USS Hornet Museum

We traveled to San Francisco primarily to see people, not as tourists, so, I really didn't know what to expect when my husband suggesting sightseeing here.We quickly learned how brutal trying to park anywhere is, so it was great that it was not only spacious, but free here. I've never seen an aircraft carrier in real life before, so it didn't strike me as particularly large when we first arrived. Once we trekked aboard, though, I realized how misleading my initial perspective was. When I say trekked aboard, I mean, not only are there considerable stairs/ladders; it surprised me how not simple it was, given that I've boarded many very large ships before.When we got inside, we were quickly greeted by one of the many volunteer staff. She was eager to the point of asking whether we were going to just stand and gawk in the entryway, or come in. Yes, we were making our way to the ticket counter, lol...if she were a salesperson it would be annoying, but she was simply enthusiastic about the museum, and continued to tell us many things after we bought our entry. And there are many, many really amazing things to learn about the Hornet and its role in WWII. It's a CV-8 Yorktown-class carrier, the 7th US Navy vessel to carry its name. It's not just a stagnant, historical artifact. I was thrilled to see that they had a plane set up for visitors to actually go inside and "play" with. It's set up so that you watch the preamble video when you come in, and then board the plane beside the mini-theatre if you wish. There's a designated volunteer to assist you in and out of the plane, and, like many of the other volunteers there, an actual veteran. He answered a lot of questions, and gave plenty of interesting information. When he helped us out of the plane, we got the coolest souvenir - a little pin. How cool is earning your wings on a US WWII plane, on a US WWII carrier?The ship is so large, you can spend all day exploring the levels, sections, and other aircraft on board for display. The best surprise was the Apollo modules they actually have from participating in the Apollo 11 recovery mission (among other things.) If you're into Space Race history, you might be really excited to see the footprints of the astronauts painted onto the floor where they exited. They also have comprehensive exhibits on the Nisei veterans (American soldiers of Japanese ancestry), Anti-Submarine Warfare, and many other subjects. Last but not least, you can book a real overnight at the museum, or rent the venue. There is way too much to describe for a review, so I would highly recommend checking out their website for particulars. There is a gift shop to purchase souvenirs, but no food or beverages to purchase (and not really anyplace to eat on board, either) so you might want to take your other meal options into consideration before visiting.All in all, it was a super impressive attraction, and I'd go again if I ran out of other things to see as a tourist in San Francisco. 5/5 no question.

Great museum for young and old alike. Wasn't very crowded. Unfortunately I don't think a wheel chair would be able to access and someone who needs assistance might find it challenging to get to various areas of the ship. Lots of stairs to get to other parts of the ship and even to the flight deck. So I'd recommend wearing comfortable shoes. I still highly recommend this activity to learn about history and hands on experiences. Many of the docents are veterans and have stories to share. There is a video presentation to watch and you can even sit inside of a cockpit of one of the planes. Not a huge place and it can occupy you for about 2-3 hours. Parking is on the dock. I really enjoyed it.

This place was amazing! Went there with my Boy Scout troop And it was my first time, Great experience And ghost stores were awesome!

I don't know how you cannot give this Museum 5 Stars!!!They basically turned this whole Aircraft Carrier into a museum, and it's awesome!!Although you can't go everywhere on the ship, which is understandable, you can go to enough places on this huge ship that you feel like you've been everywhere!!Located in Alameda, It costs $25 for admission, well worth it!! Being ex military myself (U.S. Army) these types of places always make me recall my own military experiences as well.So you can go from the flight deck to the hanger and a few floors below. You will see the galley, meeting rooms, sleep quarters officers rooms, engine rooms, just a lot. There's also plaques throughout that explain things, videos also, lots of information!!You will also see plenty of different aircraft and spacecraft, different types of airplanes, helicopters and modules and capsules!! They also have guided tours, but I prefer my own self guided tour.The stairs down below are steep, so definitely watch your step!! But most of all, be prepared to spend a good amount of time here, because there is plenty to see!!

2 Nov.'24-10:17-Admission is a little pricey but well worth it. We spent 3 hours here wandering endless winding corridors. It seemed like we were only here an hour. So cool to see how US Navy personnel lived and worked on the Aircraft Carrier. We learned a lot and got our exercise too. You've got to be in pretty good shape to navigate all the corridors and ladders. Totally worth the $25 admission fee and highly recommended. Don't miss it and enjoy the great views of San Francisco Cal. on the flight deck.

This was unique and interesting. It wasn't busy at all, despite it being Saturday, which made for a pleasant experience. The docents were nice and knowledgeable (and this was without using the guided tour). Walking around below deck really gives you a picture into what living on a boat would be like, and it felt cool to basically have the run of the ship to explore! I wish the island was included in your basic membership and wasn't extra, but that would be my only complaint.

Fantastic local museum on an aircraft carrier! It's not for mobility impaired. So much of this huge ship is available to just wander. Beautiful views of San Francisco and the bay

Between the Hornet, Midway in San Diego I liked the hornet exhibit the best, not in the nicest location like Midway, it just felt more real to me. We have also seen yorktown charlest which was a great exhibit, and the lexington in Texas, only one more to go in New York no time soon. Great for the kids, but for us old farts a lot of climbing.

Such an impressive big ship! Walking inside brings you back into the heroic history. The stairs are very steep and narrow. It's very cold and windy walking on the deck but the view is amazing.You can see the whole San Francisco bay and the Golden Gate bridge on the deck. It's not crowded even at weekends. Easy to park. Bathrooms are very clean. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.

We were there for the Valentine's Dance with Death and Taxes Swing Band. The dance floor was full the whole night. We danced for a long time. There was a photographer there for us to stop by and get our picture taken for pickup within a half hour. We arrived late due to an accident in the Alameda tunnel and so we waited in line for snacks and drinks when we arrived. Airplanes inside all over. The bathrooms were a short walk and clean. We had seats where there was an open panel of the ship, so it was cold when we were at our table. There was parking there. A stairway and walkway into the ship, but the option of an elevator. View of Oakland, the Bay Bridge and San Francisco from the top deck. A night we won't forget.