The best beaches, according to kids

San Diego's kid-sized, 70-mile sandbox

Calm Waters for Little Visitors

Enjoy these seven San Diego beaches that will delight small swimmers and their families

Best Kid-Approved Parks in San Diego

Some of the best places to play in San Diego

25 Fun & Free Things to Do

San Diego offers a fun and inexpensive getaway, for kids and adults, any time of year

SeaWorld San Diego

Come Face-to-Face with the Wonders of the Sea with the 8 can't-miss experiences

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Discover wide-open wonder with these 10 wild adventures

LEGOLAND® California Resort

Let your imagination lead the way with these 8 awesome adventures

Sesame Place San Diego

Splash around at the Sesame Street® inspired theme park

This special program is offered by the Maritime Museum Education Department Saturdays, June 15, July 27, and August 10, 2024. We invite Scouts BSA youth to enroll and earn their Oceanography Merit Badge through attendance at one of three classes held on three Saturdays at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Classes will run 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Scouts must complete one class to earn their Oceanography Merit Badge.

The program gives local scouting youth the opportunity to more deeply explore the ocean that is so integral to the San Diego community. By combining field work, laboratory observation, and scholarly discussion, Oceanography Merit Badge Days at the Maritime Museum of San Diego allow scouts to become fully immersed in the multiple branches of oceanographic research.

Guided Docent Led Tours at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is your opportunity to learn of the ships in-depth stories from our trained knowledgeable historians, and enjoy the waterfront sights of San Diego Bay while meeting other people with like interests in maritime heritage and history. The docent and volunteer community share a wealth of knowledge, and a passion and pride with visitors for these extra special tours. Guided Docent-led Tour tickets include General Admission. So, after your tour you are welcome to explore more of the fleet and exhibits if you have time. Once at the museum, you can add-on a 45 min Historic Bay Cruise for only $10.00 more. Check with the Ticket Booth staff on availability. Leaving the museum for lunch, and returning is allowed, with lot’s of lunch and nibble options in close walking distance.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is the only attraction to offer this popular day sail adventure experience aboard San Salvador, a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. These 4-hour Sailing Adventures are for people who love history and sailing. Few 21st Century people have sailed aboard a 16th Century galleon. You can become one of them. No sailing experience is required. An invaluable addition to your experience is the onboard historian who will explain how the San Salvador was sailed, navigated and defended. 

In addition to learning about the exploration of the West Coast, guests can assist the sail crew, enhancing their back-in-time experience.

Your tickets include general admission to visit the Museum fleet of ships and exhibits before your sail!

Set out on the water as your own captain on a high-adrenaline boat ride in San Diego! Zip along the coastline and take in the stunning views of area attractions like the Maritime Museum, Seaport Village, and of course, the iconic downtown skyline. No other boat rental in San Diego packs this much excitement and sightseeing into one fun-filled day. Embark on the Adventure Tour or become a real VIP as you fly over the water in a speed boat before exploring the streets on an electric scooter. No matter how you choose to experience the city, our San Diego boat tours offer premier sightseeing with a twist.