Battleship USS Iowa Museum

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.

Battleship USS Iowa Museum

4.8

Based on 6995 reviews

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Magilas Salvacion

17:08 08 Sep 23

This is really an amzing ship. The tour is a bit tiring with the up and down ladders... but its part of the journey. One can really feel how hard is the life of the navy men ans women wbo live in this ship.

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

Aaron Aardal

18:45 09 Aug 23

Hats off to the volunteers. They're welcoming and have a wealth of knowledge. The ship is in pretty good shape with some spots being renovated. My family enjoyed seeing the ship, seeing the living quarters, battle stations and the mess hall.They have a cool little game for the younger kids. It's worth visiting and exploring the ship.

Carlos Reyes

16:51 09 Aug 23

Worth a visit. Kids had a great time. Lots to learn from history. About two hours to see everything. Lots of walking and climbing stairs. Wish the tour had included more of the guts of the ship such as the engine room. Several exhibits really rounded out the experience.

Bryant Williams

05:15 20 Jul 23

Very educational and enjoyable. I can remember when this ship was last in service. I was in the Navy at that time. If you are doing a self tour it can be difficult at times finding the directional arrows to follow. Perhaps if the arrows were bigger or had some type of reflective material may help. The staff were friendly and helpful. Overall a good experience.

Karl Strozier

23:17 12 Jul 23

The ship is in really great shape for being inactive for about 30 years. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and will always try to answer any questions you have. To have access to guided tours I highly recommend weekends when there are more volunteers available. For anyone that previously served on the ship if you want to have your best chance at seeing off limits areas go on Saturday. That is the one day you'll have the best chance of catching the volunteer with the keys. There is food available for purchase by Turret 3 and by the old mess decks you'll find a well stocked gift shop. Expansion of the museum exhibits is still ongoing so below decks berthing forward of Turret 2 is a mess. This was my first time back to her after I transferred in 1988 and I'm glad I did. Former crew bring a marker and if your old rack is there you can sign it.

Jason Foo

21:00 07 Jul 23

Very big ship. Expect 3 hours for this visit.

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.

Melystikal

15:54 04 Jul 23

What an amazing self guided tour. Did not expect to have a great time exploring the USS Iowa. My two year old enjoyed climbing the ladders and running around the ship. They have restrooms available before entering, and the gift shop is towards the end of the tour. One red light, though, if you get the slightest motion sickness, you will feel it. I felt kind of sick when inside the ship, but because I didn't take my meds. Lol, I pulled through, but just note that if you do get easily sick, it's best to take meds. ✌️

Yo RJ

05:07 30 Jun 23

The battleship history is amazing. Good way to know the technology, dimensions and equipment used in that time. I recommend to visit this on a weekday.

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.

Adam Cook

05:02 27 Jun 23

Known as the big stick, the USS Iowa is the first in her class of battleships. Luckily for her and everyone, the ship was saved from the mothball fleet 11 years ago, according to staff. I used to see this ship in mothballs when driving to the Bay Area

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.

Jennifer Patton

17:10 25 Jun 23

My oldest son is a war buff so we went for him. My other son who has absolutely no interest in war or history had just as much fun doing the scavenger hunt and just exploring! We had a great time and the hot dogs at the end were superb! Highly recommend! Also all the workers were extremely kind, elder veterans!

Warren

03:23 13 Jun 23

My grandfather served on this ship during the Korean War, so it was awesome for my son and I to tour since we all have the same name. Its a beautiful ship that they have preserved. My kids enjoyed finding Vicky locations throughout the ship.

Felix Gomez

03:14 06 Jun 23

1st time aboard for my girlfriend, my 3rd. Great experience as always!! My girl was very excited and impressed with all the functions of officer's, & sailor's duties, as well as the number of crew assigned to every mission. I'm a USAF vet. And very proud to have served our great country!
Visiting on Memorial Day made experience much more heartfelt for all brothers in arms past, & present, live, & fallen.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!

