Los Angeles: Battleship Iowa Museum Ticket

If you’re visiting Los Angeles and have a soft spot for military history or impressive engineering marvels, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum offers a compelling day out. Located in San Pedro, just a short drive from downtown LA, this tour lets you step aboard a true floating legend that served in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. The ticket includes a self-guided exploration of the ship’s decks, turrets, and living quarters, with the option to enhance your visit using a mobile app and a fun scavenger hunt.

What makes this experience stand out is how well-maintained and accessible the ship is, allowing you to feel the scale and strength of this historic battleship firsthand. We love the opportunity to see turret guns up close and to learn about presidential connections—yes, Franklin D. Roosevelt even took a bath here! However, be prepared for some tight spaces and narrow ladders; this isn’t the most wheelchair-friendly or accessible for larger visitors, which is worth considering if mobility is an issue.

This tour suits those with a curiosity for military equipment, naval history, or simply looking for a unique family outing. It’s especially popular among history buffs and veterans, but enough hands-on exploration and engaging descriptions make it a worthwhile stop for curious travelers of all ages.

• Historic Significance: USS Iowa served in major 20th-century conflicts and is called the “Battleship of Presidents.”
• Authentic Experience: Walk decks, see guns, and explore the ship as sailors did, with detailed descriptions.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids and adults, with interactive elements like the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt.
• Accessible & Self-Guided: Use the mobile app for an enriching experience, though some areas may be tight or uneven.
• Great Value: For a full day of exploration, the ticket price provides a blend of education, history, and fun.
• Veteran & Guide Involvement: Knowledgeable volunteers and veterans are on hand to share stories, making the visit more personal.

The Location and Logistics

The Battleship Iowa Museum is situated at 250 S Harbor Blvd in San Pedro, California, with GPS coordinates 33.7422, -118.2773. Parking is described as ample and easy to find, which can be a relief in a busy port city. The ship is open rain or shine, making it a reliable choice regardless of the weather.

The tour is designed as a self-guided experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You can reserve your ticket well in advance, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before if plans change. Payment is also flexible—reserve now, pay later—giving you peace of mind and flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect During Your Visit

Upon arrival, you’ll meet at the museum and be welcomed aboard. The crew offers a safety briefing, which is particularly helpful given the ship’s narrow walkways and ladders. The do-it-yourself aspect allows you to take in the sights without the pressure of a guided tour, but you’ll find plenty of descriptions and information via the mobile app.

Walking the Decks

We loved the graceful, narrow bow, and how it lifts toward the horizon, a reminder of the ship’s speed and agility. Standing in front of turret one, you get a close look at the massive 16-inch guns, which fired 2,000-pound shells on enemy ships. The sheer scale of these guns is impressive, and you can almost hear the echoes of gunfire from battles long past.

Inside the Ship

Moving above the main deck, you’ll visit the captain’s cabin, which includes the unique fact that Roosevelt had a custom bathtub here—an important comfort amid the chaos of wartime. The 03 level flag bridge is fascinating, especially since only USS Iowa’s conning tower was armored among her class.

The Stern and Beyond

Walking toward the stern, you’ll encounter replicas of the 20mm Phalanx CIWS guns, which give a sense of the ship’s defensive capabilities. The large fantail at the main deck offers a panoramic view of the water, where you might spot seals, ducks, or dolphins—adding a touch of wildlife to your maritime adventure.

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The Mobile App and Scavenger Hunt

A highlight is the award-winning mobile app, including the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt. This interactive feature keeps kids engaged, and the wealth of information enhances your understanding of the ship’s history and engineering. Several reviews mention how informative and engaging this aspect was, particularly for families.

Accessibility and Comfort

While the ship is well-preserved and offers a lot, be aware that narrow spaces and small ladders mean it’s not suitable for everyone. Some reviews mention that the ship isn’t wheelchair accessible, and larger visitors may find certain areas tight. If mobility is a concern, plan accordingly, and consider bringing a toddler backpack instead of a stroller.

The Value of the Experience

For an entry fee comparable to other LA attractions, you receive a full day of immersive exploration. The combination of self-guided touring, informative descriptions, and the chance to see guns and living quarters makes this a good value. Several visitors, including families and veterans, have praised the balance of historical detail and fun.

Real Visitor Feedback

A consistent theme in reviews is the friendly and knowledgeable guides who share stories and background, even if they are not always present during your visit. Many visitors appreciate the chance to learn directly from veterans and volunteers, making the experience feel more genuine.

One traveler from Germany noted, “the volunteers do a fantastic job and make it really enjoyable,” while a family from the U.S. said, “kids loved searching for Vicky,” highlighting how engaging the experience can be for different ages.

Possible Drawbacks

Some noted that guided tours are missed in the self-guided format, and a few wished for more interior access to engine rooms or additional storytelling from crew members. The tight, narrow spaces can also be challenging for larger or less mobile visitors.

This experience is ideally suited for history buffs, military enthusiasts, and families looking for an interactive, educational outing. Its appeal lies in the chance to walk real decks, see big guns up close, and learn from veteran volunteers. If you’re someone who enjoys a hands-on approach, you’ll love the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

The USS Iowa Museum offers a rare chance to stand on a battle-worn ship that shaped history. It’s a well-maintained and thoughtfully curated experience that combines history, engineering, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a veteran, you’ll find plenty to admire and learn here.

While it’s not the most accessible or guided experience, the self-guided format with the mobile app ensures you won’t miss out on the highlights. It’s a solid choice for anyone interested in the Navy, WWII, or large-scale engineering—and a memorable way to connect with maritime history in Southern California.

• Is the USS Iowa tour suitable for children?
  Yes, many reviews highlight that kids enjoy searching for Vicky the Dog and exploring the ship. However, some areas are narrow and require climbing ladders, so supervision is advised.

• Can I bring a stroller?
  It’s recommended to avoid strollers due to narrow spaces and ladders; a toddler backpack might be more practical.

• Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
  The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible, as some areas have small spaces and tight ladders, so plan accordingly.

• How long does the self-guided tour take?
  Most visitors spend a few hours exploring, but you can take as much time as you like, especially with the mobile app guiding your journey.

• What should I bring on the tour?
  Bring headphones for the mobile app to follow along with stories and descriptions.

• Is the museum open during bad weather?
  Yes, the USS Iowa Museum is open rain or shine, so you can plan your visit regardless of weather conditions.

In all, the USS Iowa experience delivers a balanced mix of history, engineering, and interactive fun. It’s especially worthwhile if you enjoy learning from veterans, exploring large naval guns, or simply want to see a true piece of American military history. The self-guided format combined with the mobile app makes for a flexible, engaging adventure, though some might wish for more guided storytelling during their visit.

If you’re in Los Angeles and want something more than a typical museum, this impressive battleship offers a hands-on look at military life and the power of steel ships that helped define the 20th century. It’s a good choice for families, history enthusiasts, and those curious about the Navy’s role in shaping global events.

Note: Always check current opening hours and safety protocols before your visit, especially considering ongoing health guidelines.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby