The San Salvador is a stunning full-scale replica of the Spanish galleon that led the first recorded European expedition to what is now the West Coast of the United States. In 1542, explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo sailed the original San Salvador into San Diego Bay, marking the first documented European landing in California. The modern replica was meticulously constructed by the San Diego Maritime Museum using traditional shipbuilding techniques and historical research to recreate this iconic vessel.

Visitors can step aboard to experience what life was like for 16th-century sailors during the Age of Exploration. Explore the ship's wooden decks, towering masts, rigging, crew quarters, and navigation areas while learning about the challenges of long-distance ocean voyages, early navigation, and Spain's exploration of the Pacific Coast.

The San Salvador is more than a museum exhibit—it is a fully functional sailing vessel that regularly takes to the waters of San Diego Bay for educational programs and special sailing events. Combining authentic craftsmanship with living history, the San Salvador offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of exploration that helped shape California's earliest recorded history.