The Star of India is the oldest active sailing ship in the world, having been launched in 1863 as the Euterpe.
The B-39 submarine is a Project 641 Soviet-class vessel, famously known as a Foxtrot-class boat during the Cold War.
The museum's collection includes the Californian, an official state tall ship of California.
The ferry Berkeley was instrumental in evacuating thousands of people during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
The San Salvador is a full-scale, seaworthy replica constructed using traditional shipbuilding techniques from the 16th century.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves a collection of historic sea vessels along the Embarcadero, featuring the world’s oldest active ship. The centerpiece is the 1863 iron-hulled merchant ship Star of India, which circumnavigated the globe 21 times. The collection includes the replica Spanish galleon San Salvador, representing the ship Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542. Visitors can explore the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley and the cold-war era Soviet B-39 submarine. The museum hosts educational programs and offers harbor excursions on select vessels. Its fleet serves as a floating history exhibit moored at the downtown waterfront. The site is actively maintained to keep these antique ships in seaworthy condition. These vessels provide a tangible look at the technological evolution of naval architecture over several centuries.
The bowsprit of the Star of India with the downtown San Diego skyline in the background.
Wear flat, rubber-soled shoes to navigate steep companionways and slippery wooden decks safely.
Check the museum's website in advance for 'living history' days where crew members perform maintenance tasks in period attire.
Bring a light jacket, as the wind off the bay can be significant even on sunny days.
Do not rush through the lower decks of the B-39 submarine, as the tight quarters require slow movement and extra attention to head clearance.
Use caution on steep ladders and tight passageways; avoid carrying large bags which are difficult to navigate through ship hatches.
