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Maritime Museum of San Diego

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The Maritime Museum of San Diego experience includes admission to tour an historic fleet and exhibits Have extra time to head out on the water?

Welcome aboard our floating fleet of adventure and history! General admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego grants you access to one of the world’s finest collections of historic sea vessels. Once on board our museum ships, you will find that we offer something for all ages. From sail to steam to submarine, the Maritime Museum of San Diego will fascinate you for hours as you move from vessel to vessel and discover an impressive array of below deck galleries and exhibits. The Maritime Museum also offers an affordable treat, only available for general admission ticket holders. For just an additional $10.00 you can enjoy the 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruises that run daily aboard the 1914 Pilot, a nationally recognized landmark vintage vessel. On the weekend, for only $15.00 more with general admission ticket purchase, you can also experience a 75-minute narrrated Naval History Tour aboard a restored PCF 816 Swift boat! There is no better way to spend the day than on the bay! Planning a family gathering, wedding or special company party or reception? In need of a fascinating, unique waterfront location? Imagine your event aboard one of the Museum's ships! Venues such as the Star of India, the steam ferryboat Berkeley, and H.M.S. Surprise, are just a few of the vessels available to customize your special event!

11/09/2026

SAN DIEGO, GET READY! LADY LIBERTY LIGHTS THE BAY IN 2026!

Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from past San Diego Bay Parade of Lights celebrations! From dazzling boats to magical waterfront memories, this beloved holiday tradition never disappoints. And this year, we're taking the celebration to a whole new level!

The 56th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns December 13 & 20, featuring this year's spectacular theme, "LIBERTY LIGHTS THE BAY | CHEERS TO 250 YEARS!"

NEW LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! GOURMET HOLIDAY CATERING! AN ELEVATED WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE!

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is bringing you two extraordinary ways to celebrate aboard our historic ships!

Aboard Berkeley: Enjoy a gourmet holiday dinner catered by Buckboard Catering & Events, live music by The MoonRays, festive cocktails, and premium waterfront parade viewing.

Aboard Star of India: Experience live entertainment by Seth Diaz, holiday festivities, and breathtaking views of the illuminated boats passing through San Diego Bay.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Make this year's Parade of Lights a holiday memory you won't forget!

RESERVE YOUR WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE:
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/parade-of-lights/

BOAT OWNERS, WE WANT YOU IN THE PARADE!

Have a boat? Here's your chance to be part of the magic! Decorate your vessel, embrace this year's patriotic theme, and help light up San Diego Bay for thousands of spectators!

BOAT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
https://sdparadeoflights.org/join-the-parade/participant-info/

Whether you're lighting up the bay or celebrating from our historic ships, this is one San Diego holiday tradition you don't want to miss!

11/09/2026

AN INTIMATE NIGHT OF LIVE MUSIC ABOARD THE LEGENDARY STAR OF INDIA!

Imagine spending a December evening aboard one of San Diego's most iconic historic ships, enjoying incredible live music, great company, and the unmistakable energy of Tim Flannery!

This isn't your typical concert venue. Aboard the beautiful Star of India, you'll experience Tim Flannery's music and storytelling in a unique, intimate setting where every seat brings you closer to the performance.

No massive concert crowds. Just an incredible musician, a historic ship, waterfront atmosphere, and a fun night out with friends!

TIM FLANNERY HOLIDAY CONCERT

Saturday, December 19, 2026
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Aboard the Star of India
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Ages 21+

Bring your friends, settle in, and enjoy an evening of great music, laughter, storytelling, and holiday cheer aboard a ship unlike any other.

An extraordinary performer. An intimate waterfront venue. One unforgettable night!

Get your tickets and join us aboard the Star of India!

11/09/2026

San Diego, even the boats dress up for the holidays! Tickets are on sale for Liberty Lights the Bay, the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s celebration of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.

Grab your crew and meet us on deck, San Diego! The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is coming, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego has two historic ships ready for the party.

Come hungry aboard Berkeley for a gourmet holiday dinner and live doo-wop from The MoonRays. Or head to Star of India, grab a cocktail from the bar, and catch singer-songwriter Seth Diaz live. When the decorated boats come into view, meet us at the rail and cheer them on!

Liberty Lights the Bay
Sunday, December 13 or Sunday, December 20, 2026
4:30–8 p.m. | Maritime Museum of San Diego

Tickets are on sale now. Pick your night, choose your ship, and tell your crew where to meet you!
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/parade-of-lights/

11/09/2026

San Diego, even the boats dress up for the holidays! Tickets are on sale for Liberty Lights the Bay, the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s celebration of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.

Where will you be when the first glowing boat comes into view? Come aboard Berkeley for a holiday dinner and live doo-wop from The MoonRays, or head to Star of India for live music by Seth Diaz and a cocktail on deck as the parade floats by.

Sunday, December 13 or 20, 2026 | 4:30–8 p.m.

Tag your parade crew, choose your ship, and reserve your tickets!
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/parade-of-lights/

11/09/2026

San Diego, when was the last time you stood on the deck of that tall ship you always point out on Harbor Drive?

On Saturday, November 14, Star of India turns 163. Grab the friend who always says, “We should go aboard someday,” and meet us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We’ll be celebrating from noon to 4 p.m., with a little birthday treat to share while supplies last.

