7 Magical Maritime Museums You Have to Visit

Waves crash violently against your boat, and the sails up ahead are almost torn to shreds by the howling winds. All you can taste are the salt water and blood on your lips, while the smell of gunpowder burns up your nostrils. You’re fighting for your life – to stay afloat and survive. Sound familiar? Probably.

You can probably pick the scene from any maritime classic that pits man against the elements. While the high seas are often challenging, only the bravest of the brave venture into its unpredictable bowels to rescue people in trouble: the U.S. Coast Guard.

In appreciation of the men and women of the US Coast Guard and to commemorate Coast Guard Day (August 4), we’ve lined up the 7 best maritime museums you have to visit. What are you waiting for? It’s time to cast off!

Maritime Museum of San Diego

[Above image “maritime museum of san diego” by Stacy Spensley on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]

The museum gets rave reviews for its propagation of maritime history and culture. Summer also means fun-filled activities for the whole family, so book cheap flights in August and take advantage of all the ship museum to offer. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is known for having the largest collection of historic sea vessels in the United States. The jewel in its crown is the Star of India, an iron sailing ship that dates back to 1863. The museum and library are housed aboard the Berkeley, a ferryboat from 1898.

Basic Admission: $20

Maine Maritime Museum (Bath, Maine)

[Above image “Dories on the deck of the Sherman Zwicker, a wooden auxiliary schooner moored at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine, USA.” by Jacklee on Wikimedia Commons – licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0]

The Maine Maritime Museum (formerly the Bath Marine Museum) has a large, eclectic, and uber-cool collection. They have thousands of documents, maritime relics, pieces of art, and even an incredible research library. Take advantage of tours such as the Bath Iron Works Story Tour in which current and former employees of the yard give you amazing stories on shipbuilding and history. The Shipyard and Lighthouses Cruise lets visitors get amazing views of the Navy’s best ships at the Bath Iron Works yard. You’ll also be able to view the iconic and beautiful lighthouses of Maine.

Basic Admission: $18

The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News, Virginia)

[Above image “Mariners Museum 2007 051a.jpg” by Mytwocents on Wikimedia Commons – licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0]

If you’re a Civil War buff, then you’ll love The Mariners’ Museum and Park. The museum is home to The U.S.S. Monitor Center & Foundation, which is responsible for the conservation of the history of the famed ironclad. However, there are loads of other exhibits too, including a 550-acre park and even a 3D theater. The International Small Craft Center features boats from all around the world. Another cool exhibit is the Crabtree Gallery, which showcases intricate miniature ships. Additionally, there are a number of very affordable summer programs for kids on a variety of sea-related subjects.

Basic Admission: $1! ($7 includes the 3D movie)

Michigan Maritime Museum (South Haven, Michigan)

[Above image “Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven, Mich.” by Chris Light on Wikimedia Commons – licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0]

Michigan Maritime Museum has something for everyone – whatever floats your boat! It’s made up of five buildings that offer everything from constantly changing exhibits to boat building and maritime skills lessons. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the maritime culture of the Great Lakes, and Michigan in particular. You’ll also have plenty of activities to keep you and the little ones busy.

Basic Admission: $12 (summer)

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]You can also commemorate Coast Guard Day by watching these two awesome flicks …[/perfectpullquote]

The Finest Hours: A heroic tale of how the U.S. Coast Guard comes to the rescue of a stricken ship caught in a storm. Interesting fact: motor lifeboat 36460 that recently portrayed the 36500—the original rescue boat—in the movie can now be seen at the Michigan Maritime Museum!

The Guardian: Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher star in this Coast Guard drama about self-sacrifice and service.

Mystic Seaport (Mystic, Connecticut)

Mystic Seaport is notable for its world-famous research library and its large collection of old sailing ships and boats. But, the largest maritime museum in the US is also where storytellers and historians bring the past back to life. Additionally, the seafaring village is home to the Charles W. Morgan, the only surviving wooden sailing whaler and the oldest American commercial vessel still afloat. You can interact with costumed actors who dramatize the tough yet colorful life at sea. Also, check out a demonstration of how to rescue sailors from a ship, and listen to chanteymen serenade you with sailors’ songs of the sea.

