USS Hornet Sea Air & Space Museum
A historic aircraft carrier turned museum, showcasing WWII naval history, space program recovery, and iconic aircraft.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
USS Hornet Sea Air & Space Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic aircraft carrier turned museum, showcasing WWII naval history, space program recovery, and iconic aircraft.
"An amazing piece of history that you get to walk through! So much to explore."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs on this massive ship. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must!
Check for Special Events
The Hornet hosts unique events like Halloween parties and concerts. :party_popper: Check their schedule for exciting happenings!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flight Deck Aircraft
Flight Deck
Marvel at iconic aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat and F-8 Crusader. Get up close with these powerful machines that once patrolled the skies.
Apollo 11 Recovery Exhibit
Hangar Deck
Discover the Hornet's pivotal role in recovering the Apollo 11 astronauts and their historic mission to the moon.
World War II History
Various Decks
Step back in time to explore the ship's crucial service during World War II, including living quarters and operational areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Docent-Led Tours
Allow Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs on this massive ship. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must!
Check for Special Events
The Hornet hosts unique events like Halloween parties and concerts. :party_popper: Check their schedule for exciting happenings! +1
Explore Beyond the Main Decks
Ask about docent tours to see areas like the conning tower, normally off-limits. :telescope: It's worth it!
Great for All Ages
Kids and adults alike will find something fascinating here. :child: Educational and fun for the whole family!
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs on this massive ship. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must!
Check for Special Events
The Hornet hosts unique events like Halloween parties and concerts. :party_popper: Check their schedule for exciting happenings! +1
Explore Beyond the Main Decks
Ask about docent tours to see areas like the conning tower, normally off-limits. :telescope: It's worth it!
Great for All Ages
Kids and adults alike will find something fascinating here. :child: Educational and fun for the whole family!
Stunning Bay Views
Enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and bridges from the flight deck. :camerawithflash: Perfect photo ops!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the USS Hornet as an amazing piece of history, offering a vast and well-preserved aircraft carrier experience. The knowledgeable docents and volunteers are frequently highlighted for enhancing the visit with in-depth stories and access to unique areas. While some find it less crowded than other major museums, its historical significance and the stunning bay views make it a highly recommended destination for technology and military history enthusiasts.
"amazing place, veterans running the place giving tours and talks. many examples of historic aircraft. staff there were very nice and accommodating. there are multiple displays about the role of different areas in the ship as well as displays dedicated to the history of the aircraft carrier and wars such as the korean war. they also had one of the isolation vans for the apollo crew on display as well as a mock capsule from the mercury launches (?). thoroughly enjoyed the visit, it was a very fun experience."
Andrew
"A historical gem in Alameda.
There's a lot to see on the USS Hornet. The biggest highlights are the planes located on the middle and upper levels. You can also explore most of the aircraft carrier's lower deck, but there are some docent-only areas that require signing up for the tour.
When we went, they had an exhibit specifically on the Doolittle Raid, which is a great WWII story. I learned that some of the pilots landed in my dad's hometown (small town in China), which is pretty mind-blowing! I'm under the impression that they'll update their exhibits, because I think that particular exhibit was up for a special event that happened the same weekend.
All in all, unique and worthwhile museum experience on an aircraft carrier!"
Roger Wang
"What an amazing piece of history that you get to walk through! We have visited the USS Hornet several times now and been on multiple docent tours to various parts. Regardless, we still manage to find new sections to explore. All of the docents are friendly and knowledgeable. What's more incredible is that volunteers keep this museum running."
Lawrence Chinn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda, CA. You can drive and find parking on-site. Public transportation options include AC Transit buses. Some visitors recommend the Alameda Seaplane ferry for a scenic approach, though it may involve a longer walk.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum. It's generally ample, especially on weekdays.
Yes, the Alameda Seaplane ferry is an option, offering a scenic route. Be prepared for a walk to the museum from the ferry terminal.
From Oakland, you can drive directly to Alameda, which is a short distance. Alternatively, AC Transit buses serve the area.
