52 Boats Memorial, San Diego County Travel Guide

4.9 (17)

A moving tribute to WWII submariners at San Diego's Liberty Station, featuring granite memorials, flags, and Liberty Elm trees.

The 52 Boats Memorial in San Diego's Liberty Station honors the 52 U.S. Navy submarines and over 3,500 submariners lost during World War II. The memorial features 52 American Liberty Elm trees, flags, and granite markers, each telling the story of a lost submarine.

A brief summary to 52 Boats Memorial

San Diego, Point Loma, California, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring 52 Boats Memorial.

Visit during sunset for breathtaking views and a more reflective atmosphere.
Take your time to read the plaques; they provide historical context and personal stories behind each submarine.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the nearby grass areas for a peaceful outing.

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Book tours with entry

San Diego Liberty Station: From Barracks to Brews Small Group Tour

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$110.20

Book tours without entry

Secrets of Liberty Station: Self-Guided Puzzle Walk in San Diego

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Getting There

Walking

From the San Diego Maritime Museum, head south on N Harbor Dr towards W Grape St. Turn left on W Grape St and continue walking until you reach the intersection with N Harbor Dr. Continue straight onto Point Loma Blvd. Walk for about 1.5 miles, and you will see the memorial on your left, located at San Diego, CA 92106. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport

From downtown San Diego, go to the Santa Fe Depot at 1050 Kettner Blvd, the nearest San Diego Trolley stop. Take the Blue Line trolley towards 'America Plaza'. Change at the 'Old Town' station to catch the Green Line trolley towards 'Santee'. Get off at the 'Point Loma' stop. Head west on Point Loma Blvd for about 0.5 miles until you reach the 52 Boats Memorial. The adult fare is $2.50. A day pass costs $6.00.
Ride-Sharing Service

Use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft. Enter '52 Boats Memorial, San Diego, CA 92106' as your destination. The drivers are familiar with the area and will take you directly to the memorial. Expect to pay between $21 and $26 for a ride from Old Town San Diego to Point Loma.

Discover more about 52 Boats Memorial

Nestled in the scenic Point Loma area within Liberty Station, the 52 Boats Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the 52 U.S. Navy submarines and the more than 3,500 American submariners who perished during World War II. Dedicated to perpetuating the memory of these brave individuals, the memorial offers a serene and reflective space for visitors to honor their sacrifice.The memorial's design incorporates 52 American Liberty Elm trees, each representing a lost submarine. These trees line walkways adorned with 52 flags and 52 black granite markers. Each marker recounts the history of a specific submarine, detailing its launch date, commanding officer, circumstances of its loss, and the names of the crew members who gave their lives. The memorial serves as an educational site, offering visitors a chance to learn about the critical role these submarines played in the Pacific during the war.The 52 Boats Memorial is located within Liberty Station, a mixed-use development on the site of the former Naval Training Center San Diego. The memorial is part of a 40-acre waterfront park, often referred to as "Balboa by the Bay". This peaceful ambiance, enhanced by ocean views, provides an ideal setting for contemplation and remembrance.