Binxu748er

21:50 21 Mar 23

Great ship laying out its history of battles. The arrows guide one around the whole ship up and down the ladders to different decks. The general descriptions are also very well designed and written. Going up and down the decks will give you a good workout, so kids will enjoy this place.

666ish Nica

22:37 27 Feb 23

Awesome experience. Great veterans & docents are available for more information on the self-guided tour. The oil/diesel smell was kinda overwhelming & not so nice, but it's a battleship. An OLD battleship. It's not gonna smell like a regular museum. I highly recommend visiting.

David Liu

03:42 27 Dec 22

Fantastic and beautiful ship rich with history. If you enjoy WW2 American naval history, USS Iowa is worth visiting. Staff were friendly and helpful. The view of the harbor is great as well. The self-guided tour is also very good, with clear directions.

K B

03:16 06 Dec 22

As an Iowan and a Navy family, this was a must-see on our trip. To start, if you are from Iowa, you get free admittance, so that was a great perk. The view from the ship is breathtaking. The ship is breathtaking. It has been very well maintained and each of the individuals along our self guided tour were insightful and more than welcoming. It was a great piece of history that all of my kids enjoyed (9 years old to 18). I was blown away by its size alone, but seeing how our service men and women are "housed" at sea was even more interesting. One part that surprised me were the living quarters for the women, and how they were separate at the time of this ship's service. I would highly recommend stopping here!!

Elliott Hoopes

01:39 29 Sep 22

I loved it. Maybe it's just because military is very interesting to me, but the battleship has a very engaging story I think many will enjoy. The self-guided tour is perfectly good, but the helpers on board are more than willing to answer questions or tell stories. More than recommend, I'm glad that they decided to restore this beautiful piece of history.

H D Lammergeier

14:36 05 Sep 22

I am reviewing the customer service here. My family and I are planning a trip to see the Iowa before we leave for a cruise in February '23, and I spoke with Catherine Moreno, who took time to answer all of my questions about the various tours. This has made planning our trip much less stressful and we now have the info we need to get the most out of our visit. We are frequent visitors of the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, VA and are looking forward to visiting the Iowa. Hopefully we'll see all of the Iowa class battleships someday. But I just wanted to leave a review acknowledging the help we got in planning our visit here. Looking forward to seeing this venerable ship in person in a few months!

Amber

03:09 21 Aug 22

We had a really nice time at the USS Iowa. It’s well laid-out, the decor is authentic, and there are many exhibits to learn from even if you’re not part of an official tour. A big standout from today was Brooke, the volunteer who gave us such great history and little tidbits about the ship. I love hearing history from history buffs, especially from passionate ones like her. Thanks Brooke! Thanks USS Iowa!

Jason B. de Leon

11:22 06 Aug 22

Honored to have visited this Battleship / Museum…. Grateful and Thankful for the Sacrifices these Brave Men and Women have made for Our Country and for the World. I think it is necessary for the Younger Generation to Experience the History of Our Past and Be Aware of the Freedoms We Have that Came with Great Bravery, Determination, Focus, and Teamwork as Military Personnel. History should never be forgotten and always learned from. Big Thanks to Everyone Involved and Those Preserving this Legacy and Great Museum Memorial.

🕊🦅🙏🏼☮️🇺🇸☮️🙏🏼🦅🕊

MidlifeHemi88

00:35 02 Aug 22

Awesome place to tour, especially if you take the special tours. It could be a bit expensive for some, but it's definitely a one of a kind experience and I'd say that's worth it. Usually there's hardly any wait time either, you can just show up with tickets (or buy them on the ship) and start right away. Been on a week day and a weekend, and there's a good amount of people but never enough to create a line. Also parking is cheap, only $2 an hour and the first hour is free, so it's mainly the entrance fee of $25 per adult that makes it expensive, but I think it's fairly reasonable considering it's an 80 year old battleship they're maintaining. Definitely some cool history and a great experience that I would certainly recommend, even if you're not the biggest fan of boats, just simply because it's probably the only place you can see stuff like it.

