Strolling The Embarcadero
At San Diego Bay.
A trip to San Diego CA isn't complete without taking a stroll along the
Embarcadero. Fabulous tree sculptures line the walkway along San Diego
Bay as you stroll along its boardwalk. If you are interested spending the
day and taking in the sights and attractions, begin at the Star of India at
the Maritime Museum. Work you way down to the USS Midway Museum and when you get tired and hungry, relax at one of the restaurants along
the way and soak-up the incredible views along the San Diego Harbor.
The San Diego Maritime Museum
If you are an historic tall ship enthusiast, the San Diego Maritime Museum
is a must do tour. It includes seven historic ships, the Star of India, the
Berkeley, the Californian, Medea, Pilot, H.M.S. Surprise and the B-39
Submarine.
The Star of India is the world’s oldest active ship. The Star is moored at
the museum and is open for tours daily from 9:00AM to 8:00PM (9:00PM
during the summer). Tickets are moderately priced and include admission
to all of the historic ships of the museum. Visit the Museum's website for
admission prices, parking, events and detailed tour information.
Seeing the Star of India under full sail is a once in a lifetime experience for
many though she sails at least once per year. Each summer, “Movies Before
the Mast” are shown on the Star of India’s deck. Movies such as “Operation
Petticoat” feature sailors and the sea, as the deck slowly rolls underfoot, the
characters come to life. Gates open at 7:00am allowing for time to explore
the ship before the movie begins at 8:30am.
While each of the ships of the museum is noteworthy, the H.M.S Surprise is
especially fun for movie buffs. This ship was used in the Academy Award
winning movie, "Master and Commander" starring Russell Crowe. Exploring
the ships of the Maritime museum will take a couple of hours.
The USS Midway Museum
If you’re still up for it, the U.S.S. Midway is a short walk away. Touring the
Midway can take all day as it’s a huge aircraft carrier complete with aircraft
on its top deck. The Midway opened in 2004 as a museum with over 40
exhibits and aircraft. Hours are from 10:00AM to 5:00PM year round but is
closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission fees are moderately
priced and active duty military members in uniform may enter for free. See
the USS Midway Museum website for detailed information.
When entering the Midway, visitors are offered headphones and a MP3-like
audio player for a self guided tour. While touring, visitors encounter docents,
many of whom are Midway veterans, who share the knowledge and love for
the ship. Flight simulators and restored aircraft can be found on the hangar
deck with more aircraft above on the flight deck. Many of these aircraft are
open for exploration. In addition, visitors explore the berthing spaces, the
mess hall, the galley, sick bay, forecastle deck, Navy Showers, the Captain’s
bridge and more.
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