Basic Admission: $27

U.S.S. Midway Museum (San Diego, California)

[Above image “U.S.S. Midway” by Rennett Stowe on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]

The U.S.S. Midway Museum is one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in U.S. history. Today, you can take a self-guided audio tour to see and experience the sleeping quarters, engine room, pilots’ ready room, and other areas of the large carrier. Step into the cockpits of numerous aircraft, while videos and flight simulators entertain the kids. There are about 29 restored naval aircraft that can be seen on board. The museum guides and former fighter pilots you’ll meet along the tour will offer exciting personal stories and astounding statistics. No matter what you choose to do, it’s sure to be an interactive experience you won’t forget.

Basic Admission: $26 (Get $5 off the ticket price and avoid the long line when you book online)

U.S.S. Constitution Museum (Boston, Massachusetts)

[Above image “USS Constitution is underway in Boston Harbor during the annual Independence Day turnaround cruise” by U.S. Navy on Picryl – licensed under Public Domain]

The U.S.S. Constitution Museum is full of great memorabilia about “Old Ironsides.” It’s dedicated to preserving the history and the inspiring stories of one of the world’s oldest commissioned warships still afloat. The museum has enthralling programs and exhibits for adults and kids. Learn about the U.S.S. Constitution’s role in America’s war for independence, the ship’s history, its construction, and the life of a sailor in the nascent U.S. Navy.

You can also catch a glimpse of the swords, muskets, pistols, and other relics from battles faced by the gallant naval vessel. Note that the ship operates separately from the museum. However, you can access certain areas of the ship for pictures on a first-come, first-served basis.

Basic Admission: The museum suggests a donation of $5-10 for adults.

Honorable mentions:

Peabody Essex Museum (Salem, Massachusetts): The Peabody Essex Museum has an excellent maritime history collection that includes old paintings, drawings, ship models, weapons, and navigational instruments. In all, it’s a definite must-see for aficionados of maritime art in particular.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (New York City): The U.S.S. Intrepid aircraft carrier, the Enterprise space shuttle, some nifty fighter jets, and a diesel-powered strategic missile submarine all under one roof. Need we say more?

Independence Seaport Museum (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): Check out one of the world’s oldest steel warship still afloat, the Cruiser Olympia, and the WWII submarine U.S.S. Becuna. Independence Seaport Museum‘s’ “Ship Model Shack” is the home of the Philadelphia Ship Model Society, the oldest ship modeling society in America. You can watch modelers carefully construct detailed model ships on select Saturdays and Sundays.

Are there any other great maritime museums that we may have missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Terry Miller August 5, 2016

You left out the largest collection of naval vessels anywhere in the world. Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts has the battleship USS Massachusetts, the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., the submarine USS Lionfish, the Soviet-built guided missile corvetter Hiddensee, two PT Boats and many other exhibits.

Adrian August 5, 2016

Hi Terry – Thanks a bunch for your comment and for bringing Battleship Cove to our attention – we’ll definitely feature it in a future post as it looks quite impressive!

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Karen McHenry September 19, 2016

You did not mention the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon. I have only been to the San Diego Maritime Museum and the USS Midway on your list. The Midway is amazing, but the museum in Astoria far exceeds the San Diego Maritime Museum.

Dhinesh September 19, 2016

Hi Karen – Thanks for bringing Columbia River to our attention! What aspects did you like at Columbia River more than San Diego? Thanks for your comment!

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Tracey Johns February 5, 2019

I’d like to also add the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md. on the Miles River. The 18-acre campus includes numerous indoor and outdoor exhibitions, including the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse and a working shipyard where you are invited to come in on the ground floor and talk to our shipwrights and their apprentices. In 2019, CBMM will begin a new build of Maryland Dove, all in public view.