Physical Address:

4202 Alhambra Ave

Martinez, CA 94553

Mailing Address:

4202 Alhambra Ave

Martinez, CA 94553

contact-details

  • Phone Number: 9252288860 Voice

  • Email Address: poch_general_info@nps.gov

  • Description: General Inquiry and reservations.

Fees

Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes

On the evening of July 17, 1944, residents in the San Francisco east bay area were jolted awake by a massive explosion that cracked windows and lit up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were instantly killed when two ships being loaded with ammunition for the Pacific theater troops blew up. It was WWII's worst home front disaster.

park designation:National Memorial

Directions:

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

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.

Exceptions:
  • Thanksgiving (November 28, 2024 - November 28, 2024)
  • Christmas Day (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)
  • New Years Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Weather Information:

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.

Activities
Guided Tours
Guided Tours

Park Film
Park Film