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National Memorial · California

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

National Memorial in California. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Memorial
StateCalifornia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkPinnacles (119 mi)
Closest airportCCR (5 mi)
Port Chicago Memorial
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Photo: NPS Photo

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is a national memorial run by the National Park Service in California.

In the park service’s words

On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two ships loading ammunition for Pacific troops exploded, resulting in the worst home front disaster of WWII. The aftermath illuminated the issues of segregation and racial inequality in the military.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Port Chicago Memorial Tour (1 to 2 Hours): The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is on an active military base and requires advance reservations. Please contact the park for more information.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is located on Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) and is an active base. Due to its location, tours are only available with reservations on a ranger-guided tour. Public access to the memorial is through a two-week advance reservation process and only on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays. Allow for 1.5 hours beginning at 12:30 PM. No access Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and during Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) operations.

Getting there

The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is on an active military base, so it is only accessible by reservation. The shuttle picks up visitors with reservations at the John Muir National Historic Site. Please know that all visitors for the memorial must have a reservation. Please visit our website for information on how to obtain reservations.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Buchanan Field (CCR) Concord, CA No road route 5 Regional
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) Oakland, CA No road route 25 Large hub
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) San Francisco, CA No road route 36 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Temporary Port Chicago Visitor Center: Open 24 hours, every day. The park does not have an official visitor center. We currently pick up guests with reservations, at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA.

Weather

The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is on a base and sits on the waterfront. There is no shelter at the memorial, aside from the shuttle. It can be windy and cold during any season. Many people prefer to at least bring a light jacket during the summer, or coat during the other seasons.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Pinnacles, about 119 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial?

No entrance fee.

Where is Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial?

In California. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Buchanan Field, about 5 miles away.

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