Battleship USS Iowa Museum San Pedro, CA

250 S Harbor BlvdSan Pedro, CA 90731
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Overview

Step aboard the legendary Battleship USS Iowa Museum in Los Angeles, a floating monument to naval history. Explore five expansive decks at your own pace, guided by the award-winning mobile app. Engage in interactive exhibits, uncover the ship's presidential legacy, and embark on the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt—fun for all ages!

up to 2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • See why IOWA is called the “Battleship of Presidents,” “The Grey Ghost,” and “The Big Stick.”
  • Walk in the footsteps of sailors and Vicky the Dog, the ship’s beloved mascot.
  • Explore five decks, museum exhibits, and a fun scavenger hunt for kids.
  • Open daily at 10 a.m.; last tickets sold at 4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Parking entrance at 1st St. & Harbor Blvd. First hour free, then $2/hr (max $22/day, subject to change).
  • Self-guided tour lets visitors explore at their own pace.
  • Enhance your visit with the Battleship IOWA Mobile Tour app, featuring images and videos.
  • Docked at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, with dining and attractions nearby.
  • Visit Vicky’s Doghouse Cafe, the only gourmet hot dog cafe on a battleship, with waterfront views.

Description

Battleship USS Iowa served the US proudly in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. Today, the historic U.S. Navy ship is an iconic Los Angeles landmark and considered one of the region’s best museums for families and visitors of all ages.

The Battleship IOWA Museum ranks among the top 5 museums and attractions in Los Angeles. It has also established itself as one of the city's most impactful veterans service organizations.

Your self-guided adventure highlights life at sea for thousands of sailors over the past 70 years, while interacting with numerous exhibits through the National Battleship Museum and using their state-of-the-art interactive tour app. Children can follow the clever mascot dog named Victory on a popular scavenger hunt.

Known as the Battleship of Presidents, USS Iowa is located at the former home to the US Navy pacific fleet and an area rich in maritime history.
Create memories and see why Battleship USS Iowa visitors continue to rate them as one of the best museums in Los Angeles.

Battleship USS Iowa Museum Reviews

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Oscardog16
Adelaide, Greater Adelaide, South Australia
"Short walk from the Cruise Ship terminal"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed May 11, 2025 NEW
We pre-booked the Presidents room tour and we were the only two participants. We received lots of information about the history of the ship and the presidential visits. Our guided was happy to answer questions about the ship and her sister ships. The Iowa and the Missouri are almost identical. The guide’s information saved us from making a trip to the Missouri in Hawaii.
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Marf13669
Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County, New York
"With its 16 inch guns, the Iowa was known as "The Big Stick""
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed May 02, 2025 NEW
The Battleship USS Iowa is located at the Los Angeles shipping port of San Pedro and is not far from LAX airport. Known as the “Battleship of Presidents,” it was outfitted with a bathtub when Franklin Roosevelt sailed to Tehran for a conference with fellow allies (Churchill and Stalin) to strategize and coordinate the allied effort against Nazi Germany, particularly planning a second front in Europe known as Operation Overlord – invasion of France. It was later used again during the Bush administration and also sailed into NY Harbor on Independence Day, 1986. Now docked as a floating museum, walking the decks, gangways and passageways below was exceedingly interesting. Battleships ruled the seas from the early 1900s thru WWII when they were eclipsed by aircraft carriers.
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Passport34739529112
Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, East Anglia, England
"Great Experience!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed May 02, 2025 NEW
Great overall experience. I was initially welcomed by a team of volunteers as it was opening time of the museum. I was made to feel very welcome and offered lots of advice for my visit to the museum and how to best see and use my time. I was then met by my tour guide Dale, as it was off season it was quieter than usual and just two of us on this particular guided tour. This then led to one of the most informative, and immersive experiences I’ve had at this type of museum. Dale was full of information, and most of all passion for the museum and what it represented. It was the best way to spend my last day in LA. I’d certainly revisit both on my own or with friends!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Battleship USS Iowa Museum

What are the hours of operation?

The Battleship Iowa Museum opens daily at 10:00 am (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas) with tours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The ship closes after the last guided tour ends. Hours are subject to change.

Is the museum accessible?

Because the battleship was built in 1943, the museum is unfortunately not ADA accessible. However, if given advanced notice arrangements can be made for visitors with mobility requirements. If you or anyone in your party require this assistance, please comment in the "Have Special Needs?" section above when booking your reservation.

Is this museum ideal for children?

The Battleship Iowa Museum is open to people of all ages. Perfect for a family experience. However, parents are asked to accompany children at all times. This is for their safety and the safety of others aboard the historic battleship. We ask that children and their parents do not run at any point during the tour or while onboard.

Do I have to pay to park?

Yes. Parking is available adjacent to the battleship by entering at 1st Street and Harbor Boulevard. The first hour is free, each additional hour is $2 with a maximum of $20 per day.

Where is the Battleship USS Iowa Museum located?

This maritime museum is located at the Los Angeles World Cruise Port Terminal on the LA Waterfront in close proximity to the San Pedro Fish Market. The address is 250 S Harbor Blvd San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA 90731-2830.