USS Hornet (USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum)

USS Hornet Museum admission offers visitors access to the decommissioned ship's Hangar Deck, Flight Deck, and Second Deck. If you prefer to explore on your own, grab a map and take the self-guided tour, complete with an audio guide packed with details about the ship. Military history fans shouldn't miss a complimentary, docent-led tour. Tours last about an hour and offer access to ship sections not shown to independent visitors.

• History fans appreciate the USS Hornet, a National Historic Landmark.
• Aviation enthusiasts find assault helicopters, supersonic aircraft, and strike fighters.
• You should spend at least two hours aboard to see everything.
• Members of the military, seniors, and kids receive discounted admission; children aged six and under are admitted free of charge.
• The Hangar Deck is accessible for guests in wheelchairs, though the ship isn't fully wheelchair accessible; virtual tours are available.

Located in Alameda—across the bay from San Francisco—the most convenient way to reach the USS Hornet Museum is to drive. Take I-880 to the Broadway/Alameda exit, and head to Alameda via Webster Street. You can also take public transit. Hop on the BART train from San Francisco or the East Bay, and get out at the 12th Street station. From there, you should take a taxi to Alameda—it's about 10 minutes by car.

The USS Hornet Museum is open daily, and closed on major holidays. Though there's really no bad time to visit, plan to arrive when the sun's shining, since you'll want to spend time on the Flight Deck. Check the calendar before you arrive for special events and public programs. After-hours tours, paranormal tours, and even chapel services are hosted frequently.

Since several top Bay Area attractions are located in Oakland, San Francisco, and even the North Bay (across the Golden Gate Bridge), your best bet for maximizing your time—and your budget—is to buy a sightseeing pass. Passes often include complimentary admission to the USS Hornet Museum, and typically offer popular activities like hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike rentals, and neighborhood walking tours—all for one low price.

The USS Hornet, a custom-built US Navy aircraft carrier, operated from 1943 until 1970. The ship’s claims to fame include fighting in WWII and the Vietnam War. It also served as a landing strip for Apollo 11 and 12 astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin. Today, it is affiliated with the Smithsonian.

Board the ship to see temporary and permanent exhibits. Topics include women in the military, the race to space in the 1970s, and the Hornet's history. Visitors can also see more than 15 historic aircraft and restored living spaces on the ship’s second floor, from pantries to sleeping berths.

The USS Hornet suggests allotting two to three hours for your visit. Tours onboard the ship are mostly self-guided, but volunteer veterans are usually around to answer questions. Docent-led visits are also available. Some areas, like the captain’s quarters and the Combat Information Center, are only accessible on guided tours.

Yes, although anyone 17 or under needs to be accompanied by an adult. Children aged 7 to 17 receive special half-priced admission tickets. Some tours and locations—the Engine Room, Fire Room, and Primary Flight Control tour—have height restrictions of 48 inches and up, roughly ages 6 or 7 and older.

Yes. The USS Hornet offers an overnight program for kids ages 7 and up. The program allows children to experience a sailor's life by sleeping in original sleeping compartments, eating meals in the crew mess, and learning about the ship's most famous campaigns. It's a 30-person minimum to book.

Yes. Be sure to check the USS Hornet’s official events calendar ahead of your visit. The ship hosts a full roster of seasonal activities and special tours. Typical events include an after-hours mystery tour, ticketed galas, and an escape-room experience. You can rent the USS Hornet as an events venue.