This talk will focus on amazing geological forces and events from the last 200 million years that have shaped the San Diego County we see today. From regional tectonics to massive volcanism, uplift and erosion, and the many current infrastructure challenges San Diego currently faces, Mike Thacker will tell the story behind our broad mesas, dramatic coastlines, canyons, and wide valleys. Attendees will be sure to come away with a deepened understanding of and appreciation for the geological history of our unique region.

About the Presenter: Mike Thacker is a SDAC Board Member and a retired Senior Staff Research and Development Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He has a B.S. in zoology from SDSU and studied anthropology and archaeology at UC Santa Barbara, Palomar College, and SDSU.

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!

These popular 90-minute performances are staged aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s 16th-century Spanish galleon San Salvador. Guests will be fully engaged in pirate theatrics at the dock and underway on San Diego Bay. This hilarious interactive show puts visitors right in the middle of the pirate action. Participants will be sworn in as part of the ship crew, trained how to navigate, sword fight, bail water from a sinking ship, escape from the King’s Jail, swab the deck and other pirate skills. Choose from two 90-minute performances at 10:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Tickets include general admission! So arrive early and check - in 15 to 30 minutes before your show. Then after you return to the Museum docks, continue the fun as your explore the rest of the Maritime Museum fleet and all of the fascinating below decks exhibits!

From blockbuster films to bestselling novels, pop culture is rich with tales that draw inspiration from the natural world. Hear from Frank Santana as he bridges the worlds of pop culture and natural biodiversity.

Calling all nature lovers and pop culture aficionados! Join environmental biologist, Frank Santana, as he explores the fascinating intersections of science and storytelling. Discover how movies, books, and TV shows draw inspiration from the natural world and learn why preserving our planet's biodiversity is crucial for a future rich with compelling stories.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to step into a world where nature and culture collide to enrich our lives and fuel our imaginations. Plus, It's the perfect place to rock that Comic-Con costume one more time!

Tickets are $15 for non-members and $12 for members.

If you wear a costume, please note it cannot cover the entire face (people entering the building need to be able to be properly identified—thanks for understanding). Also, please do not bring weapons of any kind.