Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego (must see)

One of the more unique places to visit in San Diego, the Maritime Museum was opened in 1948 when the need was identified to have a place to preserve some of the old ships of the world. Today it maintains one of the largest collections of old ships you can find anywhere in the U.S.

Among the main attractions is the famed Star of India – an 1863 model ironbark, a couple of pirate ships and two submarines. You will also want to visit the Berkeley, which is a 1898 steam ferry that used to ply for 60 years on San Francisco Bay (the steam is now gone, and the work is performed realistically by hydraulics and compressed air). There is so much to explore! Docents are available in many places to explain things, and this really lends to the experience.

Tip:
Don't miss the state-of-the-art Library and Research facility here, as well as the maritime archive. You can also take a boat ride from the museum while in the area.