Maritime Museum of San Diego: 4 Ways to Save Up to 74% Off

Set sail on an unforgettable journey! Explore iconic ships, uncover oceanic tales, and capture moments frozen in time at the Maritime Museum.

Those looking for unique things to do in San Diego should pay a visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Even if the sea and ships aren’t your thing, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much fun exploring the museum’s exhibits can be.

For instance, it’s not every day that you get to delve into one of the finest collections of historic ships and marvel at the world’s oldest active ship–the Star of India. Alongside these majestic vessels, there are expertly curated exhibits bursting with maritime history. Ever wondered what life was like aboard a sailing ship during the age of exploration? Here’s your chance to find out.

Stick around because we’ve got the scoop on Maritime Museum of San Diego discount tickets and insider tips you wouldn’t want to miss!

Maritime Museum of San Diego Discount Tickets

The Maritime Museum of San Diego grew out of the earlier efforts of a group of local historians and maritime enthusiasts who acquired the sailing ship Star of India in 1927.

They specialize in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels, which led to the growth of the museum’s finest collection of historic ships. General admission includes access to the following sailing ships, submarines, and exhibits:

Sailing ships and submarines:

1898 steam ferry Berkeley
1904 steam yacht Medea
1914 Pilot
The state’s official tall ship of the state of California
HMS Surprise is a magnificent replica of an 18th century Royal Navy frigate featured in the award-winning film “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.”
USS Dolphin, the deepest diving submarine in the world
San Salvador

Exhibits:

Wish You Were Here
Wind & Water
Swift Boats At War In Vietnam
Charting The Sea
Age of Sail
Age Of Steam
Harvesting The Ocean
San Diego’s Navy

Maritime Museum of San Diego tours are self-paced. But every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, Guided Docent Led Tours are led by trained, knowledgeable historians.

Secure your Maritime Museum of San Diego discount tickets available on Tripster. An optional historic bay cruise is an add-on available at the ticket booth.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Coupons and Discounts

Maritime Museum of San Diego Military Discount

Good news for our heroes in uniform! The Maritime Museum of San Diego tickets come with a military discount. Just swing by the ticket booth and make sure you’ve got your valid military ID handy. This deal’s exclusively for walk-ins!

Maritime Museum of San Diego AAA Discount

While it’s not an everyday thing, AAA does occasionally offer Maritime Museum of San Diego discount tickets.

There’s no set calendar or season for these special prices. Always take a moment to check the AAA discounts & rewards before buying your ticket. You never know, a nifty discount might just be waiting for you!

Maritime Museum of San Diego Senior Discount

Age does come with its perks! Seasoned travelers aged 62 and above can avail of the senior discount offered by the Maritime Museum. Bring a valid ID, present it at the ticket booth, and you’re all set to explore at a discounted rate.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Vacation Packages

Thinking about squeezing the most out of your San Diego visit? Consider these Vacation Packages. These exclusive deals offer must-grab savings to a bundle of ticket attractions, including the Maritime Museum of San Diego discount tickets.

Check out some of our favorite Maritime Museum vacation packages:

Hotels Near Maritime Museum of San Diego

It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum, but there’s so much more nearby! Attractions like the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo, and the iconic Balboa Park are just a stone’s throw away. If you’re ticking these off your list, then convenience is key.

Here are our recommended hotels to ensure your San Diego adventure is both memorable and hassle-free:

San Diego Attractions

San Diego Zoo

Spanning 100 acres, this renowned zoo houses over 12,000 animals across 650+ species and showcases over 700,000 unique plants.

Whether you’re hopping on a guided bus tour, reveling in live performances, immersing in 4-D theater experiences, or marveling at exotic animals up close, there’s no shortage of ways to learn and explore. Make sure to add the San Diego Zoo to your San Diego itinerary!

San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise by Flagship Cruises

Set sail on the San Diego Bay with Flagship Cruises for an unforgettable 2.5-hour dinner experience. Relish gourmet meals, groove to a live DJ, and enjoy impeccable service, all while soaking in breathtaking water views.

Brothels, Bites, and Booze Food Tour

Join the Brothels, Bites, and Booze Food Tour for a unique way of exploring San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter! Satisfy your hunger with top-notch dining, visit unique craft cocktail bars and some of the top microbreweries in the country, and uncover the intriguing tales of the area’s bygone brothels.

Insider Tips

What to Bring

To make the most of your experience, here are some essentials you should consider packing:

Camera: Absolutely, top of the list. With so many intriguing ships and submarines, you’ll want to capture plenty of Maritime Museum of San Diego photos. Whether it’s a DSLR, compact camera, or just your smartphone, ensure it’s charged and ready.
Comfortable Shoes: There’s quite a bit to explore, from historic ships to interactive exhibits. Comfortable footwear will make your experience all the more enjoyable.
Sun Protection: Think sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen. San Diego can get pretty sunny, especially on the waterfront.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially if you’re spending a good chunk of your day exploring.
Light Jacket or Sweater: Even if it’s a warm day, the breeze off the bay can make things a bit chilly, especially in the evenings.

Can I Bring Food to the Maritime Museum of San Diego?

If you’re planning on spending some time exploring the museum, it’s good to know you can bring along snacks, lunch, or drinks to keep your energy up. However, please note that glass containers are not allowed.

And if you fancy a change of scenery or a more relaxed setting for your meal, just step right across to the Waterfront Park. It’s the perfect spot to lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the grass. Plus, with playgrounds and spray fountains, the kids can have a splash of fun, too!

Maritime Museum of San Diego Parking

The Maritime Museum at the Star of India Wharf is located at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

There is no parking available on-site. However, there are multiple parking spaces and lots located around the museum. It is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 8 PM. There are also several day lots (pay to park) within a few blocks of the museum.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Reviews

Want to find out what other readers think of the museum? Check out the most recent reviews.

Whether you have a passion for maritime history, a thirst for fresh adventures, or you’re a photographer in search of stunning subjects, this museum stands as a must-visit.

Delve into an immersive maritime experience with iconic vessels like the Star of India, embark on a unique historical journey, or capture the exquisite interplay of vintage aesthetics and oceanic beauty through your lens. Share your amazing Maritime Museum of San Diego photos with us!

Which Ship Are You Most Excited to See?

Leave us a comment below!

Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...

Maritime Museum of San Diego Discount Tickets: 4 Ways to Save Up to 74% Of