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Fleet Week Is a Waterfront Event. Stay on the Waterfront.
Your Waterfront Home Base for Fleet Week
San Francisco Fleet Week returns October 4–12, 2026, filling the bay with warships, filling the sky with the Blue Angels, and drawing more than a million people to the waterfront. It's one of the best weeks of the year to be near the water in the Bay Area — and San Francisco hotel rooms go fast and go high. Stay across the bay instead. Book direct at Executive Inn & Suites or Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel and settle into a relaxing waterfront home base on Embarcadero Cove, with parking at just $17 per night, free breakfast each morning, and the ferry, Alameda Point, and the USS Hornet all minutes away.
- Fleet Week runs October 4–12, 2026
- Air show Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 12:00–4:00 PM
- Parade of Ships Friday, October 9, 11:00 AM
- Hotel parking just $17 per night
- Free breakfast for registered guests
- Minutes from the Alameda ferry and Alameda Point viewing
Executive Inn & Suites — Embarcadero Cove, Oakland
A waterfront Oakland hotel with 143 guest rooms including 19 suites, many with a private balcony or patio and water views. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, a waterfront pool and spa, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-site dining at The Cove. Fleet Week is a waterfront event — and this is a waterfront hotel, minutes from the Alameda ferry, Alameda Point, and the USS Hornet.
- Hotel parking just $17 per night
- Free breakfast for registered guests
- Waterfront pool and spa
- Fitness center
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- On-site dining — The Cove
Book the FAN rate for our best available pricing on a waterfront stay during Fleet Week.
Fleet Week runs nine days — make a trip of it. Save up to 25% with our Stay Longer, Save More rate the longer you stay (some blackouts apply).
Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel — Oakland
Just steps from Executive Inn & Suites on Oakland's Embarcadero, the Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel is another comfortable, highly rated option for Fleet Week weekend. Enjoy a relaxing stay with breakfast included and parking at just $17 per night when you book direct.
- Hotel parking just $17 per night
- Free breakfast for registered guests
- Fitness center
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Level 2 EV charging stations
- Minutes from the Alameda ferry and Jack London Square
Save more as a Best Western Rewards member. Join for free and unlock member-only rates — typically around 10% off the standard nightly rate. Membership takes a couple of minutes and the discount applies right at booking.
San Francisco Fleet Week 2026 — Air Show, Parade of Ships & Fleet Fest
San Francisco Waterfront — air show flown between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz
San Francisco Fleet Week returns October 4–12, 2026, honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces with nine days of air shows, ship tours, concerts, and community events across the bay. The centerpiece is the air show, headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and famous as the only air show in the country where a commercial airliner — the United 777 — flies a fully choreographed act. Below is how the week lays out.
- Parade of Ships — Friday, October 9, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. The largest Parade of Ships on the West Coast sails under the Golden Gate Bridge, led by an SFFD fire boat spraying jets of water. The procession can be seen from the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to the Bay Bridge. Free.
- Air Show — Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 9–11, 12:00–4:00 PM, flown between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. In recent years the Blue Angels have taken the sky in the mid-afternoon, closing out the show.
- Fleet Fest — Saturday & Sunday, October 10–11, at the Fisherman's Wharf SkyStar Wheel and Pier 27. Free.
- Ship Tours, Concerts & More — Ship tours along the San Francisco waterfront, a neighborhood concert series, the High School Band Challenge, K9 Heroes, and the Service & Readiness Expo run throughout the week.
The 2026 performer lineup and full daily schedule are posted on the official site as they are confirmed. Air show tickets for premium viewing areas are on sale now and tend to sell out.
Getting to Fleet Week — from the Oakland Waterfront
Fleet Week is a waterfront event, and both hotels sit right on the water at Embarcadero Cove. From here you have two good options: head across the bay to the San Francisco waterfront for the main events, or stay on the East Bay side, where some of the Bay Area's best free viewing spots are minutes away.
