Maritime museums in California

The USS Midway Museum is a significant historical naval aircraft carrier museum situated in downtown San Diego, California at Navy Pier. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of naval history in the heart of a bustling city.

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a maritime museum situated at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a significant piece of naval history in a vibrant and bustling port setting.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, founded in 1948, is home to one of the largest collections of historic sea vessels in the United States. This collection provides a unique insight into the maritime history of the country and offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of historic ships.

The USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a historic submarine that played a significant role in the Pacific War during World War II. It is now a museum ship located at Fisherman’s Wharf in the port of San Francisco. Visitors can explore this Balao class submarine and learn about its history and the role it played during the war.

The Point Reyes Lighthouse, also known as Point Reyes Light or the Point Reyes Light Station, is a significant landmark located in the Gulf of the Farallones on Point Reyes in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California, United States. This lighthouse is a key feature of the area and offers visitors a unique insight into the region's maritime history.

The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is typically docked at Pier 45 in the Port of San Francisco, California, where it is open for public viewing. It holds the distinction of being one of the few remaining ships that participated in Operation Overlord on D-Day during World War II. This makes it a unique and tangible piece of history that visitors can explore and learn from.

The RMS Queen Mary was a trans-Atlantic passenger ship that was part of the Cunard Line. It sailed from 1936 to 1967, making voyages between Southampton, Cherbourg, and New York. This historical ship offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the grandeur and elegance of trans-Atlantic travel during its time.

The Point Fermin Light is a historic lighthouse located on Point Fermin in San Pedro, California. It was constructed in 1874 using lumber from California redwoods, a type of tree known for its longevity and resilience. This lighthouse stands as a testament to the maritime history of the region and the architectural prowess of the time.

The Relief (WLV-605) is a former lightship of the United States Coast Guard that now serves as a museum ship in Oakland, California. This historical vessel was built in 1950 and is one of the few surviving lightships, making it a unique attraction for those interested in maritime history. It was specifically built for the United States Coast Guard, adding to its historical significance.

The USS Midway has a rich history of service, having participated in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. From 1973 to 1991, it was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, serving as an advanced aircraft carrier. This period of service is well-documented in the museum, providing visitors with a deep understanding of the ship's role in these significant historical events.

The USS Hornet Museum is a unique museum ship situated on the southernmost pier of the former Naval Air Station Alameda in Alameda, California. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a significant piece of naval history while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Alameda waterfront.

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, located in San Francisco, California, is a comprehensive destination for maritime history enthusiasts. The park features a collection of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility. These facilities provide a deep dive into the maritime history of the region and offer a unique experience for visitors.

The USS Hornet has a storied military history, having served in the Pacific War after just three months of training. It fought on several fronts and took part in Operation Magic Carpet, a post-World War II operation to bring American troops home. The ship also served in the Vietnam War and played a crucial role in the Apollo program, recovering the astronauts of Apollo 11 and 12. These historical events make the USS Hornet a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.

Point Cabrillo Light is a lighthouse situated between Cape Mendocino and Point Arena, in Mendocino County, California, USA. It is managed by the American Coast Guard, and the lighthouses in the state of California are maintained by District 11 of the Coast Guard. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic lighthouse while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery of California.

Battery Point Light, located in Crescent City, California, is a significant historical landmark. It is recognized both as a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the name "Crescent City Lighthouse". This recognition underscores its historical importance and its role in the region's maritime history.

The Point Pinos Lighthouse continues to serve as an active United States Coast Guard aid to navigation. The city of Pacific Grove, Monterey County, California, operates on-site museum exhibits and other lighthouse-related functions, providing visitors with a rich, educational experience.

The SS Red Oak Victory is a historical U.S. Victory ship of the Boulder Victory-class cargo ship that was used in the Second World War. This ship is a significant part of American naval history, having served in one of the most pivotal wars in human history. It provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to explore a piece of World War II history.

The Point Sur Lighthouse is a significant landmark located in the Point Sur State Historik Park. This park is situated near the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, in Monterey County, California. The lighthouse is managed by the United States Coast Guard, adding to its historical and operational significance.

The Balclutha is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is currently preserved at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in San Francisco, California. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on 7 November 1976. This ship is a testament to the rich maritime history of the region and offers a unique glimpse into the past.

The SS Lane Victory is a historic American cargo ship that served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Today, it is preserved as a museum ship in San Pedro, located in the Port of Los Angeles, California. Visitors can explore this National Historic Landmark and learn about its significant role in American history.

The Point Vicente Lighthouse is a significant landmark located in Rancho Palos Verdes, within the Los Angeles County in California, USA. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the beautiful coastal scenery of California while learning about the history and function of the lighthouse.

The Point San Luis Lighthouse, also known as the San Luis Obispo Light Station, holds a significant place in history as it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition underlines its historical importance and the role it played in the maritime history of the West Coast. Visitors can appreciate the architectural beauty of the only Prairie Victorian model lighthouse left on the West Coast of the United States.

Today, the USS Potomac is preserved in Oakland, California, where it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore this piece of history, gaining insight into the life and times of President Roosevelt.

Fort Ross State Historic Park is a significant historical site located in Sonoma County, California. The park encompasses the former Russian fur trading outpost of Fort Ross, the adjacent coastline, and the native coast redwood forests that extend inland. This diverse landscape offers a unique blend of historical and natural attractions.

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is located in the Naval Reserve Center building in Santa Barbara, California. This historic building has served various purposes over the years, but today it is home to the museum, among other uses. The museum is a significant attraction for tourists interested in maritime history and the local heritage of Santa Barbara.

The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is a non-profit institution situated at Sixth Street at Harbor Boulevard in the San Pedro community of Los Angeles, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the region.

The Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, library archives, and materials. These items are primarily related to the maritime history of California's North Coast. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of the region's maritime past through these exhibits.

The Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum is situated at 1920 Paradise Drive, right on the waterfront of Tiburon, California. This location offers visitors a scenic view of the waterfront while exploring the rich history of the railroad and ferry depot.

The Coastside History Museum and the historic Jail at 505 Johnston St. are currently open weekends from 11am-3pm. We are also open during Make it Main Thursday evenings, and some days mid week when docents are available. The museum has exhibits about the history of the San Mateo Coastside, includ

The Spaulding Marine Center, previously known as the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center, is a living museum located in Sausalito, California. This unique center offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the era when craftsmen and sailors used traditional skills to build and sail classic wooden boats on the San Francisco Bay. The center is a testament to the maritime heritage of the area, showcasing the art of wooden boat building and sailing.

The Tahoe Maritime Museum, a popular destination for maritime history enthusiasts, is now permanently closed. This information is crucial for tourists planning to visit the museum, as it is no longer operational.

An interesting museum dedicated to all things naval. Your kids will love the touch tanks and models of boats!