Oakland Aviation Museum
Explore a historic hangar filled with diverse aircraft and aviation artifacts detailing West Coast flight history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Oakland Aviation Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic hangar filled with diverse aircraft and aviation artifacts detailing West Coast flight history.
"A hidden gem with impressive aircraft and friendly staff, perfect for aviation fans and families."
🎯 Explore the F-14 Tomcat!
Don't miss the impressive F-14 Tomcat on display outside. It's a major draw for jet enthusiasts!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the kids! There's a playground and interactive exhibits to keep them entertained.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
F-14 Tomcat
Outdoor Exhibit
Get up close with a legendary fighter jet, the F-14 Tomcat, a true highlight for aviation enthusiasts.
Historic Hangar Exhibits
Main Museum Building
Explore a diverse collection of aircraft and artifacts detailing West Coast aviation history.
Interactive Learning Zones
Various locations
Engage with hands-on exhibits, including a play area for kids and an air traffic control tower.
+1
City of Cardiff Seaplane
Main Museum Building
See the exact seaplane used in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' a unique piece of cinematic and aviation history.
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Planning Your Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the F-14 Tomcat!
Don't miss the impressive F-14 Tomcat on display outside. It's a major draw for jet enthusiasts!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the kids! There's a playground and interactive exhibits to keep them entertained.
⏳ Allow About an Hour
Most visitors find an hour is sufficient for a self-guided tour of the exhibits.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The staff and volunteers are incredibly nice and helpful, enhancing the learning experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the F-14 Tomcat!
Don't miss the impressive F-14 Tomcat on display outside. It's a major draw for jet enthusiasts!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the kids! There's a playground and interactive exhibits to keep them entertained.
⏳ Allow About an Hour
Most visitors find an hour is sufficient for a self-guided tour of the exhibits.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The staff and volunteers are incredibly nice and helpful, enhancing the learning experience.
✈️ Historic Hangar Setting
The museum is housed in a vintage hangar, adding to the authentic aviation atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Oakland Aviation Museum as a hidden gem with a great collection of static aircraft and informative exhibits, especially for fighter jet fans. The staff are consistently noted as friendly and helpful, and the reasonable pricing makes it an accessible outing for families. While some find it a simple museum that can be toured quickly, most appreciate the educational value and the unique historical displays.
"Fun place for anyone who loves fighter jets, and appreciates the history of the older and retired craft.
The president of the Museum was able to give us a tour and was very informative with all the exhibits.
The outdoor portion is home to an F-14 Tomcat!!!
If you love fighter jets, this is a great place to start."
Dave C
"Highly recommend and a hidden gem!! Tucked away behind the Oakland airport, this museum should definitely a perfect stop for you and or family or destination. They have a variety of aircraft, great gift shop and courteous staff. Very reasonable priced and they also partner with cool events. Will definitely be back soon, thanks and had an Awesome time!!"
Eddie Z
"There isn't a lot happening here but lots of planes on display. Simple museum. Not a lot of glitz or glamour.
Self guided. Can read the signs and see all the displays in about an hour or less"
Gaurav Aggarwal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oakland Aviation Museum is located at 8252 Earhart Road, Oakland, CA, tucked behind the Oakland International Airport. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is a common method, with ample parking often available.
Yes, parking is generally available at the museum. Visitors often mention the ease of access, especially when driving to the location.
The museum is located at Oakland International Airport's historic North Field, but it's primarily a destination for ground visitors. It's not an active airfield for public arrivals.
Using a GPS or navigation app is recommended. The museum is situated behind the main airport terminals, so following signs for the historic airfield or specific museum addresses will be helpful.
Given its location at the airport, combining a visit with airport activities or exploring other parts of Oakland and the wider Bay Area is feasible. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Specific operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check the museum's official website or social media channels before your visit. Many reviews suggest it's a place where you can see displays in about an hour or less.
Admission is generally considered very reasonably priced. While exact ticket prices aren't listed here, reviews consistently mention it as an affordable option for a family outing.
