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USS Hornet: A Floating History Museum

Explore naval aviation and space history aboard the USS Hornet, a legendary aircraft carrier museum on San Francisco Bay.

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Explore the USS Hornet, a retired aircraft carrier docked in Alameda, CA. This floating museum offers a glimpse into naval aviation history, space exploration, and life at sea, featuring aircraft, Apollo program exhibits, and interactive displays.

A brief summary to USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing.
  • Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum.
  • Check the museum's website for special events and temporary exhibits.
  • Consider taking a docent-led tour for a more in-depth experience.
  • Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary on the ship.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Oakland, take the Line 96 bus directly to the USS Hornet Museum. The bus stops a short walk from the ship. Alternatively, take a ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building to either the Seaplane Lagoon Terminal (a 10-minute walk) or the Alameda Main Street Terminal (a short cab or rideshare ride away). A one way ticket on the ferry will cost between $4 and $9. Check the AC Transit and San Francisco Bay Ferry websites for detailed schedules.

  • Driving

    From I-880, take the 23rd Street exit and follow the signs to Alameda via the Park Street Bridge. Turn right on Lincoln Avenue and proceed for approximately 3.5 miles, where it merges into Pacific Avenue. Cross Main Street to enter the former naval air station. Turn left at Skyhawk Street and then right onto W. Hornet Avenue. The USS Hornet will be at the end of the pier. Free parking is available in front of the ship.

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Discover more about USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum

The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, located on the southernmost pier of the former Naval Air Station Alameda, is a captivating museum ship that brings history to life. This Essex-class aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1943, played a significant role in World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and the Apollo Program. Today, the USS Hornet serves as a museum, offering visitors a chance to explore its decks and learn about its rich history. The museum features a vast collection of aircraft from the 1940s to the 1980s, including propeller aircraft, jet aircraft, and helicopters. You can get up close to these aircraft on the flight deck and hangar deck, and sometimes witness them being moved between decks using the ship's elevator. One of the museum's highlights is its Apollo Program exhibit, the largest on the West Coast. The USS Hornet was the prime recovery ship for Apollo 11 and Apollo 12, and the museum showcases artifacts such as the Apollo Command Module CSM-011, a Mobile Quarantine Facility used by Apollo 14 astronauts, and memorabilia from the splashdowns. Beyond its exhibits, the USS Hornet offers a variety of programs and events, including field trips, overnight stays, and corporate events. Knowledgeable docents are available to answer questions and provide insights into the ship's history and exhibits. A visit to the USS Hornet is an immersive and educational experience for all ages.

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