M. Abbott

22:59 01 Aug 22

Adults, kids, & teens in our group all agreed that this battleship tour was more enjoyable than they expected. As a military veteran, I was pleased to see that our young folks found the ship and its hands-on history appealing and interesting. Nice, at-your-own-pace activity on a summer day… and good for the budget-aware. Oh, and Monday is a great day — few visitors.

Bob Ralston

16:58 27 Jul 22

Well-restored ship with great interpretive signs and video displays. The scavenger hunt involving the ship's dog was fun for our kids. Convenient parking. Hot dog stand on the aft deck of the battleship with shaded tables! One of the best historic ship tours we have done.

Loan Tran

14:37 16 Jul 22

I forgot to review. The ship it was huge. Lovely place to learn the learn the history of it. I took a lot of pictures for memories. We bought lots of stuffs for the kids. Ideally, it was to support the organization. I would like to go again because it was very fun. Def would recommend family and friends so they can get the same experience as we did.

Anthony kruzic

22:00 04 Jul 22

Great day excursion ,take the self guided tour, an try out the aviation simulators. History for the viewing. Good food I. The on board cafeteria.
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.

Nicholle Moore

01:55 26 Jun 22

Took two toddlers (2 and 4) and they had more fun than I thought. There is a cute little game to keep the kids engaged while walking through the ship. 2nd time on a retired battleship and it is always so cool. Would definitely put on your list as one of those cool underrated California tourist destinations (A little pricey though). Also took my mom and she loved it!

KM Coco

15:44 17 Jun 22

Awesome piece of history with incredible volunteers. We did The Presidents Tour and it was amazing. Highly recommend if you are in the Long Beach area.

Daniel Joel

13:24 05 Jun 22

What An Amazing Battleship Tour! The U.S.S. IOWA is an iconic blast from the past of a tried and true warship with 3 tours of duty under her bow. The battleship was amazingly restored by hard working volunteers who understood what this battleship meant to the U.S. Navel Fleet and how many stories she still had to tell.
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.

Claire Trantow

15:40 19 May 22

Great place to go.so many things to see, highly recommend full steam ahead tour! Engine room tours have some many cool spots to see. The 16 inch guns are awesome. Hope to see inside big gun turret someday. I can't wait to go back again.

Jerry Langosh

15:15 19 May 22

We loved Battleship Iowa! It played such a powerful part of American history, and we were keenly aware of the sailors who had once lived and worked (and fought) on this ship! The volunteers on board were so interesting and helpful as we toured the USS Iowa. I wouldn't want to be the enemy when this battleship was nearby. It was one of the main highlights of our California vacation.

Kathy Armstrong

14:19 19 May 22

There is a real sense of history, and an appreciation of what a massive effort went in to building this ship. It's a living honor to all those who served aboard her. The museum is gradually opening more and more of the ship's spaces and every visit brings new surprises and greater appreciation. The tours are well done and worth taking.

Javier Jacobi

13:03 19 May 22

I've waited since the Iowa came to Los Angels to see it because you could not tour a Gun Turret, well now you can and it is fantastic. The entire point of this marvelous Ship is to get these 9 16" barrels where they can do some good so if you can not see them, to me it's pointless. The have a fantastic Tour with knowledgeable guides, I can not recommend it enough. Just sorry we did not get down to Engineering, what makes the ship Go!

Melody Volkman

04:59 19 May 22

The battleship USS Iowa is preserved for all to see in Long Beach (San Pedro). It is docked right next to the cruise terminal there. She was commissioned in 1943 and was very influential in WWII. It is fascinating to see what our brave "boys" had to live in while they were fighting for our country almost 80 years ago! The informative docents on board are mostly retired Navy guys who are more than willing to give you the history involved along with a lot of personal anecdotes that they had lived. Wonderful!

