“It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations…”
– John Adams, 1776
“May it be to the world… the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves…”
– Thomas Jefferson, 1825
Honoring Our Nation’s Heritage On An Icon
California may not boast legendary Revolutionary War locations like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, or Virginia can, but right here in the Port of Los Angeles, you can find a window into the epic maritime heritage that shaped and continues to shape our nation.
Battleship IOWA is a larger-than-life representation of the innovation, manufacturing might, and selfless service that won World War II and carried our Navy through Korea and the Cold War. She remains today a powerful reminder that freedom is never free.
What’s New
In conjunction with America250, the National Museum of the Surface Navy aboard Battleship IOWA opened LIFE OF A SAILOR. This brand new state-of-the-art immersive experience enables visitors to
- Connect with stories of leadership and sacrifice
- Walk where generations of sailors humbly did their jobs, and stand in the footprints of presidents
- Discover the lives of the ordinary men and women who chose to wear the cloth of the country
- Learn about the Navy’s ongoing role in preserving our liberty and protecting our way of life
Travel with us to
- Boot Camp – come face-to-face with god-like drill instructors who dictate everything to prepare you for a life at sea
- The Great Ships Wall – a ground-breaking interactive exploration of the evolution of the US Surface Navy over its 250-history
- The Blue Print Room – where the complex details of a ship’s drawings spring off the page and into reality
- Destroyer Cutaway – ever wonder what it would be like if you could cut a navy ship in half and see inside? So did we… so we did it
Life of a Sailor is available on our self-guided tour and as part of all of our guided tours.
Have fun. Get inspired. Visit today.
Something for everyone at Battleship IOWA
🔹 Self-Guided Tours
Wander the decks of a true naval legend – a powerful giant that is still shaping lives and inspiring generations eighty-plus years after her launch
🔹 Crew-Led Deep-Dives
Go behind the scenes to stand where presidents were welcomed and ordinary sailors fought to preserve freedom. Our friendly, knowledgeable crew will blow your mind with thrilling stories on these exclusive guided routes.
🔹 Family Activities
A kid-friendly scavenger hunt and storytelling throughout the ship.
🔹 Special Programs & Events
Seasonal events like LA Fleet Week and film screenings onboard.
🔹 Café & Ship’s Store
Grab delectable bites and refreshments at Vicky’s Doghouse Café, located on the battleship’s aft deck (admission to Vicky’s is FREE). Enjoy the view of the largest port complex in the western hemisphere as you eat, then shop for unique, themed gifts down below in our ship’s store.
Quick Hits: Visitor Info
🕒 Hours:
Open daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- Ship opens at 10 AM
- Last ticket sold at 4 PM
- Ship closes at 5 PM
📍 Address:
250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731
🎟️ Admission
- Adults (ages 12-61): $29.95
- Youth (ages 3-11): $21.95
- Seniors – ages 62+: $26.95
- Military & Veterans: $26.95
- Children under age 3: FREE
- State of Iowa residents (with ID): FREE
👉 Reserve your tickets now! 👇
