Sail ships and spaceships: San Diego Air and Space Museum vs the Maritime Museum

From cockpit to crow’s nest—discover which museum sends your heart soaring or sailing.

UPDATED JUNE 2025
Maritime Museum of San Diego

San Diego invites you to soar above the clouds or dive deep into seafaring legend—all within a few miles of each other. The Air and Space Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego both deliver world-class adventures through time, technology and imagination. Whether your idea of excitement includes getting up close to a real Apollo capsule or scrambling over the deck of the world’s oldest active sailing ship, both museums will spark awe and keep you learning all day. Ready for takeoff? Or itching to hoist the mainsail? Here’s your full guide to picking the ultimate experience for your San Diego day.

The scoop…

 

San Diego Air and Space Museum

  • Located in Balboa Park’s classic Ford Building—a domed Art Deco landmark
  • More than 70 aircraft and space artifacts, including authentic Apollo and Gemini capsules, World War II fighters, bombers, jets and early flying machines
  • Dozens of immersive exhibits: flight simulators, a moon landing module, Women in Aviation, and futuristic Space Age galleries
  • Hands-on Discovery Center for kids, command center games and VR experiences
  • Rotating special exhibits (recent themes: aviation art, drones, and Mars missions)

Maritime Museum of San Diego

  • A living fleet of historic ships on San Diego Bay, including the famous Star of India (1863), ferryboat Berkeley, opulent steam yacht Medea, and a Soviet B-39 submarine
  • Interactive, climb-aboard experiences—steer a ship’s wheel, ring a bell, explore sailor bunks and scramble through tight submarine hatches
  • Pirate-themed weekends, cannon firings, kids’ scavenger hunts and navigation activity stations
  • Occasional tall ship cruises, sunset sail, and living history events with costumed re-enactors
  • Waterfront setting with epic skyline and harbor views

Sounds great, tell me more...

Spirit of St Louis plane in the Air and Space Museum
San Diego Air and Space Museum

Air and Space Museum: flights of fancy and rockets galore

You’ll spot the Air and Space Museum well before you reach the doors—its curved Art Deco façade, Model T parked outside, and monumental ‘Spirit of St. Louis’ dangling from the lobby all hint at the excitement inside. You’re immediately surrounded by real aircraft, from a hand-built Wright Flyer to a Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet. Interactive touchscreens invite you to explore what pilots see, how cockpits evolved, and why jet engines roar the way they do.

The Apollo space capsules—yes, flown in real missions!—catch the eye, but there’s just as much drama in the sleek Blackbird spy plane, WWII biplanes and glimmering silver jets. Engaging exhibit zones like ‘Space: Our Greatest Adventure’ walk you through humanity’s journey from stargazing to moonwalking, with space suits, lunar rovers and a VR Mars landing mission.

For hands-on fun, try the motion simulators: barrel roll a fighter jet, attempt a moon landing, or test your skills on a Red Baron biplane. Little ones can build paper rockets, pilot vintage aircraft in pint-sized cockpits, and get inspired by stories of aviators from Amelia Earhart to today’s scientific rockstars. You’ll leave feeling a little more drive to chase your own big dream.

Maritime Museum: climb, crawl and sail through history

The Maritime Museum is an outdoor, all-weather playground, anchored along the Embarcadero. The centerpiece is the Star of India—the world’s oldest active sailing ship, where you can climb onto teak decks and gaze up at sky-high masts. You’re invited to ring the ship’s bell, peek into the galley and explore the below-deck hammocks where sailors once slept.

Step from tall ships to the Berkeley—a Victorian steam ferry boat packed with model ships, engine rooms and a richly paneled first-class salon. The B-39 submarine carries a real Cold War chill, with periscopes, torpedo rooms and enough narrow hatches to spark serious explorer fun (tip: mind your shins!). Docents bring every ship to life with salty stories, while little scavenger hunts and navigation demos get kids using compasses and firing virtual cannons.

Frequent living history events mean you might run into pirates in full costume, or try your hand at rope splicing and signal-flag decoding. Special cruises—think pirate adventures and sunset sails—turn the experience into an epic day on San Diego Bay, complete with cool breezes and unbeatable skyline views.

