The Berkeley at Maritime Museum of San Diego — Attraction in San Diego

The 1898 Berkeley was one of two steam ferry boats that operated on San Francisco Bay for 60 years. During the big 1906 earthquake, it rescued thousands of people and took them to safety. -- The ferry arrived at San Diego in 1973, and now is the headquarters for the Maritime Museum and holds its research library. -- The Berkeley is full of interesting displays of ship models, artifacts, informative historical wall panels, and has a gift shop at the entrance. The second level holds the ferry's original seating and stained glass windows, and is used for public events. -- Access to the galleon San Salvador, the sailing ship Californian, a Russian submarine, and other boats are through...

Ferry boat built in 1898 for hauling passengers and rail cargo between Berkeley and San Francisco. Her original triple expansion steam engine is still aboard, as are her giant boilers. Many exhibits on her main and lower decks, with a large rentable event venue on the upper deck which has gorgeous historical stained glass throughout. Also houses most museum offices...

The ship has been nicely restored, and also includes many ship models and much of San Diego's maritime history. If you want a good video of an incoming ship cannon firing, stay away from the ticket booth, or you'll hear the ticket salesman continually hollering about the cannon soon to fire. Better to be nearer the Californian end...