Things to Do Near Maritime Museum San Diego

Perched along San Diego’s scenic waterfront, the Maritime Museum is a dream for history lovers, ship buffs, and anyone who enjoys a good sea breeze. But the fun doesn’t stop when you disembark. The surrounding area is packed with walkable attractions, breezy cafés, and oceanfront views that make it easy to turn your museum visit into a full-day adventure. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best things to do nearby—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family. Anchors aweigh! 

USS Midway Museum 

Just a 7-minute walk south along the Embarcadero, the USS Midway Museum is one of San Diego’s most celebrated attractions—and a natural next stop after visiting the Maritime Museum. This retired aircraft carrier turned floating museum offers a hands-on, larger-than-life look at naval aviation and life at sea, making it a must-see for history fans, families, and anyone curious about military tech. 

Walking up to the Midway is an experience in itself—the sheer scale of the ship towering over the pier is impressive. But the real adventure starts once you step aboard. With over 60 exhibits spread across multiple decks and 29 restored aircraft on display, you’re in for a deep dive into the world of naval operations, from flight decks and sleeping quarters to the command center and engine rooms. 

What makes the Midway particularly fun is how interactive it is. You can sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet, climb into helicopters, explore the galley and sick bay, and even try out a flight simulator. Docents—many of them retired Navy personnel—are stationed throughout the ship to share stories and answer questions, which adds a layer of authenticity and connection to the experience. 

Kids love the audio tour (available in multiple languages), scavenger hunts, and hands-on zones designed just for them. Adults tend to linger at the Top Gun-style flight operations area, where you'll find fighter jets parked with panoramic views of the bay as your backdrop. 

It’s also incredibly photogenic, especially on the upper deck. You’ll get sweeping views of downtown San Diego, Coronado Bridge, and the bay—perfect for that next great vacation shot. Plan to spend around 2 hours here, or more if you’re the type who likes to read every placard and ask the guides all the questions (guilty!). 

There’s a gift shop on board for aviation-themed souvenirs and a small café if you’re in need of a snack or coffee break. But for a proper meal, you might want to hold out for one of the harborfront restaurants nearby. 

📍 Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 

 🚶 Walking distance from Maritime Museum: 7 minutes 

 🕒 Open daily, 10am–5pm 

 💸 Budget: $$ 

 

Little Italy San Diego 

Just a 10-minute walk north from the Maritime Museum, Little Italy is one of San Diego’s most vibrant and flavorful neighborhoods. What began as a modest fishing community is now a bustling hub of food, art, and alfresco energy—and it’s the perfect follow-up to a morning by the harbor. 

The heart of Little Italy stretches along India Street, where you’ll find tree-lined sidewalks, stylish boutiques, craft coffee shops, and some of the best dining in the city. It’s a feast for the senses, with the scent of garlic and espresso in the air, string lights overhead, and locals lounging at sidewalk tables with wine glasses and fresh pasta. 

Food is the obvious draw here, and there’s something for every taste. Pappalecco serves stellar gelato and paninis, while Morning Glory is the go-to for over-the-top brunches in a pink velvet, mid-century dream space. Craving handmade pasta? Bencotto and Barbusa deliver contemporary takes on Italian classics, while Civico 1845 offers lighter, California-influenced dishes with vegan and gluten-free options. 

Little Italy is also perfect for a casual afternoon stroll. Pop into James Coffee Co. for a nitro cold brew, browse local art galleries, or shop home goods and indie fashion at Love & Aesthetics and Vocabulary. On Saturdays, the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market takes over several blocks, offering everything from local honey to fresh flowers and artisan sourdough. 

Need a spot to sit and people-watch? Piazza della Famiglia, the neighborhood’s central square, is lined with benches and cafés and often hosts live music or public events. It’s also one of the best selfie spots in the city, especially during golden hour. 

Little Italy brings a different energy than the waterfront—cozy yet cosmopolitan, lively but never chaotic. It’s a great place to unwind with a gelato or glass of wine, browse something beautiful, or enjoy a lazy lunch in the sun. 

📍 Address: India St between Ash St & W Laurel St 

 🚶 Walking distance from Maritime Museum: 10 minutes 

 🕒 Best to visit: late morning through evening 

 💸 Budget: Free–$$$ 

 

Portside Pier 

Just a 7-minute waterfront stroll south of the Maritime Museum, Portside Pier is where you go when you're ready to pair bay views with good food, breezy drinks, and a bit of a buzz. It’s not just one restaurant—it’s a collection of eateries and bars perched directly over the water, offering panoramic views of San Diego Bay from every angle. 

This sleek, modern complex is home to four main venues: Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch Grill & Taps, and Top Sail, a rooftop cocktail lounge that feels made for golden hour. The vibe is casual-upscale—somewhere between date night and flip-flop friendly. 

For sunset drinks and skyline snaps, the real hidden gem is upstairs at Top Sail. This rooftop bar offers full table service, creative cocktails, and front-row seats to the bay’s nightly light show. It’s especially popular with locals who know to arrive just before dusk, grab a seat facing west, and order a Blood Orange Mule or the house sangria. 

What makes Portside Pier shine is that it caters to every kind of traveler—families, couples, solo wanderers—and the views are just unbeatable. Whether you're grabbing lunch after a museum tour or lingering over cocktails as the lights come on, it's a standout stop along the Embarcadero. 

📍 Address: 1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 

 🚶 Walking distance from Maritime Museum: 7 minutes 

 🕒 Open daily (hours vary by venue) 

 🎟 Free to enter (restaurants only) 

 💸 Budget: $$–$$$ 

 

Unconditional Surrender (The Kiss Statue) 

Just a 6-minute walk south along the waterfront from the Maritime Museum, you’ll find one of San Diego’s most recognizable photo ops: Unconditional Surrender, also known as The Kiss Statue. Towering at 25 feet tall, this larger-than-life sculpture depicts a sailor kissing a nurse—a re-creation of Alfred Eisenstaedt’s iconic 1945 V-J Day photo taken in Times Square. 

This statue isn’t subtle. It’s bold, romantic, nostalgic, and a little theatrical—which makes it perfect for both history buffs and selfie lovers. Framed by the harbor and often bathed in golden light around sunset, it’s easily one of the most photographed landmarks along the Embarcadero. 

The setting adds to its charm. Just steps from the USS Midway Museum and within view of passing sailboats and harbor cruise ships, this spot feels connected to San Diego’s deep naval roots. You’ll often see military families taking photos here, as well as tourists striking playful poses under the statue’s massive heels. 

While it’s definitely a photo stop more than a deep-dive attraction, it’s a meaningful place to pause, especially if you’re coming from nearby museums that touch on military history. It brings an emotional layer to your waterfront stroll and celebrates a moment in time that marked the end of World War II. 

There are plaques nearby that explain the historical context of both the sculpture and the photograph that inspired it. The statue has also sparked debate over the years, which makes it an interesting talking point—art, nostalgia, and cultural memory all wrapped into one. 

What makes this stop especially worthwhile is that it’s free, open-air, and right on the way between other attractions like the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village. Plus, there’s plenty of open space around it, so you’re rarely fighting crowds for a good picture. 

Pro tip: Visit during golden hour for the best photos, and walk just a bit south after your visit for more harbor views, or grab a bench and watch the sun dip behind Point Loma. 

📍 Address: Tuna Harbor Park, next to USS Midway Museum 

 🚶 Walking distance from Maritime Museum: 6 minutes 

 🕒 Open 24/7 

 💸 Budget: Free 

 

Ruocco Park 

Tucked between Seaport Village and Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, just an 8-minute walk from the Maritime Museum, Ruocco Park is the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard—and that’s exactly why locals love it. It’s a small, modern green space along San Diego’s Embarcadero that offers bay views, artful landscaping, and a welcome patch of calm in a lively part of town. 

Unlike the larger Waterfront Park to the north, Ruocco Park is more low-key and minimalist. You won’t find playgrounds or splash zones here. Instead, think grassy lawns, sleek concrete benches, native plants, and a steady ocean breeze. It’s a great place to take a break, sip a coffee, or stretch out in the sun with a view of the harbor. 

Because of its location right off Harbor Drive, it’s often used as a linking spot between other waterfront stops like the Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and the Fish Market. But it’s worth slowing down for. The park was designed with an eye toward sustainability and simplicity, and the effect is surprisingly peaceful, especially in the morning or late afternoon. 

You’ll often see dog walkers, joggers, and couples on casual dates here, with the occasional yoga class or street musician popping up. The public art installations—including a sculpture that looks like sails catching the wind—offer visual interest without overwhelming the space. 

For sunset, this is one of the more underrated viewing spots downtown. You’ll get warm light across the bay and a bit more elbow room than at some of the busier nearby parks. And it’s close enough to everything else that you can easily pop in and out depending on your schedule. 

