Academic Activities in San Diego, CA

Californian was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay. She was launched with great fanfare for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In July 2003, the Governor signed a bill into law designating the Californian as the official tall ship of the State of California. She is the only ship to carry this prestigious title. Since her launching in San Diego the Californian has played host to thousands of adventure travelers, sailing enthusiasts, students and history buffs up and down the West coast. She has also made voyages to Hawaii, Mexico and the East coast of the United States. Californian casts a distinctive and instantly recognizable silhouette and has become one of the most well known tall ships in America. Sailing the Californian and experiencing a tall ship adventure with the Maritime Museum sail crew on San Diego Bay is a Top Thing To Do when in San Diego!

Your 4-hour San Salvador Adventure Day Sail is your opportunity to step back into time as you step on board this 16th century Spanish galleon. The San Salvador is 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. Very few people have sailed aboard galleons of the 16th century and now you can!

Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most iconic destinations, but with more than 1,200 acres of museums, gardens, and historic architecture, it can be overwhelming to explore on your own. This guided walking tour brings the park to life through engaging stories, context, and carefully chosen highlights. Now in our 10th year, we’re proud to be one of the longest-running tour operators in the park. Your guide explains not just what you’re seeing, but why it’s there—unpacking the symbolism of the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, introducing the people behind the park’s creation, and pointing out details many visitors miss. The tour blends iconic sights with quieter corners, moves at a relaxed pace, and allows time for photos, questions, & conversation. Partway through, enjoy a casual beverage stop, giving you a chance to rest & recharge before continuing your walk. -Experience Balboa Park’s highlights -Architecture, history & hidden details explained -Includes beverage stop

What makes this experience truly special is the blend of refined European luxury and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere without the feel of a large group tour. You will be sailing aboard a beautifully crafted French yacht designed for luxury cruising. With limited capacity on board there is plenty of space to move freely, unwind on deck and enjoy a more personal unhurried sail across San Diego Bay. Your captain Dylan is friendly knowledgeable and passionate about sailing the bay. He creates a warm easygoing environment while maintaining professional seamanship and attentive hospitality. Whether you would like to learn about sailing, take the helm, sip a glass of wine or simply relax and enjoy the views. Every sail feels thoughtfully curated and designed to feel less like a tour and more like being welcomed aboard a beautiful yacht for a memorable day on the water.

Meet your guide and group at Old Adobe Chapel, which can be credited for saving Old Town San Diego thanks to a 1884 book. Continue on to one of the most haunted homes in Southern California, also unusual for its architecture and building materials. After a view of some Victorian architecture we'll pass by the original location of the Presidio and Mission when the Spanish first settled in California. Admire the oldest 18th-century structure in the area and learn about the indigenous tribes who lived here for thousands of years. Back in town, we'll see some authentic Mexican handcrafts (no bad souvenirs here!), visit a hundred year old Catholic church that is a descendant of the original Mission, followed by a stroll through a landmark cemetery with graves dating back to the 1850s. Our final stop is a local Tequileria to learn about the many different kinds of tequila. Enjoy a taste or select another beverage of your choice, plus gourmet tacos.