Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket

This was not at all what I expected! I expected to be able to tour around the big Star of India ship, and perhaps go aboard her deck. And that there would be a boring building with exhibits in it. Instead I was able to board all of the ships, each fascinating in its own way, from the submarine to the “Master and Commander” ship. Many of them, such as the star of India, had beautiful exhibits downstairs where you could really feel like you were present during those long voyages. I was also surprised how much I enjoyed boarding the Berkeley, and on a beautiful sunny day, it was just delightful to sit outside on the deck and read a book! They also had some pretty robust exhibits downstairs, ranging from sailing ships and models to Other maritime goodness! My favorite ships, in order: 1. the Californian, what a beautiful sailing vessel. She is a schooner. I hear they still take her out. Wow, I would like to go out on her. She’s just gorgeous. 2. The Berkeley has the most exhibits in terms of model ships and sailing history etc. Also, again, sitting out on their decks in the sun is a lovely way to enjoy a little rest. She is the one that feels most like a “museum” of any of the ships and holds many of the artifacts. 3. Of course, there’s a HMS surprise, which was featured in master and commander, that was a lovely vessel as well. This was a little too “piratey” for me in terms of it was sweet but felt like the type of ship they would take out with a bunch of teenagers and younger kids in costumes like a big pirate adventure. If my kids were younger, they would’ve loved this one the best. 4. The star of India, of course is supposed to be the big star of the show, and she is indeed a beauty. She also has a lot of exhibits downstairs, and she is set up more like she was during the days of sailing to New Zealand and other places. So you can see the bunks and the captains quarters etc. 5. The submarine USS Dolphin was a surprise favorite. I’m a little claustrophobic, but this one was really quite fun. Be sure to pay the extra $10 and take a tour on the Pilot or one of the other ships going out. It’s really worth it to see the bay and all of the military and cruise under the bridge etc. I think the most surprising thing about my entire visit though, was the staff. Shout out to everybody. So many people (assuming they were volunteers) full of knowledge and ready to answer all of my questions about the ships. Everyone was so very passionate about the museum and all of the ships. I actually got a rain check and went back the second day! And that is when I went out on the Pilot. Our person giving us the tour on the pilot was delightful as well. What a great way to spend the day!