Ok, so which is more impressive?

 

When it comes to sheer scope, history and wow factor, the Air and Space Museum is a world-class heavyweight. You’ll stand below real space capsules, military jets that once snapped the sound barrier and legendary planes that shaped entire eras of technology. The variety, the scale and the awe of seeing a Blackbird or Apollo capsule in person are hard to beat.

Which is more fun?

 

Maritime Museum packs in more hands-on challenges—kids (and grown-ups!) will crawl through bunks, ring bells, steer giant wheels, decode signal flags and hear salty stories from costumed pirates on weekends. 

Which is more beautiful?

 

The Maritime Museum’s location is hard to beat: historic ships glisten on the sparkling bay, San Diego’s skyline shimmers across the water, and sunsets reflect off dramatic masts, sails, and polished woodwork. Every ship is a photographic treasure, especially as the golden hour paints the decks and city in magical tones.

Stand on the Star of India, Medea yacht, or ferryboat deck and take in the bay, city skyline, bridge and harbor hustle—all with ocean breezes in your hair. Photos from the bowsprit or across the water are Instagram gold, especially at sunset.

How do I get there?

Friends in a car

Air and Space Museum

By public transit: Take MTS’s #7 or #215 bus to Park Boulevard/Palisades, with a short stroll through Balboa Park to the museum in the stunning Ford Building. If you’re downtown, the #3 bus (or even a Lime scooter) drops you near the Cabrillo Bridge for a pleasant walk through palm-lined paths and colorful gardens.

By car: Enter 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 into your GPS. There’s free parking in adjacent Balboa Park lots—Inspiration Point is usually your best bet on busy weekends, with a free Park Tram that whisks you straight to the museum’s front door.

By bike/on foot: Safe bike racks are steps from the entrance, and pedestrian paths connect you to all of Balboa Park’s main attractions.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

By public transit: The MTS Blue and Green line Trolley stops at Santa Fe Depot—walk south along the Embarcadero for about 10 minutes, enjoying the sea breeze and bay views as you approach the ships.

By car: Set GPS to 1492 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Paid parking lots and meters line Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, but make sure to arrive early for the best spots, especially in summer or on weekends.

By bike/on foot: Embarcadero pedestrian and bike paths run right past the Maritime Museum—perfect for a scenic arrival or a stroll to Seaport Village before or after your visit.

Best choice for families, couples or friends

 

  • For families: Both museums are knockouts for families. If your crew loves breaking up the day with climbing, crawling and hands-on learning, the Maritime Museum is a standout. Ship scavenger hunts, pirate weekends and real-life hide and seek in the submarine make for an unforgettable visit. The Air and Space Museum’s simulators, Discovery Center and VR rides transform any kid (or adult) into a pilot or astronaut for the afternoon—and it’s a blast for school-age children with big imaginations.
  • For couples: Looking for adventure laced with history? The Maritime Museum’s sunset or special event sails are hard to beat—think sea breezes, city lights and a dash of maritime romance. Walkable Embarcadero bars and waterfront dining make planning a post-museum date a breeze.
  • For friends: Group days out are stellar at both. Chase the wildest scavenger hunt riddles on the Star of India or run a race to the moon via simulator at Air and Space. Flights of fancy or tales of the seven seas—either way, you’re spoiled for choice.

I have fidgety kids - which has more hands-on fun?

 

The Maritime Museum shines for fidgety kids. From ringing bells and steering wheels to crawling through submarine corridors and raising a real sail, every deck encourages play and discovery. During pirate weekends (check the schedule!), costumed characters guide interactive storytelling, and shipboard games bring maritime adventures to life.

What’s the accessibility like?

 

Air & Space Museum

Fully accessible for wheelchairs, strollers and mobility aids, with ramps and elevators to every major exhibit, plus wide galleries and accessible restrooms. Special sensory-friendly days and extra resources for those with additional needs can be arranged—just check the website or ask at entry.

