The Steam Ferry Berkeley is one of the most historically significant vessels at the San Diego Maritime Museum and a remarkable example of early 20th-century transportation. Launched in 1898, the Berkeley carried thousands of passengers and vehicles across San Francisco Bay for decades before the construction of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge transformed regional travel. Today, it is recognized as one of the oldest surviving steam ferries in the United States.

Visitors can explore the vessel's beautifully restored passenger decks, elegant woodwork, and spacious interiors, which now house fascinating exhibits on maritime history, shipbuilding, and Southern California's seafaring heritage. The ferry's grand architecture, polished brass fixtures, and expansive observation areas offer a glimpse into an era when ferryboats were an essential part of everyday life along America's coastlines.

Moored along San Diego's Embarcadero, the Steam Ferry Berkeley serves as both a floating museum and a gateway to the Maritime Museum's diverse collection of historic ships. Its blend of engineering innovation, architectural beauty, and transportation history makes it a must-see destination for visitors interested in America's maritime past.