if needed. So just keep that in mind. Also, as just a side note to anybody who is like me and loves to buy souvenirs, the gift shop will close about 2 hours before the museum itself closes. I was really really not a fan of that, I didn't get to buy something. But I do plan on coming back next year so I will visit the gift shop before I tour the place. Other than those complaints though, everything else was so wonderful I can't even knock off a star. It was a wonderful museum, so much history, so much wonderful people to talk to and historical things to enjoy. I'm blown away by how amazing everything was, I love the people who volunteer here and I love the work they do. A thousand times recommend going here and being ready to spend a whole day, you...

The Maritime Museum of San Diego offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into maritime history through its impressive collection of ships and exhibits. Located along the waterfront, this museum is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, maritime aficionados, and families alike.

One of the highlights of the Maritime Museum is its collection of historic ships, which includes the iconic Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship. Built in 1863, the Star of India is a majestic vessel that has circumnavigated the globe multiple times and now serves as a floating museum, offering visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience life at sea in the 19th century.

In addition to the Star of India, the museum is home to several other historic ships, each with its own unique story to tell. Visitors can explore the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy for over 40 years, or step aboard the HMS Surprise, a replica 18th-century frigate featured in the film "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World."

In addition to its impressive collection of ships, the Maritime Museum offers a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences that showcase the rich maritime heritage of San Diego and beyond. From educational programs for children to special events and tours, there is always something new and exciting to discover at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Overall, a visit to the Maritime Museum is a memorable and immersive experience that offers a unique perspective on the history of seafaring and the impact of maritime exploration on the world. Whether you're a history buff, a maritime enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and educational outing, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is well...

Stepping Into the Past: A Journey Through the Maritime Museum of San Diego

Visiting the Maritime Museum of San Diego isn’t just a walk along the waterfront—it’s a full-blown voyage into history. From the moment you step aboard the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship, you’re no longer in the 21st century. You’re in the age of wind and wood, salt and canvas, where every creak of the deck and flutter of the sails whispers stories from the 18th century.

⚓ Immersive and Unforgettable

The museum’s collection is astonishing—not just for its scale, but for how intimately you can explore it. You don’t just look at ships; you climb aboard them. You feel the tight quarters of a Russian submarine, marvel at the craftsmanship of Victorian-era steam yachts, and stand at the helm of vessels that once braved oceans long before GPS or radar.

It’s a strange, almost surreal feeling—like your modern self is intruding on a world that ran on grit, courage, and celestial navigation. You start imagining what life was like for sailors who spent months at sea, chasing trade winds and dodging storms. And somehow, the Pacific breeze makes it all feel real.

🕰️ Time Travel, San Diego Style

The museum doesn’t just preserve history—it animates it. Docents in period dress, hands-on exhibits, and even sailing excursions make the experience feel alive. You’re not just learning; you’re living it. It’s the kind of place that makes you reflect on how far we’ve come, and how much we’ve lost in the rush toward convenience.

Whether you're a history buff, a curious wanderer, or someone just looking for a unique afternoon, the Maritime Museum delivers something rare: a portal to the past that’s anchored right in the heart...