Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/g3diego/public_html/los-angeles/wp-content/themes/publisher/includes/func-review-rating.php on line 212
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/g3diego/public_html/los-angeles/wp-content/themes/publisher/includes/func-review-rating.php on line 213
Visit Los Angeles’ Battleship USS IOWA Museum for a fun family experience at the LA Waterfront. Battleship USS IOWA is a popular Los Angeles museum that provides a glimpse into the past through a unique experience aboard the only battleship museum on the West Coast.
Your adventure highlights life at sea for thousands of sailors over the past 70 years. Because there are numerous exhibits there are lots of opportunities for interaction. You can also follow a clever mascot dog named Victory on a popular scavenger hunt. Known as the Battleship of Presidents, USS IOWA is located at the LA Waterfront. The LA Waterfront is a former home to the US Navy Pacific Fleet and is rich in maritime history.
This famed battleship was ordered on July 1, 1939, commissioned on Feb. 22, 1943, and served our country for almost 50 years. She was designated the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship” because of her big guns, heavy armor, fast speed, longevity, and modernization flexibility. Furthermore, these features allowed her to keep pace with technology.
USS IOWA earned nine battle stars for World War II service and two for Korean War service. The ship also was awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Also, the ship was a four-time recipient of the coveted Navy “E” Ribbon.

What i find very important is the significance of the ship during world war 2. Its interesting to learn more about the men and women who shared their lives in order to maintain the ship and delivered strategic goals for security and peace.
Though we wanted to have the presidential tour... it was just fully book at the time. Must book days ahead next time
Used the gocity pass for this attraction. Totally worth it.
History, photo opportunities (look outside the shop too), and look at the life of sailing with different aspects (eating, tailor, barber etc.)
It's quite a long attraction (with lots of printed material) so time yourself well in case you need to visit other attractions nearby.
Follow the markers and you are ready. There's an app but note that the AR experience is difficult given the poor network.
You can see free the exterior, but I recommend to visit it. If you never have been in a similar battleship.
There is a big parking lot close to the battleship.
There is access for stroller but you can't access to the tour with this, because there are many stairs.
The ship now is set up as a self guided tour to explore the main areas of battleship life. Saddkt the yours to see the turrets, engine room, or the quarters of her most famous passenger (president Roosevelt) is only done on the weekends. So, if you are wanting a more in-depth experience, then shoot for a weekend day.
However, the self guided to is well done with arrows directing the path to follow and plaques around key areas providing information on what you are seeing.
Visiting on Memorial Day made experience much more heartfelt for all brothers in arms past, & present, live, & fallen.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!
🕊🦅🙏🏼☮️🇺🇸☮️🙏🏼🦅🕊
Also if you are adventurous sign up for one of their specialty tours. Also offer overnight sleep overs aboard ship for adult chaperoned school age kids.
Plus a really great place to have an event from intimate to hundreds.
There's tons of educational videos, informational posters, and wonderfully designed scenes set up throughout the ship that are true to the actual operations of this Classic Battleship.
The crew was also very helpful and informative! Can't wait to visit her again and share the U.S.S. IOWA with my family and friends.
This does not disappoint!
So much to see, lots of interactive displays in the below decks, tons of great information, and the friendliest staff and volunteers on just about any installation of this type that I have visited.
It's very clear that everyone involved with the ship is incredibly proud of the program and that speaks volumes about the care and love they have for the ship.
The self guided tour takes you to nearly every quarter of the ship. There are other exhibits not associated with the Iowa aboard.
Aside from various small bits aboard screwed down to avoid breakage by guests...the Iowa looks as though she could set sail with a hardy crew ready to helm the ship.
Docents roam the deck ready with history and facts.
The cost for 4 adults is a healthy $95 + change. There is of course discounts for students, seniors and veterans.
Is it worth it?
I say yes. The amount of history aboard alone is worth the cost of a few hours, the friendliness of the docents is more than worth the money and time.
There is a gift shop at the end of the tour... The amount of goodies and curios will keep battle ship fans for another 30 minutes....
It's worth your time and money to see this amazing piece of our nation's history.
Step aboard and explore the innards of an amazing vessel, with a ton of decorations and historical relevancy (Roosevelt himself commanded the fleet aboard this baby). Ever since I've grown quite a new found respect and admiration for these bad boys.
Definitely recommend you checking out U.S.S. North Carolina in Wilmington. NC next!
Overall an amazing museum and some thing every American should visit. If you’re a fan of anything to do with engineering, sailing, military, engines, combat, or history you have to come here immediately. I would not suggest it for anyone who has mobility issues though because you will have to climb many sets of narrow stairs and also I am 6’3” and had to duck my head every time I was inside because the ceilings are pretty low so it is not designed for tall people either. 5/5!
Since we visited on a weekday we weren't able to go on a gun turret tour, which I would have loved to see. If that sounds interesting to you, you will need to visit on a weekend. (Check their website for details on when the tours are offered.)
The self tour will take you approximately one and half-hour.
The paths are well marked and easy to follow. There are steep ladders when you go between decks. Unfortunately, because of the space, there are no handicap ramps for entry to the upper or lower decks.
Fortunately, there is a handicap ramp going from shore to the main deck which still has alot for someone in a wheelchair to see, experience, and enjoy.
The operation on this ship is well organized and the volunteers and employees are very helpful and ready to answer your question (s).
There is a lot of history on this Americana icon.
So if you have any extra change laying around and do not know what to do with it, Please think about donating it to the preservation of this true American treasure and keep alive the men who served on it during war.
Being from Texas and a retired Army veteran, if you have an opportunity to visit the USS Iowa, do so. You all will enjoy it just as I did.
God bless all of the Armed Forces of The United States of America.
Talked to some veterans and they had some awestrucking stories to tell.
Contact Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Map & Directions
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/g3diego/public_html/los-angeles/wp-content/themes/publisher/includes/func-review-rating.php on line 212
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/g3diego/public_html/los-angeles/wp-content/themes/publisher/includes/func-review-rating.php on line 213