California Things to Do Tips by razorbacker

The Maritime Museum is one of the great attractions of San Diego. There are severral historic ships moored at the museum, including the Star of India, world's oldest active ship, the Surprise, which was the ship used in the filming of "Master and Commander," the Californian, the state's official tall ship, the Berkeley, a historic steam ferry, the Medea, a steam yacht, the Pilot San Diego Harbor's official pilot ship for over 80 years, and (I'm not sure when this one's being added) a Russian submarine.
The museum, offices, and a cool bookshop are all located aboard the Berkeley.
This is a "don't miss" attraction!

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Phone: (619) 234-9153
Address: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Directions: Middle of the waterfront on Harbor Drive.
Website: www.sdmaritime.com

See Page 1! The Star of India was built and launched from the Isle of Man in 1863, originally christened the "Euterpe." She is the oldest active ship in the world and still makes a cruise at least once a year. The Berkeley is an 1898 steam ferry that served 60 years on San Francisco Bay. She was continually active in evacuating victims after the Great Earthquake of 1906. The Californian is the state's official tall ship. She is a replica of the 1847 revenue cutter, C.W. Lawrence, that patrolled the coast during the years of the Gold Rush. The Medea is a 1904 steam yacht built for a wealthy Scotsman and military officer. She served on active military duty during both World Wars. The Pilot, built in 1914, was official pilot boat for San Diego Bay for 82 years. HMS Surprise is a replica of a 24-gun Royal Navy frigate from the era of Admiral Lord Nelson. It was the ship used in the Academy Award-winning film, "Master and Commander." The B-39 Soviet Attack sub was commissioned in the early 1970s and served in the Soviet Navy for over 20 years, including during the Cold War.

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Address: 1492 North Hartbor Drive, San Diego
Website: www.sdmaritime.com

Admission to the museum includes touring most of the larger ships. Here are just a few photos from the Star of India tour.

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Address: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
Website: www.sdmaritime.com

One of the grandest experiences you can have! The Californian is Official Tall Ship of the State of California. She is a "topsail schooner built for speed." She weighs 130 tons is 145 feet long and has 7,000 square feet of sail. She is one of the ships of the San Diego Maritime Museum. (See related tips.) Several times a month the Californian offers sailing adventures of varying lengths and expense. We chose the 3 hour sail on San Diego Bay. It was one of the thrills of a lifetime as you can see by the photos and unbelievably inexpensive: $32/adults and $21/children under 17. That price not only includes the 3-hour cruise but admission to the museum as well! Cruises depart at 13:00 and return at 16:00.

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Address: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
Website: www.sdmaritime.com

The GREATEST of experiences (almost)! Unforgettable.

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Address: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
Website: www,sdmaritime.com

Very interesting aquarium. Great views from the tidepool terrace. Perpetual motion column of sardines.

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Point Loma/Cabrillo National Monument are not only historical (site of first European landing in california) but breath-taking.

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Phone: (619) 557-5450
Address: Tip of Point Loma Peninsula, west of San Diego.
Directions: West on Rosecrans Street. Turn right and uphill on Canon Street. At top of hill turn left on Catalina Blvd/Cabrillo Memorial Drive and follow it to the end.
Website: www.nps.gov/cabr/

Commemorates historic spot where Europeans first landed in California. Located on southeast tip of Point loma Peninsula, overlooking San Diego Bay.

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Phone: (619) 557-5450
Address: Tip of Point Loma Peninsula, west of San Diego.
Directions: West on Rosecrans Street. Turn right and uphill on Canon Street. At top of hill turn left on Catalina Blvd/Cabrillo Memorial Drive and follow it to the end.
Website: nps.gov/cabr/

Old historical lighthouse, now part of Cabrillo National Monument.

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Phone: (619) 557-5450
Address: Tip of Point Loma Peninsula, west of San Diego.
Directions: West on Rosecrans Street. Right (north) on Canon Street. Left (west) on Catalina Blvd/Cabrillo Memorial Drive to end.
Website: nps.gov/cabr/

Current lighthouse at tip of Point Loma.

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Phone: (619) 557-5450
Address: Tip of Point Loma Peninsula, west of San Diego.
Directions: West on Rosecrans St. North on Canon St. West on Catalina Blvd. Right on road downhill to tidepools.
Website: nps.gov/cabr/