Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Designation: National Memorial
Location: California
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 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.
🚗 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.
Images
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Credit: NPS Photo
Park sign at the memorial.
Credit: NPS photo, Luther Bailey
Historic train car at the memorial site.
Credit: NPS photo, Luther Bailey
Munitions at the memorial.
Credit: NPS photo, Luther Bailey
American flag at the memorial.
Credit: NPS photo, Luther Bailey
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Feb 3
Sunny
High: 67.5°F | Low: 43.7°F
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 6.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.6
Sunrise: 07:10 AM
Sunset: 05:33 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 50.2°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Feb 4
Sunny
High: 67.8°F | Low: 44.1°F
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 5.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.7
Sunrise: 07:09 AM
Sunset: 05:35 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (95%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 49.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Feb 5
Partly Cloudy
High: 65.7°F | Low: 39.2°F
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 5.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.6
Sunrise: 07:08 AM
Sunset: 05:36 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (89%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 47.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (2)
Beach Hazards Statement issued February 2 at 1:40PM PST until February 2 at 9:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Effective: Feb 2, 2026 4:40pm
Expires: Feb 3, 2026 12:00am
* WHAT...An increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip
currents with breaking waves of 14 to 19 feet.
* WHERE...Pacific Coast beaches.
* WHEN...Through 9 PM PST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Dangerous conditions are forecast along the
shoreline. Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents,
and large breaking waves.
Dense Fog Advisory issued February 2 at 1:44PM PST until February 3 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
Effective: Feb 2, 2026 4:44pm
Expires: Feb 3, 2026 1:00pm
* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.
* WHERE...Northern San Joaquin Valley.
* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM PST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.
Park Alerts
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
4202 Alhambra Ave
Martinez, CA 94553
🏤 Mailing Address:
4202 Alhambra Ave
Martinez, CA 94553
📞 Voice Phone: 9252288860
✉️ Email: poch_general_info@nps.gov