Lots to see, from the Star of India to a Russian submarine and more. The cost of admission includes touring all the ships plus admission to the Museum itself, which contains many models of sailing ships, as well as newer battleships. Take a cruise of the San Diego Bay if you have the time. It will take you past Naval Base Coronado to the Coronado Bridge and directly under the Midway (also worth touring). San Diego has a beautiful seaport with lots to see and visit.
I live in San Diego and I always recommend the Maritime Museum to friends and family when they visit and I have visited a number of times myself. It is actually several historic ships including the Star of India and the ship used in the movie the Master and Commander. They involve children in helping to raise the sails and there are other hands-on activities. On the weekends they take some of the ships on the bay and for an extra fee you can sign up for the trip. Maybe you will see whales or dolphins and you might have a battle with another ship.
They have a nice display of older sailing vessels, including subs, etc. There is an old ferry at the center of it all with a bunch of displays inside - worth it. The second deck is the passenger level. It looks like a great place to have party, wedding reception, etc. My wife was enamored by it.We got entrance as part of a whale watching trip on the America, a part of this museum. It was worth the time to go through a few of the ships.Parking on the street is 3 hours. Not enough for the whale watching, and we had to find a lot (for lot$).Come, enjoy.
Visit the clipper Star of India, a Kilo class Russian sub, stand At the helm of the frigate which was used in the film Master & Commander, and get on board of a Vietnam fast patrolboat for a fascinating Tour around the Harbour . Great. Museum for young and old Alice.
For the price of admission, there is a LOT to see. Unless you're really boat-crazy, I recommend that you choose just a few vessels rather than trying to see all of them.I visited the Star of India, the Russian submarine, and the Berkeley. They were all quite interesting, although I felt like the Berkeley could have used more labeling about the boat itself, rather than about other maritime topics.
Came with my son on a Sunday. I'm a former submariner, so I enjoyed telling sea stories while touring the submarines, but the Star of India, the other ships, and the museum in The Berkeley were magnificent and well worth the price of admission. By far the best part for me, though, was the Swift Boat tour of the harbor. Wasn't sure what to expect, but John, a former Swift boater during Viet Nam, made the history come alive. The all-day admission price and extended hours are great, too - we spent the morning at the Museum, went down the waterfront and toured the Midway in the afternoon, then returned here after the Midway closed.
If you have questions, the staff are more than able to tackle your questions, provide historical facts.
Spent some worthwhile time exploring sailing ships...The Star of India, The Surprize, The Californian. Filled with original equipment and multiple exhibits. Very interesting...and the submarines....Can't imagine living in such close quarters for any length of time..Bring lots of quarters or credit card for parking...figure to spend at least 2 hours here....
This museum is very good in that it has boats of various kinds (including two submarines) that one can enter and look around in. The harbor tour, which adds $10 to the ticket price is well worth it. Compared to other maritime museums, this one is rather small and shows a selection of ships rather than a true maritime history. However, that being said, it is very well done and, the day I was there, not very crowded. Absolutely to be recommended.
We spent a few hours at the Maritime museum exploring different types of sea crafts. From a battle boat to a wooden ship to a Russia. Submarine is unique, very interactive museum where you are transported to the time and ace of each vessel. The museum is on the water and there are stairs and ladders. If you have mobility issues and/or need stroller or wheelchair access, this will be a challenge.