Hotel Addresses
- Executive Inn & Suites — 1755 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
- Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel — 1717 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA
Across the Bay to San Francisco
- Ferry — The San Francisco Bay Ferry runs from nearby Jack London Square and Alameda to the SF Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf. It's the most scenic way to go, it skips traffic entirely, and it puts you on the water.
- BART — An easy ride under the bay into downtown San Francisco, then Muni or the F Line streetcar out along the Embarcadero.
- Driving — Not recommended on air show days. Waterfront streets close, parking fills early, and traffic over the Bay Bridge backs up.
Watching from the East Bay Side
- Alameda Point — Just across the estuary, with open shoreline and a clear line up the bay. Regularly named one of the best spots to watch outside the official viewing area.
- On the water — Ferries running during show hours give you a moving vantage point out on the bay.
- Emeryville Marina and Point Isabel — Two more popular East Bay options a short drive up the shoreline.
Make a Weekend of It
Alameda's USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum sits at the former naval air station across the water — a WWII aircraft carrier and Apollo recovery ship, and a fitting stop during Fleet Week. Back on the Oakland side, Jack London Square's waterfront dining, Yoshi's, and the Bay Trail are all minutes from your room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stay for San Francisco Fleet Week?
Executive Inn & Suites and Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel are two waterfront Oakland hotels on Embarcadero Cove — a relaxed, better-value base during one of San Francisco's busiest weekends. Both offer parking at just $17 per night and free breakfast when you book direct, and both are minutes from Alameda Point and the ferry to the city.
When is Fleet Week 2026?
San Francisco Fleet Week runs October 4–12, 2026. The air show is Friday through Sunday, October 9–11, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, and the Parade of Ships is Friday, October 9, from 11:00 AM to noon.
Can I watch the air show from the hotel?
Not the show itself — the air show is flown between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, across the bay from Oakland. That said, the jets are often seen and heard over the East Bay during practice runs and transits, and some of the Bay Area's best free viewing spots are just minutes away. Alameda Point, across the estuary, is regularly named one of the top places to watch outside the official viewing area.
Where are the best places to watch the Blue Angels near the hotel?
Alameda Point is the closest standout — an open shoreline with a clear line up the bay. The Alameda and Jack London Square ferries also put you out on the water, which is one of the finest ways to see the show. Farther afield, Emeryville Marina and Point Isabel are popular East Bay options.
How do I get to the San Francisco waterfront from Oakland?
Take the San Francisco Bay Ferry from nearby Jack London Square or Alameda straight to the Ferry Building or Fisherman's Wharf — the most scenic option, and it drops you close to the action. BART is the other easy route into the city. Driving into San Francisco on air show days is not recommended; streets and parking near the waterfront fill early.
Is there a Fleet Week practice day?
The Blue Angels have typically flown a practice the day before the show opens, which draws far smaller crowds than the weekend. Check the official Fleet Week calendar for the current year's schedule before planning around it.
What else is there to do nearby?
Alameda is home to the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, a WWII aircraft carrier and Apollo recovery ship berthed at the former naval air station — a natural fit for a Fleet Week weekend. Closer in, Jack London Square offers waterfront dining, Yoshi's for live music, and the Bay Trail along the estuary.
Is Fleet Week free?
Most of it, yes — the Parade of Ships, Fleet Fest, ship tours, and the concert series are free and open to the public. Premium reserved air show seating on the San Francisco side is ticketed and sells out early.
Should I book the whole week?
Fleet Week spans nine days, so there's plenty of reason to stay longer than a weekend. Ask about our Stay Longer, Save More rate to save up to 25% the longer you stay (some blackouts apply).
Learn about our Value Adding Amenities
Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Start your day with or without carbs! We have a wonderful continental breakfast that includes individually packaged muffins and granola bars as well as hot breakfast sandwiches.