Guy Reichel

04:23 19 May 22

Great place to visit. We did the self tour only and it was exceptional. You will be going up and down many ship stairways and in several places the walking area is a little uneven so wear your best, most comfortable, walking shoes and enjoy! The volunteers are most helpful and very willing to share information. If you have children with you, there is a "Find Vicky" card/game. The children seem to like it a lot. The gift shop is one of the best I have seen. All in all, it is worth your time to stop by and take the tour. Enjoy!!

Pam Rice

03:14 19 May 22

It’s nice to have the inside exhibits back open again! It is known as the Battleship of Presidents for being visited by three of them. It has a nice collection of museum exhibits that highlights the long and honored service of this ship! Check out the various guns and missiles on the deck too! It also boasts nice views of the surrounding harbor. Definitely worth a visit or more!

Kim Stuart

16:28 17 May 22

Oh wow, what a great ship to check out. I have been to three aircraft carriers in the past few years but this is the first battleship I've toured since I was a kid on a school field trip.
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.

Don Hartwick

02:53 13 Apr 22

A quick stop 2 hour tour of this magnificent battleship that plied the waters in service of the United States from World War 2 to its final decommissioning in 2011 to become the floating museum it is today.
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....

Lyman Dyer

01:04 12 Apr 22

USS Iowa is spectacularly maintained, with multiple below decks spaces converted to museum exhibits on the history of naval warfare and the ship herself. The self guided tour covers the entire superstructure and multiple lower decks, with numerous informational placards and video displays. The staff are friendly and helpful. I cannot recommend visiting her enough, whether you be a naval history aficionado or a neophyte, you will have a good time and probably learn something.

Charles Walker

19:59 05 Apr 22

I really enjoyed my tour of the Iowa. We had the chance to view the Captain's berth and see the tub that had been installed for FDR. The tour guides were friendly and informative. We had lunch on the fantail of the ship. The hot dogs they sell there are delicious. There's a good amount of container ship traffic so you can sit, eat your lunch and watch the ships go by. Schedule half a day for your tour.

Tyler Hodgson

00:27 03 Apr 22

It was okay, I don't know how people compare this to the USS Midway museum and say this museum is better. I was expecting more. I read a number of reviews praising this one over the midway so I expected much more. It seemed very half finished and sparse throughout. I love to take my time when going and touring museums. There just wasn't much to read and discover. I did do a self guided tour maybe I will come back and do the professional tour.

Austin Miller

21:29 31 Mar 22

Self-guided tour, which I took in the morning to avoid large crowds. A very humbling and powerful testament to American seapower. All of the gentlemen manning the Iowa whom I spoke with were very knowledgeable and passionate about her. I greatly look forward to other sections of the ship being renovated and opened up as part of the already expansive tour. Will definitely be back next time I'm in LA!

Scott Conder

04:23 31 Mar 22

Awesome museum. It's well preserved and very interesting to walk through. We did the self tour and enjoyed it. Next time we will do the guided tour.

It's worth your time and money to see this amazing piece of our nation's history.

Mark Powers

04:08 14 Mar 22

Visited with two of my grandsons. We enjoyed our self-guided tour, watching several of the videos available and reading the displays as we toured the ship. Iowa was the last of the four ships of her class to find a home, in this case ending up in San Pedro, California. Not far away is the SS Victory Lane, a merchant ship built during World War Two, also a museum ship. On Victory Lane one can see what it was like to live the dangerous life of a merchant seaman during WW2.

Alice Cook

01:38 28 Feb 22

The wait really sucks, so make sure you show up early or even better: get some tickets in advance. However, it is a great museum and the general admission is free (hence the wait). The building itself is amazing to look at. There's a great Andy Warhol exhibition upstairs, make sure to check that out as well as the Infinity room. The place gets crowded, but it is a fun time.

Stan Arnold

17:04 11 Feb 22

The Iowa is history well preserved. Hosts are very friendly and knowledgeable. Self guided tour routes are well marked. Would liked to have seen more placards describing what it was I was looking at as far as some inner rooms. Saw no mention of a medical facility. Having now seen both the Iowa and the Missouri, the Iowa has more detailed restoration. Very well done. A heart felt salute to all that served on her.

