Navy SEAL Museum San Diego Opens Its Doors to the Public

The legacy and mystique of the United States Navy SEALs are coming alive in San Diego this fall. On October 4, 2025, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego officially opens its doors, offering an immersive and world-class experience for visitors of all ages. From state-of-the-art galleries to interactive exhibits, the museum provides unparalleled access to the history, values, and missions of one of the world’s most elite military forces. Positioned near San Diego’s scenic waterfront, this new cultural destination is poised to become a landmark that both inspires and educates.

A Heritage City Welcomes the SEALs

San Diego has long been at the heart of Naval Special Warfare. As home to Naval Special Warfare Command and a critical hub for SEAL training, the city holds an indelible place in SEAL history. The new museum represents an expansion of the original Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, which opened in 1985. With San Diego’s opening, the museum’s mission grows even further, bringing the extraordinary story of SEALs and their predecessors to an audience deeply connected to their legacy.

This new location is envisioned as the beginning of something even larger. The October opening serves as a launchpad for a future expanded site in San Diego that will allow for greater impact, more exhibits, and deeper engagement with the public.

A New Era of Immersive Storytelling

What sets the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego apart is its commitment to engagement and storytelling through cutting-edge technology. Visitors are not passive observers but participants in experiences that bring the intensity, sacrifice, and courage of Naval Special Warfare into focus.

One of the signature attractions is the SEAL Mindset Theater, where a three-wall documentary unfolds in powerful chapters. The film takes viewers inside the discipline, perseverance, and grit required to become a Navy SEAL, offering an emotional and visual journey like no other.

For those who crave adventure, the optional Navy SEAL Xperience VR mission is a must. Powered by advanced HAVIK technology, this virtual reality experience places visitors inside a pulse-pounding hostage rescue operation. It is an immersive, adrenaline-filled journey that brings modern Naval Special Warfare missions to life in astonishing detail.

Exhibits That Honor and Inspire

The museum is filled with exhibits that highlight the triumphs, challenges, and sacrifices of the SEALs across decades of history.

• SEAL Delivery Vehicle – This interactive exhibit blends hands-on gameplay with cinematic storytelling, showcasing the covert underwater operations that have defined SEAL missions.
  

• Featured Missions – Visitors can explore eight carefully curated missions through touchscreen stations, traveling from the beaches of Normandy to the daring Operation Neptune Spear, which brought Osama bin Laden to justice. A 3D animation narrated by Admiral McRaven himself guides guests step by step through this historic mission.
  

• Memorial Wall – A digital touchscreen honors fallen warriors from World War II to the present day. Each name and story serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice these operators made in the line of duty.
  

• Evolution of the SEALs – A large-scale animated journey takes viewers through 80 years of Naval Special Warfare history, showing how SEALs evolved to meet the changing demands of modern warfare.
  

• Cause Higher Than Oneself – Visitors are challenged to reflect on their own lives, asking what greater cause they might serve and how they might adopt SEAL-inspired skills such as leadership, resilience, and purpose.
  

These exhibits are designed not only to educate but also to inspire each visitor to rise to challenges in their own lives.

Meeting the Men Behind the Missions

One of the museum’s most unique aspects is its docents. Many of the guides are retired Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combat Crewmen who bring firsthand knowledge, riveting stories, and deep authenticity to every tour. Engaging with these veterans provides a rare opportunity to hear about training, missions, and the bonds of brotherhood directly from those who lived it.

Executive Director Brian Drechsler, Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired, leads the museum with a vision to honor history while creating a dynamic learning environment for future generations. His leadership underscores the museum’s mission to provide not only exhibits but also educational initiatives that instill values of integrity, service, and resilience.

A Destination for Families and Leaders

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is designed to resonate with a wide audience. Families will find it an inspiring place to bring children and teenagers, offering lessons in courage, sacrifice, and teamwork. Business leaders and professionals can also draw parallels between SEAL discipline and leadership strategies, making it a destination with lessons applicable far beyond the battlefield.

For those seeking exclusive experiences, the museum offers special rates for groups of 15 or more and VIP tours. These private tours provide a deeper dive into exhibits and more personal engagement with docents.

Practical Details for Your Visit

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Tuesdays. Ticket pricing is set to make the museum accessible while honoring the military community. Adults can purchase tickets for $20, children ages 4 to 12 for $13, and military families for $10. Active and reserve military personnel receive free admission with valid ID.

For those who want the full immersive experience, the Navy SEAL Xperience VR mission is available as a $10 add-on. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online at NavySEALMuseumSD.org to guarantee entry, as on-site tickets are slightly higher and subject to availability.

A Cultural Landmark for San Diego

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is more than just a museum. It is a place of remembrance, a center for education, and a hub for inspiration. By combining state-of-the-art technology with authentic voices and powerful storytelling, the museum honors the past while shaping the future.

As it opens this October, the museum invites locals and travelers alike to experience the story of Naval Special Warfare in a way never before possible. Whether you are seeking an educational family outing, a leadership lesson, or simply a deeper appreciation of the men who have stood on the front lines of freedom, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is a destination that delivers all of that and more.

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