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Spend a night aboard the historic Star of India and step back into the age of sail. This overnight adventure offers a rare peek into maritime history while creating lasting family memories.
Spend a night aboard the historic Star of India and step back into the age of sail. This overnight adventure offers a rare peek into maritime history while creating lasting family memories.
Book with Maritime Museum of San Diego
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Maritime Museum of San Diego · San Diego, California
San Diego's Maritime Museum, located along the picturesque waterfront, offers a rare chance to step back in time with the Family Overnight Aboard Star of India. This historic vessel, built in 1863, is the oldest active sailing ship in the world, and staying overnight on it provides a truly immersive maritime experience. The adventure begins as families board the Star of India, where guides share tales of 19th-century sailors, navigating the ship's decks lit by lanterns in the quiet night. Guests get exclusive access to restricted areas like the captain’s quarters and the galley, bringing maritime history vividly to life. The experience is perfect for those intrigued by nautical heritage, offering a comfortable yet authentic sleepover amid the creaky timbers and rigging. Cruises often include hands-on activities such as knot-tying or learning about navigation, making the voyage both fun and educational. The museum's prime San Diego location ensures that adventurers can combine their night on the ship with daytime sightseeing, from waterfront parks to bustling Fish Market. Whether you're a history buff or traveling with kids, this overnight on the Star of India stands out as a highlight for its unique connection to maritime exploration and San Diego’s rich nautical past. The tranquil night on the water, under the stars, offers more than just a sleepover—it’s a chance to live a sailor’s life in a beautifully preserved vessel. Perfectly suited for families seeking engaging and memorable adventures, this trip combines history, education, and maritime magic in one unforgettable night.
Located at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the activity is a cornerstone of San Diego’s vibrant waterfront. It’s an experience that combines the thrill of maritime discovery with the comfort of a family-friendly overnight, making it a top recommendation for those visiting Southern California and wanting to add something truly unique to their travel itinerary.
Children of all ages are welcome, but please check with the Maritime Museum for specific age recommendations.
Bring warm clothing, personal toiletries, and any items needed for comfort during the night.
This overnight experience typically includes light snacks, but guests should plan for additional meals during the day.
While the historic vessel has some accessible areas, it includes narrow decks and stairs; contact the museum for specific accessibility options.
Yes, there are typically interactive activities like knot-tying and navigation lessons included.
Policies vary; check with the Maritime Museum at the time of booking for details.
Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves and presents the maritime heritage of San Diego through a collection of historic vessels, hands-on experiences, and public programs. Located on San Diego Bay, the museum maintains and operates a fleet that includes the 1863 bark Star of India, the Pilot (launched 1914, restored 2002), replicas such as the brigantine Californian, and the Spanish galleon replica San Salvador. Visitors can explore dockside exhibits, board multiple historic ships, and choose guided docent tours, narrated bay cruises, multi-hour sailing adventures, interactive pirate theater, and overnight stays aboard the Star of India. Educational offerings include Oceanography Merit Badge Days for scouts ages 9–18, hands-on sailing experiences, and VIP private tours that provide behind-the-scenes access. Public cruises vary in length from a 45-minute narrated bay cruise aboard the Pilot to four-hour sails on San Salvador, and specialty programs such as the 90-minute BOARDED! pirate adventure and family overnight events. Guided docent-led tours are offered twice a month with limited capacity for intimate exploration. General admission provides all-day access and the opportunity to see historic vessels up close, and the museum operates daily. The museum’s conservation and restoration efforts follow established preservation standards, and volunteer stewards regularly maintain vessels to ensure historical integrity and visitor safety during tours and events year-round operations.
Book with Maritime Museum of San Diego