The world-renown Maritime Museum of San Diego was founded in 1948, by a group of local historians and maritime experts. Here visitors from around the globe come to walk the decks of the magnificent Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Built in 1863, the Star of India made her first voyage on November 14 of that year. The ship sailed for many years from Great Britain to India and then to New Zealand. After many difficult journeys, the ship became a salmon hauler from Alaska to California. Once retired, the Star of India was acquired by maritime enthusiasts and is now an official National Historic Landmark. Fully restored, the Star of India is lovingly maintained and sailed at least once a year.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is devoted to exposing all ages to Maritime history and offers both permanent and temporary exhibits throughout the year. The museum is also known for restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels and has what is considered to be one of the finest collections of historic ships. Included in the collection are the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley, the 1904 steam yacht Medea, the 1914 Pilot and the Californian, which is a replica of a mid 19th century revenue cutter.