Complimentary WiFi
Our superfast WiFi impresses even meeting planners! We’ve had many virtual meetings held at the hotel and the connection speed impresses all. Most say “Whoa whoa whoa” but our nerdy tech staff have clocked it at 507 MB to download and 410 MB to upload, varies with devices.
Parking
Our parking is a great deal of only $17 per day* for standard size vehicles. If you have a bus full of people or require more than 1 parking space, we have plenty of free street parking right in front of the hotel.
In-Room Perks
All rooms have coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves. We also have individually controlled air conditioning and heating.
Standard Stuff
Like most hotels, YES we have blow dryers, ironing boards, irons, shampoo and the like. But we also have should you have forgotten some essential toiletries at the front desk.
Outdoor Waterfront Pool
Even with so much to see and do in the Oakland area, it’s nice to have the option of relaxing poolside after a strenuous day of sightseeing (or business). You and your family can relax and have fun in – or around – our beautiful waterfront pool and spa.
Green is Clean
To save water, energy and less interruptions of guests, our hotel follows a green program that has is fully clean rooms after a three night stay.
Fitness Center
Our hotel fitness center includes a multi-purpose station as well as cardio equipment, allowing you to get an awesome workout in while you are away from home.
Electric Car Charging Station
We now offer two level 2 electric car charging stations that can charge at 80Amps. While you stay with us, charging is 100% complimentary!
Shuttle Service
Journey Through Oakland with Our Shuttle Service! We're excited to announce that starting June 1st, 2023, our 6-person shuttle service is returning to the streets of Oakland.
Explore Our Rooms
Gorgeous King Water View Suite
Pamper yourself with these luxurious well-appointed junior suites. Featuring a large open space to sprawl out and enjoy everything our suites have to offer.
Beautiful King Water View Room
Spacious well-appointment accommodations that are perfect for 1 or 2 people traveling on business or leisure whose goal is to relax and unwind.
Beautiful Double Queen Water View Room
These well-appointed rooms are perfect for 2 to 4 travelers. Relax on your balcony or walk-out patio and see why we are the ideal choice for any sized family.
Traditional King City View Room
Perfect for 1 or 2 travelers on a budget but are still looking to receive tons of great amenities.
Traditional Double Queen City View Room
Great for up to 4 people, 2 queen beds, that’s easier on the wallet while not missing out on the all important amenities.
Traditional King City View ADA Room
Handicap accessible rooms have the all important accessibility features without taking away from an amazing hotel experience.
See what our guests say
Friendly!
"Super friendly hotel staff, Nina at the front desk went above and beyond to accommodate us. Late check out to catch the airport shuttle. Can't ask for more. Will stay again next time in Oakland. Thanks!"
It is a gorgeous hotel with warm and informative desk clerks.
"I came all the way from Saudi Arabia. My mother lives in Piedmont and is very ill so that was the primary reason for my trip. My suite was comfortable and peaceful and allowed me to relax after the stressful activities of dealing with care givers, doctors, lawyers and family members.
The service at Executive Inn was extra special. With all I had going on, I had to have an emergency orthoscopic surgery on my left knee 5 days after I arrived. The desk clerk, Kelly, went the extra mile to insure I could avail myself of all services and amenities. Kelly made sure I knew about the hotel transport to the hospital area as well as the dining areas at Jack London Square. This was important information for me while I recuperating. I am very grateful for her professionalism and for going the extra mile to see that I had the available support and awareness for associated amenities.
The room, suite was comfortable, functional with spacious bath and living areas and a beautiful and peaceful view. It is an exceptional value for the money. The best parts of the my stay was the personalized service and the very comfortable and beautiful room! I will definitely stay here again and I am signing up for the Executive Rewards Club."
Very good and getting better!
"We've stayed at this hotel by the water for a number of years. It seems to be getting better. Good quality, terrific value for its location and amenities. Lovely setting. Comes with breakfast and free newspaper with in-room coffee. Solid mattress. Large comfortable lobby. Really - you can't beat this place. Oh! And airport pick up, no less!"
