Artist's conception of proposed improvements at Hunters' Point by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Visiting Guide: San Francisco Historical Site

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, located on San Francisco’s southeastern waterfront in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, is a landmark of maritime and military history, cultural resilience, and environmental transformation. Once a bustling hub for shipbuilding and naval innovation, it played a pivotal role during World War II and the Cold War, later becoming a focal point for environmental justice and community activism. Today, the site is undergoing extensive remediation and redevelopment, with limited public access but growing opportunities for community engagement and cultural revitalization.

This detailed guide provides essential information on the shipyard’s layered history, current status, environmental cleanup, redevelopment plans, and practical visitor tips—including access restrictions, special events, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, environmental advocate, or visitor seeking to explore San Francisco’s unique heritage, this guide will help you navigate Hunters Point Naval Shipyard’s past, present, and future. (Atlas Obscura; San Francisco Government; Wikipedia; Center for Health Journalism)

Bow view of the USS Oregon (BB-3) battleship docked at Hunters' Point Dry Dock in San Francisco, California

35 ton Washington Portal crane F-4 lifting a heavy load with maximum load and 25% overload at minimum radius

Historic NOy 7037 Parker Bros. Building and Dental Clinic at Hunters' Point Naval Dry Docks, San Francisco Naval Shipyard

Aerial photograph of an unidentified CVL type aircraft carrier docked with several other vessels at a port seen from 7000 feet altitude

Historical black and white photograph showing construction progress of Hunters' Point Dry Dock in San Francisco around 1868

Historic black and white photo of the SS President Garfield ship docked at Hunters Point Dry Dock

Lookout on USS Los Angeles CA-135 heavy cruiser off Korea in 1951

AKA-104 Seminole amphibious assault ship underway at sea

AKA-104 Seminole amphibious transport dock ship of the United States Navy

Vintage black and white photograph of a man in uniform standing outdoors

AKA 95 Marquette assault rifle lying on the ground

AO-106 Navasota vintage photograph in black and white

Portrait of Kermit Roosevelt, a historical figure

ARV-1 Chourre submarine under construction at shipyard

Photograph of the AV-13 Salisbury Sound aircraft in flight

Curtiss AV-4 vintage aircraft on display in a hangar

Aerial view of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard San Francisco with multiple aircraft carriers battleship and cruisers on 5 January 1949

Aft view of USS Austin (DE-15) destroyer escort at San Francisco Naval Shipyard in 1944

Amidships view of USS David W. Taylor Fletcher-class destroyer at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard

Antenna arrangement on USNS Enoree (T-AO-69) fleet oiler at San Francisco Naval Shipyard in June 1954

Aerial view looking east over Bayview, Hunters Point and Candlestick Point in San Francisco

USS Brill SS-330 submarine during refit at San Francisco Naval Shipyard in 1947

Historic 1914 Sunset Magazine photo discussing potential destruction of Panama Canal by air attack

USS Clarion River LSMR-409 and USS St. Francis River LSMR-525 ships at recommissioning ceremony 1965

USS Somers DDG-34 guided missile destroyer commissioning at San Francisco Naval Shipyard in 1968

Enlisted men wounded in battle on board the USS President Hayes at Hunter's Point, San Francisco

Three U.S. Navy Essex-class aircraft carriers USS Hancock, USS Oriskany, and USS Bennington at San Francisco Naval Shipyard in 1957

Damaged bow of the Hornet CV-12 aircraft carrier being repaired after June 1945 typhoon at Hunters Point San Francisco July 1945

Aerial view of U.S. Navy Hunters Point Naval Shipyard with multiple Essex-class aircraft carriers, USS Shangri-La, Independence-class light carrier, USS Iowa battleship, Baltimore-class heavy cruisers, and Cleveland-class light cruisers in San Francisco Bay, 1949

Introduction
Early Origins and Industrial Growth
World War II and Naval Expansion
Cold War Era and Radiological Research
Postwar Decline and Environmental Legacy
Indigenous and Community Heritage
African American Migration and Community Formation
Environmental Justice and Community Advocacy
Artistic and Cultural Revitalization
Current Status, Cleanup Efforts, and Redevelopment
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
FAQ
Conclusion
Sources

Early Origins and Industrial Growth

Hunters Point’s maritime legacy began in the late 19th century, when the California Dry Dock Company established ship repair facilities in 1868. The official Hunters Point Drydocks were founded in 1870, featuring some of the world’s largest drydocks at the time. By the early 1900s, the site was operated by Union Iron Works and later the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Company, servicing major vessels such as those of President Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet (Wikipedia).

World War II and Naval Expansion

With the approach of World War II, the U.S. Navy acquired Hunters Point in 1940. Wartime expansion transformed the site into a major naval shipyard, with six large drydocks and the capability to build and repair hundreds of ships. Between 1941 and 1945, Hunters Point built and serviced over 200 naval vessels, supporting the Pacific war effort and employing thousands of workers from across the U.S. (Forbes; FoundSF)

Cold War Era and Radiological Research

After the war, Hunters Point became home to the Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory (NRDL), the Navy’s principal center for nuclear weapons effects and radiological decontamination research (1946–1969). Ships exposed to atomic tests in the Pacific were decontaminated here, and the site played a role in early Cold War nuclear science. This period left a legacy of radioactive and hazardous waste (SF.gov; Atlas Obscura).

