A visit to California's San Diego couldn't be considered complete without a scenic and informative tour of the area's rich maritime history. Home to several U.S. Navy bases and command centers throughout a relatively small area, San Diego boasts plenty of tourist-friendly opportunities, especially to those interested in naval history and operations around the city's coast and barrier islands. Although welcoming, some tours are occasionally off-limits because of security concerns.
Undoubtedly the most popular among Navy buffs and history fans, the U.S.S. Midway rests afloat in downtown San Diego. Decommissioned in 1992 and converted into a naval museum, the ship now features 60 attractions in the walking tour, including flight simulators, interactive presentations and an up-close look at 25 different aircraft that once launched from the Midway's deck. Visitors get an imaginative peek at what life was like for sailors assigned duty aboard the carrier. The on-board jail, doctor's office, mess area, machine shop, pilots' quarters and the massive and towering bridge are highlights of the self-guided tour. Admission price ranges from $10 to $18 (2010 prices), and in cases of national security concerns, the museum closes to the public.
U.S.S. Midway Museum
910 North Harbor
San Diego, CA 92101
619-544-9600
One of the oldest touring outfits in the city, San Diego Harbor Excursions offers a little something for everyone; for the military minded, the full tour package highlights several areas of interest. The tour covers both the north and south barrier islands, home to individual U.S. Navy command centers. The northern island tour includes stops at the North Island Naval Station as well as the submarine base. The southern island tour takes in the sprawling and combat-ready U.S. Navy surface fleet, complete with shipyards. For those a little short on time, the tours can be divided into two separate tours taken individually. Tickets range from $10 to $20, 2010 prices.
San Diego Harbor Excursions
1050 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 91201
800-44-CRUISE
San Diego's Maritime Museum reveals the history of all things nautical One of the Maritime Museum's exhibits deals exclusively with San Diego's rich naval history. The tour is both informative and educational, as museum visitors learn about the Navy's interest in the area more than 100 years ago when base plans where formed and the harbor couldn't accommodate the fleet. Plenty of rare photos, artifacts and personal memorabilia adorn the walls. Ticket prices range from $7 for kids to $12 for adults, 2010 prices.
San Diego Maritime Museum
1492 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-9153
