Maritime Museum of San Diego Offering Free Walking Tours Along Embarcadero

Friday, 22 January 2010
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

One of the best ways to enjoy the San Diego waterfront and learn about San Diego history won't cost you.

Starting Saturday, January 23, 2010, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is offering free, guided Historic Walking Tours along the North Embarcadero. The tours will be launched as part of the Big Bay Whale Days Festival. The free tours last approximately 45 minutes to an hour and are offered twice a day on weekends at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. They will be held through June 30, 2010.

The Historic Walking Tours, which are sponsored by the Port of San Diego, cover about one mile of the waterfront. The tour begins in front of the USS San Diego Memorial at the foot of G Street and Harbor Drive, just south of the USS Midway Museum. Visitors can spot the tour guide on Saturday by looking for a blue and white Maritime Museum flag.

Along the way, you will see and learn about some of the tideland's greatest gems, including Seaport Village, the USS Midway Museum, the Port of San Diego's Urban Trees program and the collection of U.S. military heritage art at Tuna Harbor Park which called "The Greatest Generation Walk."

"San Diego is increasingly coming into its own, not only for its wonderful weather, unmatched recreational opportunities, and spectacular attractions, but also because of its rich heritage," said Ray Ashley, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum." "And the heritage of San Diego, indeed of California and the entire West Coast of the U.S., begins right here on San Diego Bay. It's an incredible story woven into a beautiful landscape and the Maritime Museum is proud to be working with the Port of San Diego in helping to make that story better known."

The tours are first come, first served. For more information, call the Maritime Museum at 619-234-9153.

And be sure to take part in the Big Bay Whale Days Festival, also free to the public on January 23. The corner of Broadway and North Harbor Drive will be lined with vendors and exhibitors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Big Bay Whale Days Makes Splash in San Diego from Port of San Diego on Vimeo.

On the day of the festival, tour providers will offer free cruises for children with the purchase of adult tickets, free admissions for children with adult purchases aboard the USS Midway Museum, discount admissions to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and money-saving coupons to Seaport Village stores and Anthony's Fish Grotto along the Embarcadero. Whale-watching enthusiasts can also pick up cruise coupons, information and register to win prizes.

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