The celebration is included with paid Museum general admission. Want to toast the birthday girl? B**r, w**e, ch*****ne, and mimosas are available for purchase for guests 21+. The bar accepts credit cards only.

📍 1492 North Harbor Drive

11/08/2026

SAN DIEGO, GET READY TO LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS!

The magic of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is coming, and this year, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is taking your holiday celebration to a whole new level! TICKETS ARE OFFICIALLY ON SALE!

Join us Sunday, December 13 OR 20th, from 4:30–8:00 PM, for two spectacular holiday experiences aboard two of San Diego's most iconic historic ships!

Aboard the Berkeley - Make it a festive night out with a delicious holiday dinner, live entertainment by the Moonrays, cocktails, and incredible waterfront views of the boat parade!

Aboard Star of India - Soak up the holiday spirit with live music by singer-songwriter Seth Diaz, festive drinks, and spectacular views of the illuminated boat parade!

Watch San Diego Bay sparkle as beautifully decorated boats light up the waterfront, creating a holiday experience you won't want to miss!

Two Historic Ships. Two Magical Holiday Experiences. One Unforgettable San Diego Tradition!

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!
Choose your ship and make this holiday season one to remember!

https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/parade-of-lights/

11/07/2026

🎉 San Diego, come aboard and wish Star of India a happy birthday!

Whether you’ve walked past her masts on Harbor Drive for years or you’re visiting San Diego for the first time, we’d love to welcome you aboard on Saturday, November 14, from noon to 4 p.m.

The birthday celebration is included with paid Museum general admission. Bring a friend, explore the ship, and enjoy a little birthday treat on us while supplies last.
We will also have 🥂 Guests 21 and older can raise a glass with b**r, w**e, ch*****ne, and mimosas available for purchase. The bar accepts credit cards only.

📍 Maritime Museum of San Diego · 1492 North Harbor Drive

11/07/2026

YOU DON'T NEED SAILING EXPERIENCE TO BEGIN. JUST A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN! ⛵

Ever wondered what it takes to raise the sails, handle the lines, and work together aboard a historic sailing vessel?

Here's your chance to find out!

The Maritime Museum of San Diego's 2027 Square Rigger 101 training program welcomes new volunteers interested in learning traditional seamanship from experienced Museum sailors.

Through classroom instruction and practical training, participants will explore:

⚓ Traditional seamanship and sailing practices

⚓ Rigging, sailing equipment, and safe shipboard operations

⚓ Crew communication and teamwork

⚓ The responsibilities of working aboard a historic sailing ship

No previous sailing experience is necessary, but dedication, physical participation, and a commitment to safety are essential.

YOUR FIRST STEP:

Apply by December 7, 2026, and attend the mandatory orientation on Wednesday, December 9, from 6–8 PM.

Training begins Sunday, January 10, 2027.

DISCOVER A NEW SKILL. JOIN A REMARKABLE COMMUNITY. HELP KEEP MARITIME HISTORY ALIVE.

Apply today:
https://sdmaritime.org/volunteer/square-rigger-101/

11/07/2026

🇺🇸 San Diego, Join Us in Honoring Those Who Serve.

This Veterans Day, our waterfront becomes a place of remembrance, gratitude, and community as we come together to recognize the extraordinary men and women of our Armed Forces.

At the Maritime Museum of San Diego, we are proud of our city's military heritage and the generations of veterans whose service has helped shape our nation.

Wednesday, November 11 | Veterans Day 2026

🇺🇸 10:00–11:30 AM | San Diego Veterans Day Parade along Harbor Drive

10:45 AM | Veterans & Military Boat Parade featuring the museum's historic Swift Boat

All Day | Complimentary museum general admission for veterans and active-duty military

Whether you've served, have a loved one in uniform, or simply want to show your appreciation, we invite you to join our waterfront community in saying two words that can never be said enough:

THANK YOU.

To every veteran, every service member, and every family who has stood beside them, we honor you today and always.

11/06/2026

DON'T MISS THE FINAL NOTES OF AN EXTRAORDINARY MUSICAL JOURNEY!

Some performances come and go. Others mark a moment in music history that you won't want to miss!

On Sunday, November 8, the acclaimed Hausmann Quartet returns to the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a very special performance of Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime, and this one is a milestone!

“BROKEN THREADS” marks the completion of the quartet's remarkable journey through the complete Haydn string quartet cycle, a musical achievement years in the making.

And where else can you experience something this special? Aboard the historic 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, surrounded by the beauty of San Diego Bay!

ONE AFTERNOON. ONE HISTORIC SHIP. ONE MUSICAL MILESTONE.

Whether you're a classical music enthusiast, a supporter of San Diego's arts community, or simply looking for an unforgettable Sunday outing, don't miss your opportunity to be part of this celebration.

HAYDN VOYAGES: BROKEN THREADS

Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 2:30 PM
Historic Steam Ferryboat Berkeley
Maritime Museum of San Diego

Advance Tickets:

General Admission: $35

Museum Members: $25

Students & Military: $10

Premium Reserved Seating: $60

Don't be the one hearing about it afterward. Be there to experience it!

Reserve your seats today:
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/concert-series/

Address

1492 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA
92101

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Website

http://paa.ge/sdmaritime

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