Strolling The Embarcadero
At San Diego Bay.

A trip to San Diego isn’t complete without a stop at the Embarcadero. Fabulous tree sculptures line the walkway along the bay as you stroll from ship to ship.

If you’re simply interested in strolling and taking in the sights, start off at the Star of India and work your way down to the U.S.S. Midway. Stop in at Anthony’s Fish Grotto for a drink at their bar overlooking the San Diego Bay.

But if you’re looking for more, be sure to go aboard the ships. The San Diego Maritime Museum includes seven historic ships, the Star of India, the Berkeley, the Californian, Medea, Pilot, H.M.S. Surprise and B-39 Submarine.

The Star of India is the world’s oldest active ship. The Star is currently moored here and is open for tours daily from 9:00AM to 8:00PM (9:00PM during the summer). Tickets cost from $8 to $12 and include admission to all of the historic ships of the museum.

Seeing the Star of India under full sail is a once in a lifetime experience for many though she sails at least once per year. Each summer, “Movies Before the Mast” are shown on the Star of India’s deck. Movies such as “Operation Petticoat” feature sailors and the sea, as the deck slowly rolls underfoot, the characters come to life. Tickets cost $8-$13. Gates open at 7:00am allowing for time to explore the ship before the movie begins at 8:30am.

While each of the ships of the museum is noteworthy, the H.M.S Surprise is especially fun for movie buffs. This ship was used in the Academy Award winning movie, "Master and Commander" starring Russell Crowe.

Exploring the ships of the Maritime museum will take a couple of hours. If you’re still up for it, the U.S.S. Midway is a short walk away. Touring the Midway can take all day as it’s a huge aircraft carrier complete with aircraft on its top deck. The Midway opened in 2004 as a museum with over 40 exhibits and aircraft. Hours are from 10:00AM to 5:00PM year round (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas) with tickets costing from $8 to $15. Active duty military members in uniform may enter for free.

When entering the Midway, visitors are offered headphones and a MP3-like audio player for a self guided tour. While touring, visitors encounter docents, many of whom are Midway veterans, who share the knowledge and love for the ship. Flight simulators and restored aircraft can be found on the hangar deck with more aircraft above on the flight deck. Many of these aircraft are open for exploration. In addition, visitors explore the berthing spaces, the mess hall, the galley, sick bay, forecastle deck, Navy Showers, the Captain’s bridge and more.

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