One of the great joys of boating is the opportunity to travel, to see and do new things. Should your cruising take you into the waters off southern California, a can't-miss stop is the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Among the museum's permanent collection are exhibits on maritime history, commerce, exploration and an exhibit dedicated to the history of the U.S. Navy in San Diego. Temporary exhibits change frequently, but they, too, showcase maritime-related themes.

Founded in 1948, the Maritime Museum of San Diego has a well-deserved reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic ships. Its fine collection includes the oldest active ship in the world, the Star of India. Launched in 1863, the iron-hulled bark is now a state and national historic landmark. It is actually maintained by a volunteers and skilled craftsman and is sailed once a year.

Other ships include the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley; the 1904 steam yacht Medea; Pilot, the oldest pilot boat still in service (1914); the 1902 sloop Butcher Boy; the H.M.S. Surprise, a replica of an eighteenth century Royal Navy frigate; the Californian, a replica of a nineteenth century revenue cutter; and a B-39 Cold War era Russian submarine.

The general admission allows you to tour the museum ships in a highly interactive experience that includes exhibits and characters in period dress. With some upgraded admission packages, you even get the chance to enjoy a cruise in San Diego Bay aboard one of the vessels.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is located on the San Diego waterfront at 1492 North Harbor Drive. Truly, it's a destination the whole family can enjoy!

- Linda Hoff