To check on scheduled overnight programs, please visit our Museum Calendar or click on our Overnight Reservation Application, which has an embedded calendar featuring program dates.

Our overnight programming is available to any organized group (scouts, schools, churches, etc.) and to smaller groups on specific “Small Group Overnight” dates. There is a 30-person minimum, or equivalent cost, if you book on a custom date that does not yet have a scheduled program. All participants must be at least 7 years of age.

All organized groups (ie: Boy Scouts, Boys and Girl Club, public and private schools) must provide a tour permit or proof of insurance that names the Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation as an additional insured. Siblings, friends, or other guest are welcome provided they are also covered by the group’s insurance. This does not apply to individual families or friend groups.

We offer a tiered rate for organized youth groups based on the day they attend. This price includes dinner and breakfast in the original crew’s mess hall, tours, a ride in the flight simulator, a commemorative patch and certificate, and coupon for a future visit! A deposit is required to secure a date for all groups and will be applied toward the total cost.

A minimum of one adult is required for every 6 youth guests (groups with children age 9 or younger must be accompanied by an adult at a 1:1 ratio). Children must be supervised at all times. Be prepared to organize into parent/youth teams for crew assignments.

Standard Dinner Menu:

*Please note due to Covid meals for 2021-2022 season will be prepared boxed meals

• Spaghetti with Marinara (red) Sauce
• Meatballs on the side
• Green Salad with options of Italian or Ranch Dressing
• Sliced Garlic Bread
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Bottled Water

Standard Breakfast Menu:

• Breakfast Burrito that contains:
  • Hash Browns
  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Cheese
• Apple
• Juice (Grape, Orange, or Cranberry)
• Bottled Water
• Coffee for guests 18 and over

Important Information:

• We can only accommodate vegetarians
• If you are a vegan, gluten free, have a serious food allergy, etc. you will need to bring your own meal options. We have a fridge and microwave for your convenience.
• While the eating area (Mess Deck) is a nut free area and our food is prepared by a nut free caterer; there are vending machines onboard which serve items that contain nuts that is available to fellow participants.

Our overnight guests get the unique opportunity to sleep in our ship’s original enlisted sleeping compartments! This does mean that it will be very much like group camping in one large room and individual family groups will share a single compartment, though there will be room to spread out.

Each organized group or youth group will likely receive their own ship’s berthing compartment. You may have to share the compartment with another group. Female guests may choose to sleep in a separate compartment.

Please be aware that you may experience normal ship noises such as creaks and groans during the night.

The berthing compartments are equipped with canvas covered “racks” with foam mattresses. Each person should bring a pillow, sheet, sleeping bag, and extra blanket in cold weather, toiletries, hand towel, flashlight, a jacket, and a warm hat in cold weather. Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniforms.

Please do not bring any electronic devices including hairdryers; laser pointers; knives; open flame devices including lighters and matches; or food or drink items (with an exception of meals for those with food allergies).

A limited number of lockers are available to share in the berthing compartments. Each group can bring several locks to secure their valuables and personal belongings. The Museum is NOT responsible for loss of personal items.

Please make arrangements for your group to meet on the pier at the same time. The group leader must arrive on time to receive program instructions. The check-in briefing and safety drill are an important part of your overnight experience. Special arrangements can be made for late arrivals by contacting overnights@uss-hornet.org.

Weekend (Saturdays) Schedule – Plan to organize on the pier by 4:30pm to begin your evening program with boarding at 5:00pm.

Weeknight (Wed – Fri) Schedule – Plan to organize on the pier by 5:30pm to begin your evening program with boarding at 6:00pm.

Driving directions are available online.

Overnight gear is not allowed on the ship before 5 PM on Saturdays/6 PM on weekdays and private vehicles are not allowed on the pier. Parking is available across the street and participants are expected to carry sleeping bags and other gear on board at the appointed time. Our overnight programs are conducted in a fun-spirited, organized manner; falling in, stowing your gear, and following orders are all part of this unique and memorable experience.

Wristbands will be issued upon arrival and must be worn at all times while aboard USS Hornet. The wristband gives you in-out privileges during museum hours on the second day.

All participants must participate in an emergency evacuation drill. (MANDATORY).

Due to the historical nature of the ship, handicap access is extremely limited. For more information, please see our Accessibility page.

Museum staff will be onsite and available in case of emergency. After-hour or emergency contact can be made by calling the Security Desk at (510) 521-8448 x 226.

Many events take place aboard USS Hornet and it is possible that a banquet, dance, cocktail reception, or other function may be scheduled during your visit. On such occasions, your group activities will remain separated from the event area.

What is your cancellation policy? 

Your $100 deposit is non-refundable, but I can change it to a different date.  You can change your headcount at any time.

• Changes made 15+ days before your event: no penalty.
• Changes made 8-14 days before your event: full credit.
• Changes made 2-7 days before your event: half credit.
• Changes made the same day (including no shows): no credit.

If you have any questions, please email us: overnights@uss-hornet.org