Information on purchasing tickets online isn't explicitly provided, but it's a good practice to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date ticketing information and potential online booking options.
The museum is known to partner with cool events and offers reasonable prices. While specific discount programs like Groupon aren't confirmed, it's worth checking their website or social media for any ongoing promotions.
Yes, the museum is great for all ages. While it's geared towards adults with its historical exhibits, it's also very kid-friendly with interactive areas and a playground. +1
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a variety of static aircraft, including the impressive F-14 Tomcat, and artifacts that illustrate the evolution of aviation on the West Coast. You can also see the 'City of Cardiff' seaplane from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark.'
Absolutely! The museum offers interactive exhibits, including an outdoor area with planes to explore, an air traffic control tower, and an indoor play table for younger visitors.
Most visitors find that a self-guided tour takes about an hour or less to see all the displays and exhibits.
Yes, it's a fun and educational spot for kids. They have a playground outside and an interactive play table inside, making it engaging for younger visitors.
The museum covers various aspects of aviation history, including the Eighth Air Force, General James Doolittle, women in aviation, astronauts, and the Tuskegee Airmen.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the museum, and many visitors share their photos online. It's a great place for aviation photography enthusiasts.
The F-14 Tomcat outside is a popular subject for photos. The various aircraft displays inside the historic hangar also offer great photographic opportunities.
During special 'open cockpit' days, you can get up close and personal with the planes, which likely includes opportunities to photograph cockpit areas.
While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in areas where it might be disruptive. Check for any specific signage.
You can find many Oakland Aviation Museum photos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok by searching relevant hashtags, or on the museum's own social media pages.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
+1 Kids can get hands-on with exhibits and even sit in some planes during special 'open cockpit' days. The museum staff are known for being incredibly nice and helpful, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. It's a great place for children to learn about aviation history in an engaging way. The museum covers various aspects of flight, from historical aircraft to the science behind aviation, making it both fun and educational.
+1✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Avgeeks
The museum delves into the history of West Coast aviation, showcasing artifacts and planes that tell the story of flight's evolution. Special events like 'open cockpit' days offer unparalleled access to sit in and explore aircraft up close.
The knowledgeable staff and volunteers are passionate about aviation and can offer insightful details about the exhibits, enriching the experience for even the most seasoned avgeek. 📸 Photographers
Inside the historic hangar, the collection of vintage aircraft and artifacts provides a rich backdrop for detailed shots and historical storytelling. During special events like 'open cockpit' days, photographers can get closer to the planes, potentially capturing unique angles and interior details.
The museum's setting in a vintage hangar also adds an authentic atmosphere that translates well into compelling photos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Aviation History on the West Coast
+1Key historical aspects covered include the contributions of the Eighth Air Force and General James Doolittle, the significant roles of women in aviation, the achievements of astronauts, and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. These exhibits provide a comprehensive look at the pioneers and advancements that shaped modern flight.
One of the most unique pieces is the exact seaplane, the 'City of Cardiff,' that was famously used in the movie 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the historical narrative.
Interactive Fun for All Ages
+1Beyond the dedicated children's areas, the museum offers broader interactive elements. Visitors can explore an air traffic control tower and, during special 'open cockpit' days, have the unique opportunity to sit in some of the aircraft and see them up close and personal. These events are highly recommended for an immersive experience.
+1These interactive features, combined with the friendly and helpful staff, make the Oakland Aviation Museum a highly recommended destination for families looking for an educational and entertaining outing.
Iconic Aircraft and Cinematic Connections
Adding to the museum's unique appeal is its connection to Hollywood. The 'City of Cardiff,' a seaplane that played a role in the iconic film 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' is on display. This blend of real aviation history and cinematic memorabilia makes for a truly memorable visit.
These specific aircraft, along with the general collection of historical planes, contribute to the museum's reputation as a place where aviation dreams take flight and history comes alive.
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