Join us Dec. 6 and 7 in beautiful Balboa Park for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival. The family-friendly December Nights celebration brings visitors and locals together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and, of course, the amazing food.

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!

We are excited to announce our brand-new autumn day camp for elementary school students, grades K-5! This a la carte style day camp will take place the week of Thanksgiving. Choose individual days or choose them all!

Whether your child is a budding archaeologist or just eager to experience the past in a whole new way, our camp offers something for everyone. Get ready for a week filled with adventure, discovery, and endless fun! Space is limited to 30 campers per session. Sign up now and let the adventure begin!

Hours: 10 AM - 2:30 PM; Extended care hours: Early drop-off (starting at 8:30 AM) and late pickup (ending at 4 PM) are available for an additional fee of $20 per camper per day.

Mon, 11/25: Archaeology and the Ancient World

Tues, 11/26: Ancient Games Day

Wed, 11/27: Ice Age Extravaganza

Explore one of the country’s best urban cultural parks. Balboa Park has a bit of everything, including grand architecture, diverse museums, cultural institutions, and captivating gardens. You will visit spots that even locals don’t know about.

Tour Highlights

Discover the inspiring, quirky, and fascinating history of one of the nation’s largest urban cultural parks
Uncover historical and architectural treasures hiding in plain sight
Explore a botanical garden’s vibrant collection of more than 2,100 plants
Learn about the early 20th century expositions that shaped Balboa Park
Find the best spots to photograph Balboa Park’s beautiful Spanish colonial revival architecture

PRIVATE TOURS ARE AVAILABLE. CLICK "TICKETS" FOR DETAILS