Postwar Decline and Environmental Legacy

Following the Navy’s downsizing, the shipyard operated as a repair facility until its closure in 1974, with a brief reopening in the 1980s before permanent closure in 1994. Decades of industrial and radiological activity led to significant contamination of soil, groundwater, and bay sediment, resulting in its designation as a federal Superfund site in 1989. Cleanup and remediation efforts continue under federal, state, and local oversight (Wikipedia; Military Museum).

Indigenous and Early Community Heritage

Ohlone Presence

Before the shipyard, the area was home to the Ohlone people, who thrived along the San Francisco Bay for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence highlights the significance of Hunters Point’s shoreline for Ohlone fishing and gathering. The transformation of the landscape for industrial use disrupted indigenous geography, but current redevelopment plans seek to honor this heritage through interpretive and commemorative elements (toxicsites.us; SF Planning General Plan).

African American Migration and Community Formation

The shipyard’s wartime expansion drew African American workers from the South, contributing to the Great Migration. By 1945, Bayview-Hunters Point’s Black population surged by over 665%, creating a vibrant community of churches, social clubs, and businesses. The closure of the shipyard in 1974 led to job losses and economic challenges, but the neighborhood remains an important center of Black cultural life in San Francisco (centerforhealthjournalism.org).

Environmental Justice and Community Advocacy

Contamination and Health Impacts

Decades of shipyard and NRDL operations left behind hazardous substances, including radioactive waste, PCBs, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons (sf.gov; toxicsites.us). The surrounding community, predominantly people of color and low-income families, has faced elevated rates of cancer and respiratory illnesses (sfbayview.com).

Grassroots Mobilization

Community activism has played a crucial role in advocating for a thorough cleanup and transparency. In 2000, Proposition P called for the Navy to clean the site to the highest standards. Ongoing community engagement ensures that residents have a voice in remediation and redevelopment (sfbayview.com).

Artistic and Cultural Revitalization

Hunters Point Shipyard is home to one of San Francisco’s largest artist communities. Around 300 artists occupy studios in historic naval buildings, hosting open studios and exhibitions that reimagine the shipyard as a center for creativity and renewal (SF Planning General Plan). Public art, interpretive signage, and community events celebrate the site’s layered history.

Current Status, Cleanup Efforts, and Redevelopment

Environmental Remediation

The U.S. Navy, EPA, California DTSC, and local agencies oversee a multi-phase cleanup involving soil excavation, radiological scanning, groundwater treatment, and capping contaminated areas. Completion of some parcels is expected between 2028 and 2036 (SF DPH Health Commission PDF). Parcel A has been deemed safe for residential and artist uses; other parcels remain under remediation.

Community Health and Environmental Justice

Bayview-Hunters Point continues to face health challenges linked to historical contamination. Environmental justice organizations work with public health agencies on initiatives such as the Community Emission Reduction Plan (CERP) to improve air quality and health outcomes (SF DPH Health Commission PDF, Slide 13).

Redevelopment Vision

The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) is guiding plans for a mixed-use neighborhood:

Affordable and market-rate housing
Parks and open spaces
Community and retail spaces
Redevelopment occurs in phases, with parcels opened only after meeting regulatory safety standards. Community input shapes commemorative features and public spaces (SF DPH Health Commission PDF, Slide 6).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Travel Tips

Public Access

Most of the shipyard remains closed due to ongoing remediation. General access is restricted, and there are no regular visiting hours or daily tours.

Special Events: Public access is allowed during arts events such as the Hunters Point Shipyard Artists Open Studios (typically twice a year).
Tickets: These events are free or ticketed; check the Hunters Point Shipyard Artists website for details.
Guided Tours: Occasionally offered by community organizations.

Accessibility

Open areas during events are wheelchair accessible. Due to active cleanup, some parts may have limited accessibility—confirm ahead of your visit.

Transportation

Use public transit (Muni buses) or rideshare, as parking is limited. Event organizers provide current transportation and parking updates.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring:

Bayview Opera House: Historic community arts venue
India Basin Shoreline Park: Waterfront trails and views
Candlestick Point State Recreation Area: Outdoor recreation and picnicking
Local eateries and shops: Experience Bayview’s vibrant community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the shipyard any day?
A: No, general access is closed except during special events or open studio weekends.

Q: Are tickets required?
A: Tickets are needed for some events. Check event websites for details.

Q: Is the site safe?
A: Only authorized and remediated areas are open to visitors. Obey all posted safety signs.

Q: Is there public transit?
A: Yes, Muni buses serve Bayview-Hunters Point.

Q: What else can I see nearby?
A: Bayview Opera House, India Basin Park, and Candlestick Point are nearby attractions.

Conclusion

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard is a powerful testament to San Francisco’s maritime, military, and cultural heritage. While environmental cleanup limits general access, the site’s transformation offers hope for community-driven renewal and historical commemoration. Special events, artist studios, and nearby attractions provide rare opportunities to engage with the area’s past and present. For an enriching and respectful experience, stay informed on access, follow safety protocols, and support local artists and businesses.

Stay updated by downloading the Audiala app, following Hunters Point news, and exploring related San Francisco historical sites. By engaging responsibly, visitors contribute to honoring Hunters Point’s history and supporting its future as a beacon of resilience and renewal.

Visuals: Include high-quality images of the shipyard’s historic buildings, artist studios, public art, and community events. Use alt tags such as “Hunters Point Shipyard visiting hours,” “Hunters Point Shipyard tickets,” and “San Francisco historical sites.”