14 Historic Ships You Can Still Visit Today
Ships have long been a symbol of exploration, resilience, and human ingenuity. Throughout history, they have been pivotal in shaping societies, economies, and world events. As tools of war, explorers of uncharted waters, or carriers of civilizations, ships hold stories that echo across generations.
And today, thanks to the dedicated preservation efforts worldwide, you can walk the decks of some of the most iconic vessels in history. According to the National Park Service, some 120 vessels in the United States alone are designated as national historic landmarks. Read on for 14 historic ships that you can still visit, offering a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and the evolution of naval technology.
HMS Victory in Portsmouth, UK
The HMS Victory is a must-see for history enthusiasts. Lord Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar holds an iconic place in British naval history. Built in 1765, it is the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world, according to the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
The detailed decks provide an opportunity to learn about the innovative tactics and leadership of Lord Nelson during this historic battle. The ship proudly symbolizes the Royal Navy’s heritage.
HMS Belfast in London, UK
Docked on the River Thames as part of the Imperial War Museum, HMS Belfast offers a fascinating look into life aboard a mid-20th-century Royal Navy ship. According to Imperial War Museums, HMS Belfast was the flagship of Bombardment Force E during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.
Departing Scapa Flow for the Normandy beaches, she supported troops landing at Gold and Juno beaches, targeting the German gun battery at La Marefontaine. With a storied history that also includes service in World War II and the Korean War, HMS Belfast features interactive exhibits, restored crew quarters, and panoramic views of Tower Bridge and London’s skyline.
SS Great Britain in Bristol, UK
The SS Great Britain, designed by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843, was the world’s largest ship at the time and a pioneer in ocean-going iron shipbuilding. This groundbreaking iron-hulled steamship with a screw propeller revolutionized naval travel and is now an immersive museum experience.
The decks showcase its pioneering technology, and the restoration of its iron hull can even be viewed from below.
USS Constellation in Baltimore, USA
Launched in 1854, the USS Constellation was the last sail-only warship built by the United States Navy and served during the American Civil War. Today, it is part of the Historic Ships in Baltimore collection.
The gun decks, crew quarters, and captain’s cabin tell the story of its significant role in history.
USCGC WHEC-37 in Baltimore, USA
Commissioned in 1936 as USCGC TANEY, Cutter 37 was initially designed for law enforcement missions, search and rescue, and maritime patrol. The ship is the last surviving warship from the attack on Pearl Harbor and now stands as a National Historic Landmark.
After more than 50 years of continuous service, she was decommissioned in 1986 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1988. Previously serving as a Coast Guard Cutter, the vessel has been carefully preserved to reflect its wartime service, with its interior showcasing its vital role in history.
Star of India in San Diego, USA
Built in 1863, the Star of India holds the title of the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Now part of the San Diego Maritime Museum, its long history includes roles in sea trading and its transformation into a floating museum.
Occasionally setting sail, it offers interactive tours that captivate visitors with its rich legacy.
Balclutha in San Francisco, USA
The Balclutha, a three-masted, steel-hulled ship built in 1886, was designed to trade cargo around the world. As a general cargo ship, it carried goods like wine, coal, grain, lumber, and famine relief supplies to Europe.
Today, the Balclutha stands proudly as a U.S. National Historic Landmark at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Guided tours offer a glimpse into its rich history and legacy as a working vessel, making it an iconic piece of maritime history.
USS Torsk in Baltimore, USA
Nicknamed the “Galloping Ghost of the Japanese Coast,” the USS Torsk is a World War II and Cold War-era submarine that offers a rare glimpse into the life of a submariner. Built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, in late 1944, the USS Torsk was deployed to the Pacific to patrol the coast of Japan during World War II.
After years of service, it was decommissioned on March 4, 1968, and later arrived at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in 1972 to serve as a museum and memorial. Now part of Baltimore’s Historic Ships collection, its tight interior provides visitors with an immersive experience of life beneath the waves.
HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool, UK
The HMS Trincomalee, the world’s oldest floating British warship, is a treasure for history enthusiasts. Built in 1817 in Bombay (modern-day Mumbai), this incredible ship is now over 200 years old and is housed at Hartlepool’s Historic Quay. Before being stationed at Hartlepool, HMS Trincomalee traveled over 100,000 miles around the globe.
Despite never seeing combat, the ship has a fascinating history. Meticulously restored decks and rigging vividly bring the life of 19th-century sailors to reality, while reenactments and educational sessions make it a family-friendly and engaging destination.
Eureka in San Francisco, USA
The Eureka, a historic ferryboat dating back to the 1890s, once carried both people and vehicles across the San Francisco Bay. Step aboard this beautifully preserved vessel to admire its impressive paddlewheel design and explore the original vehicles housed on its deck.
It offers a fascinating glimpse into early maritime transportation.
C.A. Thayer in San Francisco, USA
Built in 1895, the C.A. Thayer is a wooden-hulled, three-masted schooner initially constructed to carry lumber for the West Coast timber trade. According to the National Park Service, she was the last commercial sailing vessel to operate on the West Coast.
Now a centerpiece of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the ship invites visitors to explore its rigging and cargo holds, offering a rare glimpse into life aboard one of the few remaining vessels of its kind.
Eppleton Hall in San Francisco, USA
The Eppleton Hall, a paddlewheel tugboat built in 1914 by Hepple and Company of South Shields, England, is an impressive example of industrial-age design. According to the National Park Service, it was commissioned by the Lambton and Hetton Collieries, Ltd. and named after the Lambton family’s ancestral home. The vessel was designed to tow ocean-going colliers (coal-carrying vessels) to and from the port of Newcastle on the River Tyne.
Retired in the 1940s, the Eppleton Hall now offers a glimpse into maritime history. Its engine room, wheelhouse, and paddle compartments are open for tours, showcasing the craftsmanship and ingenuity of 20th-century shipbuilders. This humble yet fascinating vessel provides a unique perspective on the maritime industry of its time.
USS Edson in Bay City, Michigan, USA
The USS Edson (DD-946), a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, served in the United States Navy and is best known for its extensive combat operations during the Vietnam War—earning the nickname “The Grey Ghost of the Vietnamese Coast” for its stealthy and effective gunfire support missions against North Vietnamese forces. Following an onboard fire in 1974, the Edson returned to the West Pacific and played key roles in the evacuations of Phnom Penh and Saigon.
Decommissioned in 1988, the ship briefly became part of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York before finding its permanent home in Bay City, Michigan, as part of the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. The ship now offers interactive exhibits that detail its significant contributions to U.S. naval history and its vital role during wartime, inviting visitors to explore and learn.
Golden Hinde in London, UK
Located on the banks of the Thames, the Golden Hinde is a full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship that circumnavigated the globe between 1577 and 1580. Sir Francis Drake is remembered not just as an extraordinary explorer but also as a skilled navigator, soldier, and politician. His journey aboard the Golden Hind over four centuries ago stands out as a remarkable chapter in history.
As the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, Drake embarked on an expedition that combined discovery and plunder, revealing the complexity of exploration during that time. Although the original ship no longer exists, this meticulously crafted replica captures the spirit of the Age of Exploration with period-accurate details. Hands-on exhibits bring Tudor maritime history to life.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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