USS Iowa Museum: Step Aboard America’s “Battleship of Presidents” & LA’s Historic Naval Landmark

Claim to Fame

The USS Iowa (BB-61) is one of the U.S. Navy’s last fast battleships—famously hosting Presidents FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and JFK—and now preserved as a museum ship at the Port of Los Angeles.

📌 Navigating Battleship USS Iowa Museum : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Washrooms are available on-site for visitor convenience.
Hours of Operation: The museum operates daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during peak seasons.
Important Information: It is advisable to check the official website for any special events or closures before visiting.
Admission Fee: Admission fees vary; check the official website for current pricing and discounts.
How Long to Visit: Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours exploring the museum and exhibits.
Parking: Parking is available on-site for visitors, with both free and paid options.
Family Friendly: The USS Iowa Museum is family friendly, offering interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
Photography: Photography is encouraged throughout the museum, both indoors and outdoors.
WIFI: Free WIFI is available for visitors in certain areas of the museum.
Picnic Area: Picnic areas are not available on the museum grounds, but nearby parks offer suitable options.
Handicap Accessible: The museum is handicap accessible, including ramps and elevators for easy navigation.
Pets: Pets are not allowed in the museum, except for service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for an additional fee, providing in-depth insights into the ship's history.
Restaurant or Cafe: There is a café on-site offering light snacks and beverages.
Gift Shop: A gift shop is located at the museum, featuring souvenirs, books, and memorabilia.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Moored at San Pedro’s Waterfront by the Port of Los Angeles, the USS Iowa Museum invites visitors to explore 887 feet of steel, from its 16-inch gun turrets to the officers’ wardroom and crew quarters. Climb aboard to walk its decks, stand in the captain’s chair, and imagine life at sea during World War II, Korea, and the Cold War. With immersive exhibits, guided tours, and interactive simulators, the Battleship Iowa offers a hands-on glimpse into naval history and presidential diplomacy on the high seas.

What to Expect

Board via the gangway at Turret 1 and begin your self-guided tour on the main deck, admiring the massive 48-ton guns. Descend into the below-decks passageways to see crew bunks, mess halls, and the engine room’s colossal diesel and steam turbines. In the Combat Information Center, experience a WWII–era action scenario with sound effects and authentic radio gear. Don’t miss the Lookout Station atop the superstructure for panoramic views of the Port and downtown LA. Special “All Hands” guided tours delve into daily routines, battle stories, and presidential visits aboard the “Big Stick.”

Background and Cultural Context

Commissioned in 1943, USS Iowa served in the Pacific Theater, firing the first salvos at Kwajalein and Okinawa. Post-war, she carried President Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference, Truman on a goodwill tour, and Eisenhower to NATO talks. Recommissioned during the 1980s Reagan-era fleet expansion, she earned a Navy Unit Commendation for missile tests and operations. Decommissioned in 1990, she opened as a museum in 2012, preserving the legacy of 22 years of service and the sailors who manned her decks.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10–12 PM) offer quieter decks and shorter waits for simulators. Late afternoons (3–5 PM) provide softer light for deck-top photos and cooler temperatures below decks. Special “All Hands” tours depart at 11 AM and 2 PM—reserve in advance. Annual Fleet Week (October) features live re-enactments, guest speakers, and family activities on board.

How to Get There

The ship docks at Berth 87 in the Port of Los Angeles (250 S. Harbor Blvd, San Pedro). From I-110, exit at Channel St. and follow signs to Harbor Blvd; free parking is available in the adjacent lot. Metro riders take the Metro Bus 550 to 7th & Maple, then transfer to the Waterfront Red Car Line trolley to the USS Iowa stop. The main deck and most exhibits are wheelchair-accessible via a lift; some narrow passageways are not.

Photo Opportunities

The 16-inch gun barrels rising above Turret 1 against the sky
Interior of the Combat Information Center with period radio gear and dials
View from the Lookout Station of San Pedro harbor and the LA skyline
Crew bunk racks and personal lockers in the sailor quarters
Deck-top panorama with the USS Iowa’s name on the bow and rifled turrets

Travel Tips

Buy tickets online to skip the box-office line and secure “All Hands” tour spots.
Wear comfortable, nonslip shoes—deck plates and passageways can be steep and narrow.
Bring a light jacket—the interior can be cool, especially in the engine room.
Plan 2–2.5 hours to cover all decks, exhibits, and simulators at a relaxed pace.
Combine your visit with the nearby Battleship Iowa Museum’s sister ship, the USS Missouri, or the LA Maritime Museum for a full naval history day.

