An afternoon on the San Diego Harbor Cruise provides views of the San Diego Bay, a lovely curving bridge from downtown to Coronado, and the USS Midway Museum. My family recently gifted us with a San Diego harbor cruise—the perfect way to enjoy two hours in our home city. Out on the water, you see the San Diego bay from a different perspective than on land. Here’s our trusty vessel. 
With the running commentary onboard, we learned more about this busy harbor, even though it’s a familiar sight to us. Here are some of the highlights.
The Midway Museum
The harbor cruise leaves from right next door to the retired aircraft carrier USS Midway. Built in 1945, this carrier missed World War II by one week. The ship served the United States Navy through several conflicts until it was decommissioned in 1992. It’s now home in San Diego and is open to tour. 
Downtown San Diego
The San Diego downtown skyline and the green of the park at Seaport Village are right on the water. Restaurants and hotels dot the shoreline. 
The Coronado Bay Bridge
Opened in 1969 to link San Diego with the peninsula of Coronado, this graceful bridge is now seen as a symbol of the city. 
The Star of India
The Star of India is the world’s oldest sailing ship and one of the first ships made of iron rather than wood. Built in Britain in 1863, she sailed to India two times, surviving collision, mutiny, and a cyclone. Next she served to haul emigrants from London to New Zealand, sailing 21 times in this role. Today she is docked in San Diego and you can board and explore this jaunty sailing vessel. 
And so much more
The San Diego harbor cruise takes you alongside marine life, the navy base on Coronado, and shipyards where ailing vessels are repaired. With so much to see, the two-hour cruise flew by. 
The Hornblower cruise line runs eight trips a day of one or two hours. You can also enjoy a dinner cruise. Times, length of cruises, and prices vary by date, so check the website for more information. 
How about you? Do you sometimes tour your home city and see it with new eyes? 
Read More About San Diego!
The Historic Hotel Del Coronado
How to Tour the USS Midway Museum
Planning a Visit to San Diego? Grab a Guide to Help You!
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28 Comments
I’ve heard it is an amazing city! Great views!
It seems to me that every place is better on the water.
Wonderful harbour views!
I’ve never done the river or canal boat tours they have here.
I didn’t realise the Star of India was there.
What a fun thing to do in your own city.
Worth a Thousand Words
Hello, beautiful photos of the harbor and the ships. The Navy Ships are awesome. The harbor cruise looks awesome. I love the seal, cormorants and pelicans. Great photos. Enjoy your day and have a great new week!
San Diego is one of my favorite cities in USA. I love Coronado island … the bridge & light house (even stayed at the hotel … it wasn’t haunted the week we were there, lol) The zoo, the park…even the Marine base (good looking guys there…just kidding)
What a great present, Sharon! Fun to see familiar sights like the high rises and the Star of India through someone else’s eyes:) Love the captures of the slight bend in the Coronado bridge and you first one you chose for a thumbnail!They made the area around the harbor so pleasant! When we lived in Southern Calif we went there at least once a month:) Many thanks for sharing it with All Seasons and have a lovely week!
Great post, Awesome pics.
Harbor cruises are always so much fun! Those views are amazing!
#MondayEscapes
When we lived in Southern California we loved to visit San Diego. We flew our small plane into the airport and walked to the trolley to get downtown, or just walk to Little Italy for a great comfort food dinner. The trolley is a great way to get around, and it’s a perfect walking city. We have lived in our small town for almost 20 years and are still finding new places to explore and experience. – Margy
I’ve never spent any time in that part of the US so I appreciate you sharing your sights with us. There’s certainly a lot to see!
This is amazing gift. It is nice way to explore the city. Great pictures, btw.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
Ok, now you officially have me homesick! I’ve never done a harbor cruise though! I should definitely do that the next time we are home! The views are amazing!! #FarawayFiles
That looks very cool
Mollyx
I really need to spend more time in San Diego, and when I do this looks like a wonderful way to view the city from another perspective. #farawayfiles
What a beautiful way to see San Diego. We visited about 9 years ago and went on the Midway. I’d love to return!
#farawayfiles
San Diego is one of my favorite places–it’s fun to see it on the water. I wouldn’t be able to view it by boat because I have very bad motion sickness, but it’s exciting to see it through your eyes and your photos! You’ve captured the beautiful blue water perfectly. #TheWeeklyPostcard
San Diego is a fun city!
You know I’ve wanted to take a cruise around the lakes, especially since one of the cruise boats is practically docked next door. There’s also a tour bus I’ve been interested in taking around the city too although I saw one of them in an accident last summer. I think the driver was pretty young.
What a fabulous gift to receive, I love this! Such a lovely day you had and I love the wind swept look tee hee. More people should gift experiences like this, I find the memories far outlast tangible presents (well, apart from diamonds haha). #feetdotravel
I really enjoy seeing a city from the water, whether it’s a ferry, harbour or river cruise. The perspective is so different and I’m a fan of a skyline pic. This couple of hours is filled with sights and info. I’ll definitely be doing this on a trip to San Diego. Pinned for later.
San Diego is such a pretty city. It’s so nice you got to take in the views from the water and have a great time doing it!
Wow, looks like a very interesting experience. I haven’t been to San Diego before, so I have pinned it for later.
Wish I knew about this when we were in San Diego this summer! I’d love to see the Star of India, what a fascinating history! Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles
Oh wow what a beautiful way to see San Diego!!! Such gorgeous photos too, I am pinning this to my travel inspiration Pinterest board. Thanks so much for linking up to Monday Escapes.
What an awesome article, these pictures are amazing!!
I’ll have to add a harbour cruise to my list of things to do whenever I get to San Diego – the views look great!