📍 Address: 585 Harbor Ln, San Diego, CA 

 🚶 Walking distance from Maritime Museum: 8 minutes 

 🕒 Open daily, dawn to dusk 

 💸 Budget: Free 

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – Downtown 

Just a 12-minute walk from the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) – Downtown offers a refreshing change of pace. After exploring ships and waterfront views, stepping into this light-filled, thought-provoking art space gives you a different lens through which to see the city. 

Housed in the historic Santa Fe Depot baggage building, the downtown location of MCASD is smaller than its La Jolla counterpart, but it’s carefully curated and deeply engaging. The focus here is on cutting-edge contemporary art, with a spotlight on works from Southern California and the US–Mexico border region. 

Expect to see multimedia installations, experimental sculpture, photography, and bold conceptual pieces that often touch on themes of identity, politics, and culture. The museum has a knack for showing art that feels relevant and timely—pieces that ask questions, rather than simply hang on the wall. 

Because of its manageable size, this location is ideal for a 45-minute to one-hour visit. It never feels overwhelming, and the rotating exhibitions keep things fresh if you’re a repeat visitor. It’s a great choice for travelers looking to dip into the city’s creative side without committing to an all-day museum visit. 

The building itself is worth a nod, too. With industrial-chic design, exposed beams, and thoughtful use of natural light, the space enhances the art rather than distracting from it. There’s also a small bookstore-style gift shop with design-forward prints, art books, and quirky souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else downtown. 

If you’re into photography, this is also a cool stop for Instagram-worthy interior shots—the contrast between modern installations and the building’s historic shell makes for great visual texture. 

📍 Address: 1100 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 

 🚶 Walking distance from Maritime Museum: 12 minutes 

 🕒 Open Thursday–Sunday (check for hours and exhibits) 

 💸 Budget: $–$$ 

Star of India 

You don’t even need to leave the Maritime Museum grounds to experience the Star of India—this remarkable vessel is part of the museum’s collection and is the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Moored just outside the main museum entrance, she’s a living piece of maritime history, and stepping aboard feels like sailing straight into the 19th century. 

Built in 1863, the Star of India originally hauled cargo between Britain and India, then later carried immigrants across the globe to New Zealand and Australia. She’s endured storms, dismasting, and even decades of neglect before being lovingly restored by San Diego’s maritime community. Today, she stands proud as the centerpiece of the museum—and yes, she still sails on special occasions. 

The ship itself is stunning: tall masts, wooden decks, iron hull, and rigging that seems to stretch into the clouds. Walking her decks, you’ll get a sense of the conditions sailors lived and worked in during the Age of Sail. Below deck, explore the sleeping quarters, cargo holds, and the galley kitchen, all preserved with remarkable attention to detail. 

What makes the Star of India special is how immersive it feels. Unlike more modern vessels, this ship creaks, sways ever so slightly, and surrounds you with the scent of salt, wood, and canvas. The experience is tactile—you’re touching history, not just reading about it. There are interpretive signs throughout, but it’s the atmosphere that really does the talking. 

This stop is perfect for history lovers, photographers, families, and even solo travelers looking to slow down and soak in a different side of San Diego. It’s peaceful, educational, and strikingly beautiful, especially in the morning light when the ship seems to glow against the harbor. 

If you’re already visiting the Maritime Museum, access to the Star of India is included, so don’t skip it. It’s a quiet highlight that leaves a lasting impression. 

📍 Address: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA (part of the Maritime Museum) 

 🚶 Walking distance: You’re already there 

 🕒 Open daily, 10am–5pm 

 💸 Budget: $$ (included in museum entry) 

From historic ships to sleek harbor cruises, outdoor markets to rooftop cocktails, the Maritime Museum area is packed with more than just nautical nostalgia. It’s one of the few places in San Diego where you can blend history, art, food, and waterfront views all in a single afternoon—and still have time for a sunset stroll. 

Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or wrangling the kids, there’s something here to suit every kind of day out. You can take it slow, dive deep into local history, or simply soak up the sunshine from a bench with a snack and a view. 

The best part? So many of these experiences are walkable, affordable, and easy to pair together, so it’s simple to build the day that fits your energy. And with plenty of public transport and parking nearby, it’s one of the easiest corners of San Diego to explore. 

Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, all that’s left to do is lace up your shoes, charge your phone, and start making your way down the Embarcadero. 

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