At approximately 15 stories high and 900 feet long,
the USS
Hornet was America's largest ship serving in World War II. This
"Gray Ghost" was one of the most decorated vessels in the U.S. Navy,
participating
in nearly all the assault landings in the Pacific from March 1944 until
the end of WW II, and earning nine battle stars and the Presidential
Unit citation. In 1969, the Hornet led the recovery of the Apollo
11 and Apollo 12 astronauts, the first men on the moon.
Designated a National Historic Landmark, the USS Hornet now
is a floating museum and the only aircraft carrier museum on the West
Coast. Four levels of the Hornet are available for public viewing,
including the
hangar deck, where you can view the Apollo exhibit and try your hand
with a flight simulator; and the second deck, which houses the living
quarters. Tours are self-guided (unless reservations are made for a
docent-led group
tour), but the many volunteers aboard ship are eager to answer questions
and share their own experiences.
Location
The museum is located at Pier 3, Alameda Point, at the former Alameda
Naval Air Station on the east side of San Francisco Bay. The official Web
site provides driving directions and public transportation information.
Free parking is available across the street from the museum.
Hours of operation
The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day except New Year's
Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The admission gate closes at 4 p.m.
On Tuesdays—the weekday scheduled for maintenance—the
admission gate closes at 1:30 p.m. and there is limited access
to the ship.
Admission
Adults
$12
Seniors
$10
Military
$10
Youth (5-18)
$5
Children (4 and younger)
Free
Group discounts are available. All admission tickets on
limited-access Tuesdays are $5.
Contact information
Visitor information: (510) 521-8448
Tour reservations: (510) 521-8448 ext. 228
Disabled access
Due to the historic nature of the ship, wheelchair and stroller accessibility is extremely limited.
Special considerations
Allow two to three hours for your visit.
Children younger than 12 are not allowed in the engine room or the Combat Information Center.
Wear comfortable shoes (nonskid soles are recommended) and be prepared to climb steep stairs (ladders).
Dress in layers. The ship can be cold.
Bags and backpacks must be checked at the admissions desk.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed on the ship. Vending machines are available onboard and a concession stand is available on weekends.
Additional information
Visit the USS
Hornet Web site.
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
