The Maritime Museum of San Diego continues to be one of the region’s most dynamic cultural anchors, offering visitors a chance to step directly into five centuries of seafaring history. The museum’s fleet includes some of the world’s most celebrated historic vessels, among them the Star of India, recognized as the oldest active ship in the world. With its collection of ships and waterfront exhibits, the museum has earned recognition as one of the top maritime institutions in the world and remains a landmark destination for locals and visitors.
As the holiday season reaches its peak, the museum has wrapped up several well-loved seasonal traditions while preparing for new programming that will carry into the year ahead. Earlier this month, guests gathered for the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where the museum once again provided one of the best vantage points along the waterfront. Dinner guests watched the illuminated procession from the decks of the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley while others enjoyed drinks and parade views from Star of India. Holiday fare, festive lighting and a front row view of the harbor created a memorable evening for families and boaters.
The museum also hosted its annual holiday concert aboard Star of India on December 20. Fans of Tim Flannery and The Lunatic Fringe gathered under the rigging of the historic vessel for an intimate evening of bluegrass, country and rock. Flannery’s long running holiday concert has become a beloved tradition and once again brought music and storytelling to the oldest active ship in the world.
One of the most anticipated experiences at the museum takes place later this month when BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure returns on December 27. The program is quickly becoming one of the museum’s signature offerings and the museum is giving it special attention this season. Presented by San Diego Pirate Adventures, the 90 minute show turns the San Salvador into an immersive stage. Guests are sworn in as crew, taught navigation basics, coached through stage combat and given the chance to bail water, swab the deck and attempt escape from the King’s Jail. The production is humorous and high energy, but it also highlights what life might have looked like aboard a 16th century galleon. Families should note that the show includes simulated gunfire and can be loud for sensitive children. Additional performances are scheduled for March 21, 2026.
Visitors who want to explore the bay from the water can choose from several ongoing programs that remain available throughout the year. The Historic Bay Cruise aboard the 1914 pilot boat Pilot provides a narrated look at San Diego’s waterfront. Sailing enthusiasts can join the Tall Ship Adventure aboard Californian, a replica of an 1840s revenue cutter that invites passengers to participate in traditional seamanship. The San Salvador Sailing Adventure provides a four hour day sail on the museum’s full scale replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s flagship. Guests who want a faster paced experience can board Swift Boat PCF 816 for a 75 minute tour that highlights San Diego’s naval history.
Every ticketed experience includes general admission to the museum, allowing guests to explore the fleet and exhibits at their own pace. Visitors can walk the decks of Star of India, step inside the steam ferry Berkeley and explore submarines, sailing vessels and military craft that help tell the story of California’s maritime identity.
As the year comes to a close, the Maritime Museum of San Diego continues to offer one of the most diverse selections of cultural programming on the waterfront. From holiday concerts to historic cruises, from hands-on sailing adventures to theatrical pirate encounters, the museum provides opportunities for families, history enthusiasts and visitors to rediscover San Diego Bay in new and memorable ways. Upcoming programs and ticket information can be found on the museum’s website at sdmaritime.org or at the ticket booth on the Embarcadero.
