Top Ten Tips for a Summer Visit to Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Entrance sign for the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial.

NPS photo/Luther Bailey.

1.Remember to Make a Reservation
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 only on Thursday, Fridays or Saturdays.

2. Gather and Provide Information to the Rangers in Advance
Public access to the memorial is through a two-week advance reservation process. Please make sure to email or call with the background check information for everyone in your party.

3. Plan for at least a one and a half-hour visit
Your visit can take up to one and a half hours. This time includes driving from John Muir NHS and being shuttled from the MOTCO parking lot to the memorial and back as well as the guided ranger tour.

4. Meet at John Muir NHS
There are no restrooms at the memorial. We start our tours at John Muir NHS at 4202 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, CA, where there are restroom and water fountain facilities. Visitors will drive to Military Ocean Terminal Concord at 5110 Port Chicago Hwy, Concord, CA 94520.

5. Stick with the Ranger
he National Park Service Ranger is your chaperone during your time on the Army base and will provide you access to the memorial.

6. Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking and touring. The memorial area is located on the shoreline and can get quite windy/chilly.

7. Check out our weather page

Get the latest weather report for Concord, CA.

8. Bring Bottled Water
Summertime can be warm in Concord, CA. While the walk around the park is not strenuous, it is easy to become dehydrated if you are not making sure you're getting enough water.

9. Wearing Sunscreen is Helpful
While visitiing the memorial, you will mainly be in an uncovered area. Make sure to wear sunscreen to keep sun exposure at a minimum.

10. Watch the Park Film Before you Visit
Our park film serves as a great introduction to the story of Port Chicago. The ranger tour goes into greater detail and allows you time to explore the site.