USS Hornet, Aircraft carrier museum in Alameda, United States
This carrier stretches 872 feet (266 meters) in length and features multiple decks displaying naval aircraft, space exploration equipment, and military gear from various eras. Exhibition spaces include hangars with restored planes, crew living quarters, medical facilities, and operational areas showing daily life aboard.
This Essex-class carrier entered service in 1943 and participated in operations during World War II before being reactivated for combat duties in the Vietnam War. The ship played a central role in recovering Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 astronauts from the Pacific Ocean and was decommissioned in 1970 before opening as a museum in 1998.
The ship preserves military equipment collections documenting naval aviation development and American forces participation in Pacific operations and space missions. It serves as an educational facility for school groups and honors crew members who served aboard this carrier during several decades of active duty.
The museum operates Friday through Monday between 10 AM and 5 PM. Visitors can participate in guided tours or explore independently. Access to certain areas requires navigating steep stairs and narrow passages. Parking is available near the pier, and the facility can be reached by public transportation from San Francisco and Oakland.
Reports of unexplained events and sightings documented by visitors and staff have accumulated aboard. The ship offers specialized tours after dark where participants explore remote areas including engine rooms and abandoned crew quarters not accessible during daytime visits.
Location: Alameda
Inception: January 1, 1943
Reference: CV-12
Fee: Yes
Address: 707 West Hornet Avenue 94501 Alameda
Opening Hours: Monday, Friday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
Phone: +15105218448
Website: https://uss-hornet.org
GPS coordinates: 37.77278,-122.30278
Latest update: November 28, 2025 10:30
The historic ships of the United States Navy are a direct testament to the country’s naval development throughout the 20th century. These warships, converted into museums accessible to the public, allow visitors to learn about life onboard and the technologies used during major global conflicts. The collections include Iowa-class battleships such as the USS New Jersey in Camden and the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, destroyers like the USS Laffey in Mount Pleasant, as well as World War II submarines like the USS Cod in Cleveland and the USS Lionfish in Fall River. Visitors can walk the combat decks, examine original weapon systems, and explore preserved interior spaces. The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point also displays vintage military aircraft, while the Naval Submarine Museum at Keyport features diving equipment and historical torpedoes. These sites, spread across oceans, provide a tangible view of the US Navy's role during Pacific conflicts, the Korean War, and more recent operations, showcasing nearly 80 years of maritime military history.
This collection brings together warships that shaped naval warfare across three centuries, from wooden sailing vessels to nuclear-powered submarines. The ships represent turning points in maritime military technology, including the age of sail, the transition to steam and iron hulls, and the advent of nuclear propulsion. Preserved vessels such as HMS Victory and USS Constitution demonstrate life aboard warships during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, while USS Missouri and USS Nautilus illustrate the strategic role of naval forces during World War II and the Cold War. Visitors can explore the decks where historic battles were commanded, examine artillery from 18-pound cannons to modern naval guns, and walk through the cramped quarters where crews lived during extended deployments. The collection spans continents, with museum ships located in Portsmouth, Pearl Harbor, Stockholm, and Saint Petersburg. Each vessel tells the story of its nation's naval ambitions and the sailors who served aboard, offering a tangible connection to maritime history that no textbook can match.
Naval Air Station Alameda
2.1 km
USS Hornet Museum
37 m
USS Potomac
3.2 km
Hughes Mining Barge
2.2 km
Oakland Museum of California
4.5 km
Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon
3.4 km
Kaiser Convention Center
4.5 km
Tribune Tower
4.4 km
Oakland City Hall
4.5 km
Crown Memorial State Beach
2.6 km
Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment
4.1 km
China Clipper flight departure site
1.6 km
Pacific Pinball Museum
2.3 km
Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building
4.3 km
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
4.4 km
Clorox Building
4.4 km
Pardee Home
4.2 km
555 City Center
4.2 km
United States lightship Relief
3.2 km
Bank of America Building
4.3 km
Dotha’s Juke Joint
3.5 km
Croll Building
2.3 km
10th Street Market
4.2 km
Elihu M. Harris State Office Building
4.5 km
Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption
4.1 km
Oakland Asian Cultural Center
4.1 km
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
4.4 km
Museum of Children's Arts
4.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes