Come aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego and get ready for a voyage that takes you nearly three to four hundred years back.
There is no better waterfront attraction than this for kids and adults!
The Maritime Museum San Diego is widely recognized for its outstanding efforts in preserving historic vessels, making it a must-visit attraction.
The exhibits and galleries await you to wipe off the splash of water and learn about the countless stories associated with historic ships.
This article shares everything you must know before booking your San Diego Maritime Museum tour tickets.
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What to expect at Maritime Museum
Unearth the maritime history of the US at the San Diego Maritime Museum, where the ship itself is a museum.
Board historical ships like Star of India, HMS Surprise, Steam Ferry Berkeley, or USS Dolphin submarine and learn how sailors managed to live in the waters.
Every vessel offers a different and fascinating experience.
As you walk on the decks of the ships and narrow passages of submarines, see how the crew slept, what they ate, how they navigated by stars, and many more.
You’ll be intrigued by the fact that during colonial rule, these vessels transported cargo and immigrants who worked as slaves.
The visit to the Maritime Museum is an exhilarating experience, promising learning with every step you take forward.
Buy This TicketWhere to book tickets for Maritime Museum
Tickets for the Maritime Museum of San Diego can be purchased online or at the venue.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
Because the attraction sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How online tickets work
Go to the Maritime Museum of San Diego ticket booking page, select the number of tickets and date, and click the Book Now button!
Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
Maritime Museum ticket prices
Tickets for the Maritime Museum are priced at US$24 for adults aged between 18 and 61.
Young visitors/students between 13 to 17 years, seniors aged 65 years and above, and military personnel get a discount of US$6 and pay only US$18 for the tour.
Kids aged three to 12 years receive 50% off online tickets, paying just US$12 for entry.
Infants up to two years old get free admission.
But remember, tickets for kids and infants can be purchased only with Adult/Youth/Senior/Military tickets.
Also, adults must accompany kids under 18 years.
Maritime Museum of San Diego tickets
The ticket to San Diego Maritime Museum gives you access to all exhibits, and you move from one ship to another to get the real experience.
This is not a guided tour; hence, you’re allowed to discover and learn everything at your own pace and by yourself, giving you the freedom to explore.
The museum houses permanent exhibits, Sea Monsters: Delving Into The Deep Myth, To The Brink Of War, and Age of Sail, to name a few.
Some temporary exhibits keep rotating year-round.
You’d get to know the rich history of San Diego and why it was called a powerful naval base back in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18 to 61 years): US$24
Youth Ticket (13 to 17 years): US$18
Senior Ticket (62+ years): US$18
Military Ticket: US$18
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$12
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
Visitors can enjoy a 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Tour by paying an additional US$10. A 75-minute narrated Naval History Bay Tour is also available on weekends, for which one needs to pay an extra US$15.
Combo tickets
Combo tickets are the best way to discover two attractions at attractive discounts!
You can buy San Diego Maritime Museum tickets in combination with the USS Midway Museum or the San Diego Bay Dinner Cruise.
On these combo tickets, you can avail a discount of up to 10%.
Maritime Museum + USS Midway Museum
Distance: 1 km (0.6 miles)
Time Taken: 5 minutes by car
Get this combo ticket at a 10% discount and be prepared for this adventure cum educational tour.
Get an immersive experience at the USS Midway Museum, boarding America’s oldest aircraft carrier.
At the Maritime Museum, jump into the vessels and go on a historical and educational voyage.
Discover stories as you walk past hands-on exhibits, galleries, and rooms.
Ticket Cost: US$50
Buy This ComboMaritime Museum + Dinner Cruise
After a visit to the Maritime Museum, why not go for a Dinner Cruise on San Diego Bay and make the most of your day?
Book this combo ticket that allows you to witness two different experiences.
The cruise offers first-class facilities, and you can feast your eyes on scenic views, dig in scrumptious dishes and enjoy the LIVE music onboard.
The best part is that you get a 10% discount on this combo ticket, making it truly a steal deal!
Ticket Cost: US$124
Buy This ComboHow to reach Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is located on the San Diego Bay.
Address: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States. Get Directions
You can take public transport or a personal vehicle to reach the San Diego Maritime Museum.
By Bus
N Harbor Dr & Ash St (Bus No. 280, 290, 923, 992) is a seven-minute walk away!
By Ferry
Broadway Pier Ferry Terminal is within 4 miles (approx 6 km) of the museum.
By Train
Santa Fe Depot is the closest train station to the Maritime Museum, under seven miles (approx 11 km).
County Center/Little Italy Station is also near the museum. Board Blue or Green light rail and get off at the station. Take a 11-minute walk to reach the attraction.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and head to the museum.
There are numerous parking garages around the attraction.
Maritime Museum timings
The Maritime Museum of San Diego opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm on all days of the week.
The last entry to the museum is one hour before closure.
How long does Maritime Museum take
Visitors interested in maritime history spend two to three hours exploring the exhibits and experiences at Maritime Museum San Diego.
If you’re really not a history person but still wish to see the museum, expect your voyage to last an hour (assuming you pass by the exhibits taking a glance).
Best time to visit Maritime Museum
The best time to visit the Maritime Museum in San Diego is when they open at 10 am.
Getting to the museum early in the morning has advantages – less rush, uninterrupted photo sessions, and sufficient time to walk on decks.
Visitors usually throng the museum on weekends, so consider making a weekday reservation.
FAQs about the Maritime Museum
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Maritime Museum in San Diego:
How do I book tickets for the Maritime Museum?
You can book tickets for the Maritime Museum online or at the attraction ticket window. We recommend booking your tickets online to avoid last-minute disappointment.
Is the Maritime Museum accessible to individuals with disabilities?
The Maritime Museum is committed to providing access to all visitors. Most exhibits and ships are wheelchair accessible, and the staff can assist with any special requirements.
Is photography allowed inside the museum and on the ships?
Photography is permitted within the museum and on the ships for personal, non-commercial use. However, some restrictions may apply, so checking with staff or referring to posted guidelines is advisable.
Is there a gift shop in the Maritime Museum?
Yes, there is a Maritime Museum gift shop that is open most days.