Maritime Museum

Most of the outdoor exhibits and main decks (especially the Berkeley ferry and steam yacht Medea) are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Some historic vessels (Submarine B-39, Star of India’s lower decks) are not, due to narrow ladders and uneven gangways—a reality for many authentic nautical ships. The main promenade and portions of larger vessels are accessible, and staff are happy to help guests make the most of their visit.

Best lunch spots nearby?

Seafood lunch

Air and Space Museum (Balboa Park)

  • The Prado: Just steps away—California-Mediterranean eats in a Spanish Revival palace, with standout Baja fish tacos and a lush patio.
  • Panama 66: Local brews, inventive salads, burgers and sandwiches in a sculpture garden hideaway; perfect for kicking back after a morning in the museum.
  • Craveology at Fleet Science Center: Fast-casual options, family-friendly, and tons of grab-and-go snacks for park picnics.

Maritime Museum (Embarcadero)

  • Portside Pier: Four dining options, all with killer bay views—try Ketch Grill for fish tacos or Brigantine for seafood platters.
  • Carnitas Snack Shack: Decadent pork sandwiches, local beer, and picnic tables right on the water—you can practically hear the ship bells from your seat.
  • The Fish Market: Just across Harbor Drive, perfect for a leisurely seafood lunch, house-baked sourdough and unbeatable people watching.

Where can I find the best photo ops?

 

Air and Space Museum

  • Stand below the enormous Blue Angels F/A-18 jet or beside the shiny Blackbird spy plane for prime ‘Top Gun’ poses.
  • The domed main atrium, with its circular panorama of suspended historic airplanes, is irresistible.
  • Dramatic shots inside the Apollo and Gemini capsules, especially with a helmet or flight suit from the interactive exhibits.
  • Outside, the historic Ford Building curves in a way that’s perfect for classic Art Deco architectural snaps.

Maritime Museum

  • Star of India’s rigging at sunset, with the city skyline in the background, is pure San Diego.
  • Climbing through the periscope hatch on the B-39 makes for one-of-a-kind photos.
  • Group shots on the open-air ferry deck, ship’s wheel selfies, and wide harbor panoramas.
  • Pirate weekends: the best spot for nautical costumes, parrots and other playful props.

We’re finished and thirsty – any good bars nearby?

 

Near Air and Space Museum

  • Misters Cocktail Bar: Speakeasy-style spot in Bankers Hill, shaking up unique drinks with fresh botanicals. Try the Aviator gin cocktail!
  • Thorn Brewing (Balboa Park Taproom): Intimate taproom pouring local IPAs and rotating seasonal brews—perfect for a quick break before heading deeper into the park.
  • The Balboa Bar: Cozy, retro, and friendly; they do a mean old fashioned and solid local taps.

Near Maritime Museum

  • Waterfront Bar & Grill: San Diego’s oldest tavern—a lively fisherman’s bar with cheap drafts and plenty of stories.
  • False Idol: Legendary tiki bar hidden under Craft & Commerce; wild decor and a Zombie cocktail with enough rum to make any sailor sing.
  • Harbor House Upstairs Lounge: Scenic views, oysters, and a legendary martini—ideal for toasting your maritime exploration.

Any other good stuff nearby?

USS Midway Museum
USS Midway Museum

In Balboa Park

On the Embarcadero

  • USS Midway Museum: Massive aircraft carrier packed with planes, flight simulators and awe-inspiring deck views.
  • Seaport Village: Breezy shops, carousel and casual waterfront eateries.
  • Waterfront Park: Splash fountains for kids, art installations and sunset views—perfect for a picnic to round out your day.

In summary…

 

Whether you’re climbing through a Cold War sub or landing on the moon, San Diego’s Air and Space and Maritime Museums are both world-class adventures. Each promises hands-on fun, stunning photo spots and stories that stick with you long after you leave. Why choose? With Go City®, you can do both in one trip—save big, see more, and turn your San Diego getaway into a legendary journey through sea and sky. 

Looking for other things to do in and around San Diego? Discover some of San Diego’s top wildlife adventures, and geek out at some of Balboa Park’s quirkier transport museums.

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