FAQs

Is admission required?
Yes—general admission is USD 29.95 for adults, USD 24.95 for seniors/students, USD 19.95 for youth (4–12); under-4 free. “All Hands” tours cost an additional USD 10.

Are guided tours available?
Yes—“All Hands” guided tours depart at 11 AM and 2 PM daily; private group tours can be arranged by reservation.

Can I board with a stroller?
Strollers may be left at the dock; narrow passageways make onboard use challenging. Wheelchairs can be accommodated via the main-deck lift.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Battleship USS Iowa Museum offers an unforgettable voyage through naval heritage, presidential history, and the daily lives of the sailors who served aboard. Whether you’re firing up the simulators, exploring hidden passageways, or gazing across the Pacific from the deck, the Iowa delivers a powerful glimpse into America’s maritime might and coastal legacy.

📘 Los Angeles Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Los Angeles operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC -8. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC -7.

Weather: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures average 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), while winter temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Rainfall is scarce and mainly occurs between November and March.

Population: Los Angeles has a population of approximately 4 million people, making it the second-largest city in the United States. The Greater Los Angeles area has over 13 million residents and is one of the most diverse urban regions in the world.

Size: Los Angeles covers roughly 1,302 square kilometers (503 square miles). The city stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains and includes a wide range of neighborhoods, terrain, and microclimates.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in Los Angeles, but Spanish is widely spoken throughout the city. Dozens of other languages are commonly heard, reflecting its multicultural population.

Currency: The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets are accepted nearly everywhere.

Safety: Los Angeles is generally safe for visitors, especially in tourist areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown. However, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and petty theft can occur in busy places. Basic safety precautions are advised.

Tipping: Tipping is standard in Los Angeles. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. Tipping is also customary for rideshare drivers, hotel staff, bartenders, and other service workers.

Electricity and Plugs: The United States uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Visitors from other regions may need plug adapters and voltage converters.

Water: Tap water in Los Angeles is safe to drink. It meets federal and state safety standards, though some visitors prefer bottled water due to taste or sensitivity.

Annual Visitors: Los Angeles receives over 45 million visitors annually. Tourists are drawn to Hollywood, Universal Studios, Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, and its thriving arts, entertainment, and culinary scenes.

Visa Requirements: Most international visitors to Los Angeles require a valid passport and may need a visa or an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, depending on nationality.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required to visit Los Angeles. Routine vaccines such as measles, flu, and COVID-19 are recommended, especially for travelers attending crowded public events.

Transportation: Los Angeles is known for its car culture. While there is a metro and bus system, most visitors rent cars or use rideshare services. Traffic can be heavy, and distances between attractions are often large.

Food: Los Angeles offers a diverse food scene, from gourmet restaurants to street tacos and Korean BBQ. Notable local dishes include In-N-Out burgers, California-style sushi, and a fusion of Latin American, Asian, and classic American cuisines.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Los Angeles is casual and laid-back, with a strong emphasis on creativity, inclusivity, and cultural expression. Locals are typically friendly, and personal space and punctuality are appreciated in social settings.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. Mobile coverage is excellent throughout the city. SIM cards and prepaid data plans are easy to obtain at convenience stores and airports.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Los Angeles. While healthcare is high quality, it is expensive for non-residents. Insurance also helps cover trip cancellations, delays, and theft.

Did You Know? - Facts About Battleship USS Iowa Museum

This battleship not only served as a floating fortress with immense firepower but also hosted several notable figures, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and future President Ronald Reagan, who both accessed the ship during historical events.

The USS Iowa was decommissioned in 1990 and later transformed into a museum that opened its doors to the public in 2010, allowing visitors to explore its impressive deck and learn about naval history.

Unique among historic ships, the USS Iowa features a dedicated area known as the "Guns and Missiles" exhibit, showcasing the various state-of-the-art weaponry it carried during its service, including 16-inch naval guns capable of firing shells that weigh over 2,000 pounds.

The USS Iowa, launched in 1942, is the last of the four Iowa-class battleships built for the United States Navy and was part of significant naval operations during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.

The museum offers immersive experience opportunities, including guided tours led by knowledgeable volunteers and veterans, providing firsthand accounts of life at sea while serving aboard one of the most iconic battleships in American naval history.