As home to the Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy, San Diego has a rich maritime culture. San Diego Harbor is a popular destination for a variety of activities, including dining, sightseeing and sailing. If you're going to the harbor, explore the area's ship attractions, which include a Navy carrier and the world's oldest active sailing ship. All prices are current as of April 2010.
The longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century, the USS Midway was decommissioned in 1992 and is now a maritime museum. There is a self-guided audio tour of 60 exhibits and 25 aircraft, or you can choose the one-hour guided tour. Activities include flight simulators, short films, and opportunities to climb aboard aircraft. Dine on-board and buy souvenirs at the museum gift shop. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult tickets are $18; seniors 62 and over and students with ID are $15. Retired military and kids aged six to 17 are $10. Children under six and active military are free. Purchase tickets onsite or online; pre-paid discounts are offered for groups of 20 or more.
USS Midway Museum
910 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-544-9600
midway.org
This museum has one of the world's largest collections of historic ships, including the oldest active sailing ship in the world, the Star of India. This ship was built in 1863 and is sailed around the harbor at least once a year. Tour this vessel along with the rest of the museum's exhibits, including the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley, the 1904 steam yacht Medea, and the tall ship Californian, which takes visitors on a sail around the harbor. Purchase general admission tickets on-site at $14 for adults, $11 for seniors 62 and over and active military, and $8 for kids six to 17; kids under six are free. Purchase the Discovery Package for a few dollars more and get museum admission plus a harbor cruise. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Save 10 percent by purchasing tickets on the museum website and inquire about group discounts.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-9153
sdmaritime.org
Take a narrated cruise tour of San Diego Harbor. There are three harbor cruises: the one-hour North Bay with views of North Island Naval Air Station, Harbor and Shelter Islands, the Naval Sub Base, and Cabrillo National Monument; the one-hour South Bay with views of the Star of India, the U.S. Navy surface fleet, and Coronado Bay Bridge; and the Full Bay, a two-hour tour covering the entire harbor. Cruises depart from the ship terminal at Broadway Pier throughout each day, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m. One-hour adult tickets are $20, seniors 55 and over and active military are $18, and kids ages four to 12 are $10. Two-hour tours are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and military, and $12.50 for kids. Purchase tickets on-site or call ahead for reservations.
San Diego Harbor Excursion
1050 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-4111
sdhe.com
