U.S.S. HORNET Museum

Looking for the best museums in San Francisco? Add the USS Hornet Museum to your itinerary list. 

Visit the USS Hornet Museum with Go City®

• With us, there are no entry fees on the day – all you've got to do is show your pass.
• General admission to the museum and permanent exhibits included.
• Access the flight deck to get up close to helicopters and fighter jets.
• Your pass also gives you access to many more attractions in San Francisco, so don't forget to check them out too.

This museum is a must-see for aspiring pilots and marines. Head to the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CVS 12) and explore this historic vessel’s history and importance.

The USS Hornet is the eighth US Navy ship to carry this distinguished name. Her namesake dates back to one of the first ships in the Continental Navy. With her creed, 'A Heritage of Excellence,' the USS Hornet bears an impressive list of achievements, including nine battle stars earned for her WWII service, survived 59 attacks without ever being hit, supported nearly every Pacific amphibious landing after March 1944, and performed the flawless recovery of Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 astronauts.

The exhibits onboard include a TBM Avenger and an F14 Tomcat, as well as the West Coast's best display of Apollo artifacts. Your tour includes a short film introduction followed by self-guided visits to three of the ship's decks. Be sure to ride the flight simulator to experience the thrill of flying for an additional charge.

The USS Hornet is moored at historic Alameda Point on San Francisco Bay. One popular way to get to the ship is via ferry from Fisherman's wharf which provides the opportunity to take in the views along the way.

USS Hornet Museum highlights

The Space Race – check out Gemini Boilerplate MSC-307, Apollo test capsule CM-011, the Mobile Quarantine Facility from Apollo 14, and full-sized helicopters of the type that were used for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo recoveries.

Women In The Military – this exhibition celebrates women that served among the United States military as early as the American Revolution as battlefield nurses and water bearers. Explore the stories of women who served as WAVES in the US Navy, as SPARS in the Coast Guard,  and those who served as US Marines.

Artificial Reefs – find out more about the adverse effect of climate change on the world’s oceans. This exhibition explores the reasons for artificial reefs and the use of sunken ships to create them.

Horney Legacy – find out more about this incredible vessels legacy with artifacts related to the other ships bearing her name.

Hangar and Flight Decks – get up close with an FJ-2 Fury, the first jet fighter in the world to complete an operational tour at sea. Other planes on show include a TA-4J Skyhawk and an F-8 Crusader, the United States Navy’s first supersonic jet fighter.

Go City is a better way to sightsee. Your pass includes USS Hornet Museum tickets, plus admission to dozens of top San Francisco attractions for one money-saving price.

Ready to start exploring San Francisco? First, choose between an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass.

Getting in

Just show your pass at the USS Hornet Museum admission counter and you’re in – there’s no need to purchase individual tickets at any of the San Francisco attractions included on your pass.

For more information, visit the USS Hornet Museum website.