Newport Beach, California: John Wayne's Yacht
Hollywood's biggest cowboy liked to travel in style when he was off-shore, entertaining guests on his yacht, the Wild Goose, that included at least one President and Sammy Davis Jr.
- Address:
- 2431 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA
- Directions:
- Docked at Hornblower Cruises and Events in Newport Harbor. You can pull into the driveway and park to take a look at the boat, but you might want to call ahead first to make sure that it's there when you are.
- Hours:
- M-F 8-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 949-646-0155
- Admission:
- Free to look.
Results 1 to 3 of 3...
Visitor Tips and News About John Wayne's Yacht
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
Unfortunately, the yacht sank in May 2021 after striking submerged rocks. The owner is hoping to salvage the vessel.
[Michael, 09/28/2021]
Interesting if you like John Wayne, history or just admiring a lot of nice yachts. Glad we stopped.
[Tracy Rockwell, 07/21/2017]
John Wayne's yacht, the "Wild Goose," is a 1942 U.S. Navy minesweeper that Wayne bought and customized in 1965. Wayne sailed up and down the West Coast, from Canada to Mexico, and the Wild Goose played host to the likes of President Nixon and swinging Sammy Davis Jr. Wayne sold the yacht shortly before his death in 1979, but his ghost reportedly still haunts the Wild Goose from time to time, forever linked to one of his most treasured possessions.
If you want to see it, you can walk right up and take a look, or you can rent it out and sail with The Duke -- although that would be a very expensive exercise in beyond-the-grave bonding.
[Eric B. Ramey, 04/29/2012]Nearby Offbeat Places
Pirate's Lair, and Their Giant Pet Rooster, Newport Beach, CA - < 1 mi.
Stainless Steel Drowned Lifeguard, Newport Beach, CA - < 1 mi.
Ali Baba Motel, Costa Mesa, CA - 3 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
It was an earlier John Wayne yacht, "The Norwester," that sank. As it turns out, the one that we feature, "The Wild Goose," is still afloat!