Yes, AC Transit buses run to Alameda, making the museum accessible via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum's hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website before your visit. Typically, they are open daily.
Admission fees apply for the USS Hornet Sea Air & Space Museum. Check their official website for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
Tickets are generally available for purchase at the museum's entrance. However, for special events, it's advisable to book in advance.
The museum may offer discounts for seniors, children, and military personnel. It's recommended to check their website or inquire at the ticket counter.
For regular visits, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's a good idea for special events like Halloween parties or concerts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the flight deck with its historic aircraft, the Apollo 11 recovery exhibit, WWII-era living quarters, and learn about naval history. Docent tours offer access to restricted areas.
Yes, docent-led tours are highly recommended. These volunteers provide in-depth historical context and often show visitors parts of the ship not accessible on self-guided tours.
Absolutely! The USS Hornet is a fantastic educational outing for families. Kids can explore the massive ship, see aircraft up close, and learn about history in an engaging way.
While you can't go inside most of the aircraft, you can get very close and explore their exteriors. Some exhibits might allow entry into specific cockpits or sections.
Many visitors suggest starting with a self-guided tour to get a lay of the land, then joining a docent-led tour for deeper insights and access to special areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the USS Hornet Museum for personal use. Be mindful of any specific exhibit restrictions.
The flight deck with the aircraft and the San Francisco Bay views are prime photo locations. The historic interior spaces also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and museums for safety and preservation reasons. Check with the museum directly for their drone policy.
Commercial photography or videography may require special permits or prior arrangements with the museum. Contact their administration for details.
Expect to capture images of historic aircraft, naval artifacts, the ship's architecture, and scenic views of the bay. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least a few hours to explore, and consider comfortable shoes as there's a lot of ground to cover. Docent-led tours can add an extra layer of engagement for curious young minds, as they often share fascinating stories and point out interesting details.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the opportunity to hear from former pilots or docents who have firsthand experience with these aircraft. The cockpit explanations and detailed exhibits provide deep dives into aviation technology and the lives of the pilots who flew them.
🚀 Space Exploration Fans
Beyond Apollo 11, the museum often features exhibits related to space exploration, showcasing the broader impact of naval technology on space endeavors. It's a chance to connect the dots between naval aviation and humanity's journey to the stars.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The USS Hornet's Storied Past
Beyond her military service, the USS Hornet is perhaps most famously known for its role in the Apollo space program. She was the recovery ship for Apollo 11, bringing the first humans back from the moon, and later for Apollo 12. Astronauts were quarantined in a trailer aboard the ship after their missions, a unique historical moment captured in exhibits.
Today, as the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, she stands as a testament to American naval and aerospace history. Volunteers and staff work tirelessly to preserve her legacy, offering visitors a tangible connection to these pivotal eras. The ship's extensive collection of aircraft and artifacts further enriches the visitor experience, making it a must-see for history buffs.
Exploring the Ship's Decks
+1Below the flight deck, the hangar deck houses more aircraft and exhibits detailing the ship's wartime service and its connection to the space program. This is where you'll find the compelling Apollo 11 recovery exhibit, complete with a replica of the quarantine trailer. It's a powerful reminder of the Hornet's role in one of humanity's greatest achievements.
Further exploration reveals the ship's interior, including living quarters, galleys, sick bays, and even an optometrist's office, all preserved from the WWII era. These spaces offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the thousands of sailors who served aboard. Docent-led tours can grant access to even more restricted areas, providing an even deeper understanding of the ship's operational complexity.
Events and Unique Experiences
For those seeking team-building or corporate events, the Hornet provides ample space and a distinctive atmosphere. Its capacity can accommodate large gatherings, making it suitable for trade shows, product launches, and banquets. The novelty of hosting an event on an aircraft carrier adds a memorable element for attendees.
Beyond organized events, the museum sometimes hosts special exhibits, like the aircraft lighting displays, or participates in community initiatives such as the Bay Area Truck Pull for hunger relief. These events highlight the ship's ongoing role in the community and offer visitors diverse reasons to return.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit