Ships of the Sea admission is $17.50 for adults; hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. outside holiday closures, and walk-ups avoid online fees.
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The main decision is not whether admission is available, but which rate saves your group money. Rates for Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Tickets range from free entry for children age 5 and younger to a $48 family option. Every standard ticket covers the historic William Scarbrough House, nine maritime galleries, and the museum gardens in downtown Savannah.
Most visitors should allow at least one hour for the self-guided galleries and gardens. The collection centers on detailed ship models, paintings, and artifacts tied to Savannah’s Atlantic trade, naval history, and shipbuilding past.
For current ticket availability and the simplest way to secure admission before arrival, compare the available entry options here:
Ships Of The Sea Ticket Prices And Discounts
General adult admission costs $17.50, while students, seniors age 65 or older, and past or present military members pay $14.50. Children age 5 and younger enter free.
The family rate is often the better choice once two adults are visiting with at least one paying child. Two adult tickets plus one student ticket total $49.50, which is $1.50 more than the $48 family ticket.
| Ticket | Who Qualifies | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult admission | Standard adult visitor | $17.50 |
| Student admission | Through high school, or college student with ID | $14.50 |
| Senior admission | Age 65 or older | $14.50 |
| Military admission | Past or present military member | $14.50 |
| Young child | Age 5 or younger | Free |
| Family admission | Up to two adults and three children under 18 | $48 |
| Reserved group | Groups of 10 or more on a self-guided visit | $11 per person |
| Pioneers in Preservation Pass | Entry to three participating historic houses | $36 plus tax |
The museum’s official visitor information page lists these rates, daily hours, holiday closures, payment rules, parking details, and current accessibility notices. Prices can change, so check the page again shortly before your visit.
Do You Need To Buy Tickets In Advance?
Advance purchase is not normally required for a standard self-guided visit, and the museum states that walk-up admission carries the lowest price. Online orders include a processing fee from the ticketing provider.
- Buy at the museum when saving the fee matters and your date is flexible.
- Buy online when you prefer confirmed admission before reaching Savannah.
- Reserve ahead for a group of 10 or more, since the $11 group rate requires an advance reservation.
Payment rule: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is cashless. Bring a credit card, debit card, or contactless payment method for admission and gift-shop purchases.
What Admission Includes
A standard ticket includes the self-guided museum galleries inside the William Scarbrough House and access to the surrounding gardens. The museum recommends at least one hour, though model-ship enthusiasts may want more time.
The nine galleries cover colonial vessels, ironclads, ocean-going steamers, and modern naval ships. Many commissioned models share a scale of three-eighths of an inch to one foot, making vessel size and design easier to compare from room to room.
The building adds another layer to the visit. William Scarbrough, an owner of the steamship Savannah, had the house built in 1819, so the setting connects directly to the maritime story shown inside.
Hours, Parking And Accessibility
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. Guest parking is free in the museum lot on the south side of the building.
| Visit Detail | Current Information | Planning Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily | Morning visits leave more time for the gardens |
| Last admission | 4:30 p.m. | Arrive earlier for a full one-hour visit |
| Typical visit | At least one hour | Allow longer if reading every gallery label |
| Parking | Free guest lot south of the museum | Avoids paid downtown parking when spaces remain |
| Payment | Card or contactless payment only | Cash is not accepted |
| Holiday closures | Several federal and Savannah-area holidays | Check the official calendar before holiday travel |
| Mobility access | Gardens accessible; upper and lower levels use stairs | Call ahead when step-free gallery access is needed |
The official site currently reports that the wheelchair lift is temporarily out of service. The main collection floor sits 11 steps above ground level, the second floor is another 22 steps up, and the basement is 39 steps below the second floor. The gardens have accessible paths, curb cuts, four accessible parking spaces, and a ramp to the Assembly Room and accessible restrooms. Call 912-232-1511 before visiting when step-free gallery access is needed.
Holiday closures include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Where To Stay Near The Museum
The museum sits at 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, one block west of City Market and a few blocks north of the Savannah Visitor Center. A hotel near City Market or the western Historic District puts the museum within an easy walk of River Street and central Savannah sights.
Use the map below to compare stays near the museum and judge walking distance before choosing a room:
Which Ticket Should You Buy?
The right ticket depends on group size, age, and whether you plan to visit the other preservation houses. Most solo adults and couples should use standard admission, while families and multi-house visitors can save with the bundled rates.
- Solo adult or couple: Choose regular adult admission and buy at the museum to avoid the online processing fee.
- Two adults with a paying child: Choose the $48 family ticket; it covers up to two adults and three children under 18.
- Student, senior, or military visitor: Use the $14.50 reduced rate and carry the relevant ID.
- Three-house history day: Choose the $36 Pioneers in Preservation Pass for Ships of the Sea, the Isaiah Davenport House, and the Andrew Low House.
- Group of 10 or more: Reserve before arrival to qualify for the $11-per-person self-guided group rate.
For a standard Savannah visit, the adult or family ticket is the sensible pick; the preservation pass earns its cost only when all three historic houses fit your schedule. Check ticket availability for your date here:
References & Sources
- Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.“Plan Your Visit.”Lists current admission prices, hours, payment rules, parking, holiday closures, and accessibility information.