Mare Island Naval Shipyard

Mare Island Naval Shipyard is a unique monument to industrial power and naval glory located in Vallejo. Founded in 1854, it became the first U.S. naval base on the Pacific coast, playing a colossal role in the history of seafaring and shipbuilding for nearly a century and a half.

Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, it is a vast historic site and national monument occupying a huge territory on the peninsula. Over 500 ships were built here, including legendary 19th-century vessels and modern nuclear submarines. Visitors can see preserved buildings, Victorian-era architectural ensembles, and grandiose engineering structures.

The site attracts tourists with its authentic atmosphere: walking among the old docks and workshops, it's easy to imagine the bustling life at this shipyard decades ago. It is a must-see for anyone interested in technology, architecture, and naval history.

For those planning a visit to this massive historic site, it’s important to know the contact details in advance. Below is the current information, including the official website and address, to help you plan your visit to the shipyard and museum without any hassle.

The main magnet for visitors is the Mare Island Museum, which houses rare exhibits telling the story of the shipyard's glorious journey. Here you can see ship models, antique tools, and photographs that bring the history of the first settlers and sailors to life. Be sure to stop by the local chapel — it is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows and solemn architecture.

Architecture enthusiasts should take a stroll down Officer’s Row. This is a picturesque line of mansions where high-ranking naval officers once lived; the buildings are designed in an elegant Victorian style and are perfectly preserved. The contrast between the graceful homes and the rugged industrial buildings creates the island's unique character.

No less impressive is the view of the dry docks, constructed from massive granite blocks. They are true masterpieces of 19th-century engineering. Today, part of the shipyard has been turned into recreational areas where you can simply enjoy a walk with a view of San Francisco Bay or join a guided tour to learn the secrets of the first aircraft carriers and electric ships.

The attraction is conveniently located in the northern part of San Francisco Bay, approximately 37 kilometers northeast of the city itself. If you are traveling by car from San Francisco, the journey via I-80 or I-580 will take 45 to 60 minutes. The final stretch of the journey passes over the Mare Island Causeway, which connects the island to the mainland.

For those who prefer public transportation, bus routes from the Vallejo Transit system are available. You can also use the BART system, riding to the El Cerrito del Norte station and then transferring to a local bus heading to Vallejo. This is a great way to enjoy the views without being distracted by the road.

If you are in downtown Vallejo, the easiest way is to order a taxi or use car-sharing services — the trip to the shipyard will be short and comfortable. There are parking spaces available on the grounds, so there should be no problems accommodating personal vehicles.

The history of Mare Island began on September 18, 1854, under the leadership of the legendary Commodore David Glasgow Farragut. Interestingly, the U.S. government purchased this island for just $83,491 — a sum that seems incredibly small by modern standards for an area of about 5,000 acres.

The shipyard was a true pioneer in marine technology. It was here that the USS Saginaw was launched in 1859, and later the first U.S. Navy electric ship, the Jupiter, was built, which was subsequently converted into the first American aircraft carrier, the USS Langley. The engineering genius of the time was also reflected in the creation of the first aircraft landing platform on the cruiser Pennsylvania in 1910.

In the mid-20th century, the shipyard shifted to building nuclear submarines, confirming its status as one of the world's most advanced shipbuilding enterprises. Despite the shipyard's closure in 1996 and its subsequent transfer to the city, the spirit of innovation and maritime romance is still felt in every brick of its old docks and workshops.

To fully experience the atmosphere of this place and see the main sites, it is recommended for the average tourist to set aside 3 to 4 hours for a visit. This time is enough for a leisurely walk and getting to know the exhibits.

About 1–2 hours should be allocated to visiting the Mare Island Museum and the old chapel, where the most interesting artifacts are concentrated. The remaining time (another 1–2 hours) is best spent exploring Officer’s Row and the monumental open-air dry docks, which impress with their scale and engineering precision.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that access to various sites may vary. The Mare Island Museum usually welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, before your trip in 2026, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website, as opening hours may change depending on the season.

The area around the shipyard functions as a historic park and is generally open for walks during daylight hours; however, indoor areas and special tours follow a strict schedule. It is best to book organized tours in advance to ensure you get to the base's most interesting corners.

Exploring the surroundings of the Naval Shipyard will allow you to dive even deeper into the atmosphere of this historic district. Nearby are many monuments and interesting locations that perfectly complement a walk through the Mare Island area.

Many of these sites are located within walking distance or a few minutes' drive, allowing you to create a rich full-day itinerary.