Gerardo R

01:46 06 Feb 22

I've been to a lot of museum ships, including Patriots Point and the Alabama. This is right up there with them. The day I went some of the TV and music for the exhibits were down. I did sign up for the Gun tour and our tour guides Donald and Don were amazing. You could tell they loved the ship and were proud to preserve her and her legacy . This really should be a bigger attraction.

spike spiegel

21:30 20 Jan 22

My 1st battleship experience was breathtaking and amazing.

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!

Zan Lee

19:00 18 Jan 22

This has to be one of my favorite military museums that I’ve ever been to and I am from San Diego. The history of the ship is extremely well documented so I won’t go into that but meeting some former engineers and sailors who actually served on the ship when it was in duty was a true pleasure and honor. That opportunity is quickly slipping away as time goes on. Parking is easier than easy and right in front of the ship and what I like most about it is you follow a set route through the ship that leads you through the entire thing up three levels and into the bowels of the ship. I was told that you can pay for extra tours of certain areas of the ship but those require reservations and are a different fee.

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!

Eric Kincl (Hobadee)

03:32 30 Dec 21

A great piece of history to visit. The sheer firepower this behemoth wielded is simply amazing and needs to be seen to be believed.

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.)

James James

23:36 10 Dec 21

It was fantastic.
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.

Dmitrij Gorbacsov

04:10 06 Dec 21

Wonderful experience! A piece of old history open to anyone to explore. Only downside is the awful odor from old paint and other not to healthy materials used back in the old days of ship building. But still we liked it a lot to wonder about the battleship on your own time.

Calvin Renfrow

20:26 05 Dec 21

Now I’ve been to a number of Museum ships (USS NJ, Battleship Cove, USS Olympia, USS Salem, USS Cassin Young and a few others) in my time and she’s in the best condition I’ve seen a museum ship. Absolutely beautiful, the personnel on board were very friendly and willing to go above and beyond to get the best experience for the guests on board. Honestly everything is great. My only issue is that out of all the ships I’ve been on it’s honestly the one that doesn’t go down that much. I only ended up going only one deck below the main deck and that was it, cutting out the engines and a lot of the machinery. Beyond that which I need to point out are pretty minor, the experience was awesome and hope to come back again sometime later.

Lawrence Vasquez

22:33 24 Oct 21

An amazing piece of history in Los Angeles. I attended the Freedom of the Seas celebration and was very impressed by the staff and the condition of the ship. The deck needs some work but the ships superstructure was freshly painted and ready to go to sea. It will be a fitting and powerful host for the Museum of the Surface Navy! A must visit in LA/Long Beach!

Nathaniel Bronson

21:28 22 Jun 21

It was amazing. Every person greeted us politely. Whenever an employee passed by they greet us. Tell us stories and answer any question. Everything was labeled. Was overall a great experience, and completely worth 22 dollars!!!

Christoph R.

08:19 12 Apr 21

Fascinating weapon. It gave insight into the complexity of such ships. Unfortunately only the uppermost decks were accessible. I would have been interested in other decks and machinery. All together the ship is a real beauty (if you can call a weapon like that).
Talked to some veterans and they had some awestrucking stories to tell.

Jacob Nemec

04:42 16 Feb 21

Amazing museum experience, from the companion app to the helpful and friendly tour guides any question you can think of will be answered. Additionally climbing up and down the levels of the ship is a truly unique experience. A great time for any LA natives or tourists who are looking for something new to do. Next time family or friends come to town I will bring them here. As I’m writing during corona times I should also add that it was very safe, it’s an open air tour with plenty of hand sanitizing stations and masks worn all around. Cannot recommend enough.

Bret Westerman

16:58 24 Nov 20

Took my son here and had a great time. I spent 30 years in the Navy and operated with the Iowa back in 85, so it was cool to see it. They've done a nice job restoring many areas and it was worth the money to tour ship and help preserve it through donations.

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