Chaired by Anna Haudenschild Meier, Jennifer Nelson, and Alex High, The Avant Garde Ball invites you to celebrate the fusion of art, music, and fashion in a way that San Diego has never experienced before. Save the date—Saturday, May 3, 2025—for a night of self-expression, where art extends beyond the gallery walls and MCASD transforms into a living runway. Guests are encouraged to let the works of contemporary art inspire their Avant Garde attire—fashion as bold, captivating, and expressive as the pieces on display.

Please note: The Avant Garde Ball is a 21+ event.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is the only attraction to offer this popular day sail adventure experience aboard San Salvador, a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. These 4-hour Sailing Adventures are for people who love history and sailing. Few 21st Century people have sailed aboard a 16th Century galleon. You can become one of them. No sailing experience is required. An invaluable addition to your experience is the onboard historian who will explain how the San Salvador was sailed, navigated and defended. 

In addition to learning about the exploration of the West Coast, guests can assist the sail crew, enhancing their back-in-time experience.

Your tickets include general admission to visit the Museum fleet of ships and exhibits before your sail!

The Maritime Museum of San Diego invites you to join us for Tall Ship adventure sailing! This is a four-hour adventure history sail aboard the schooner Californian.
The Californian is a replica of a gold rush era revenue cutter and the Official Tall Ship of the State of California.

Arrive early to take in your general admission visit to the entire fleet and exhibits, then set sail! 

Join the crew in sailing a traditionally rigged tall ship! Passengers will be invited to haul a line, man the helm and watch the crew as they scamper up and down the rigging to set and furl the sails. Listen as the Californian’s crew relates the history of sailing and exploration in San Diego, tales of whaling and sea otter trade, local sea battles, the art of ship’s gunnery, life at sea and more.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, whose mission is to serve as the community memory of our seafaring experiences by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connections with the Pacific world, announces the opening of the new exhibit Celebrating the Sea: Exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Hidden Collection in the Compass Gallery on the ferryboat Berkeley. Entry to the new exhibit is included with general admission. October 2024 through July 2025 visitors can revel in a rare and rich tapestry of treasured maritime-themed art and admire notable artists’ work, embracing the nautical world of breathtaking coasts, artifacts & treasured ships.