San Diego Naval Base Tours

San Diego has the largest Naval Base on the west coast and is home to the Pacific Fleet. San Diego's Naval Bases are closed to visitors most of the time, but there are other ways to get a look at the Navy in this port city. An excellent option is to take a harbor cruise that tours past the naval ships. A maritime museum is also available, as well as an aircraft carrier open to visiting.

A special event that includes Navy-related tours is Fleet Week San Diego, which offers Ship Tours at Broadway Pier and a Boat Parade on the San Diego bayfront. Miramar Air Show is at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

Throughout the year, Flagship Cruises Harbor Tours take you by boat to see the Naval Base, the Pacific Fleet, the Naval Air Station, and the Sub Base. You'll get a great view of the Navy ships and operations from the water.

City Cruises Harbor Tours also take you on the water to see all the sights, including the Naval Bases.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego offers a San Diego's Navy exhibit. It depicts 100 years of the Navy here, and includes artifacts and models.

The USS Midway aircraft carrier is the most visited naval ship museum in the world. The Midway was the longest serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century and 225,000 sailors served our country on this huge ship. Your tour includes 29 restored aircraft, and two fun flight simulators for you to try. You'll see the carrier's crew quarters, big galley, engine room, machine shops, flight control, and the bridge. The USS Midway is located on the downtown San Diego waterfront.