USS Hornet Museum
USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum
A World War II Essex-class aircraft carrier moored in Alameda that recovered Apollo 11 astronauts. Visitors can board and explore the hangar and flight deck.
USS Hornet (CV-12) entered service in 1943 and took part in several World War II battles in the Pacific. In 1969 it recovered the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 astronauts returning from the Moon in the Pacific. Today it is a National Historic Landmark and a sea, air and space museum.
Visitors can walk through the hangar deck, flight deck, bridge, officers' quarters and engine room. The hangar displays dozens of carrier-based aircraft and helicopters, along with the quarantine facilities used for the Apollo missions and recovery exhibits. Some areas are staffed by volunteer veteran guides. Admission is about $30, and the museum is usually open from 10:00 to 17:00 (check the official website for details). It is located on Alameda Island in the East Bay, on the former naval air station. From San Francisco, take the ferry to the Alameda Main Street dock, then take a taxi or walk about 20 minutes. By car, it's about 25 minutes. The ship's stairs are steep, so wear flat shoes.
Opening hours
10:00–17:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
- Ferry Building Marketplace
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
- Exploratorium
- Transamerica Pyramid
- Union Square
- Chinatown, San Francisco
- San Francisco Cable Cars