Vincent Thomas Bridge Closure: Visiting Battleship IOWA and the LA Waterfront
Planning a visit to Battleship IOWA or the LA Waterfront during the Vincent Thomas Bridge closure? The good news is that San Pedro’s waterfront attractions remain open and accessible. While the bridge will be closed for major construction beginning November 7, 2026, visitors can still reach Battleship IOWA, explore the LA Waterfront, and enjoy everything this historic Los Angeles harbor community has to offer.
Here’s what you need to know before your visit.
Is Battleship IOWA Open During the Vincent Thomas Bridge Closure?
Yes! Battleship IOWA Museum remains open, and visitors can continue to reach the ship on the LA Waterfront in San Pedro.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge, which connects San Pedro with Terminal Island and the Long Beach harbor area along State Route 47, is scheduled to close beginning November 7, 2026, for approximately 16 months.
Caltrans is undertaking a major rehabilitation project to replace the aging bridge deck and modernize safety features. The bridge is currently expected to reopen in early March 2028.
Although the closure changes how motorists travel between San Pedro and Long Beach, it does not mean that San Pedro or the LA Waterfront is closed.
In fact, visitors traveling from Los Angeles and many surrounding communities can still access Battleship IOWA via the Harbor Freeway (I-110) without crossing the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
How Do I Get to Battleship IOWA During the Bridge Closure?
Battleship IOWA is located at 250 S. Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro, CA 90731, on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles.
From Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities
Take Interstate 110 (Harbor Freeway) south toward San Pedro and follow current navigation directions to Battleship IOWA on Harbor Boulevard. The museum is located on the San Pedro side of the harbor, so crossing the Vincent Thomas Bridge is not necessary.
From Long Beach and Orange County
Visitors coming from Long Beach, Orange County, and areas east of the harbor should plan for a different route.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge will not be available for crossing between Terminal Island and San Pedro. Caltrans has established regional detours using Interstate 710, Interstate 110, State Route 103, Harry Bridges Boulevard, and other designated connections.
Your best route will depend on where your trip begins and current traffic conditions. We recommend using updated navigation and checking the official Caltrans traffic information before departing.
From the South Bay and Palos Verdes Peninsula
Visitors can continue to reach San Pedro through the existing local street network and connections to Interstate 110. Allow extra travel time when needed, especially during peak commuting hours.
Before you leave: Check Caltrans QuickMap for live traffic conditions, road closures, and updates.
Make Battleship IOWA Part of Your Los Angeles Adventure
Once you arrive, there’s plenty to discover.
Battleship IOWA is one of America’s most historic battleships and home to the Battleship IOWA Museum and National Museum of the Surface Navy experience.
Visitors can explore seven decks of the legendary ship, discover naval history, and experience what life was like for the sailors who lived and served aboard her.
With the new Life of a Sailor experience, your visit becomes more than a traditional museum tour.
Guests board as sailors, receive an assignment, explore the ship, learn the skills required to operate a Navy vessel, and follow stories of service, teamwork, and sacrifice.
From engineering and navigation to communications and damage control, the experience brings the ship and its sailors to life.
Life of a Sailor is included with general admission, making Battleship IOWA an engaging destination for families, history enthusiasts, veterans, and visitors looking for unique things to do in Los Angeles.
Plan to spend approximately two to three hours exploring the ship.
Explore More of the LA Waterfront
Your visit doesn’t have to end when you step off the battleship.
The LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles offers a distinctive Southern California experience, combining maritime history, an active international harbor, scenic waterfront spaces, local culture, and opportunities to explore.
Nearby, the developing West Harbor district is bringing new energy to the waterfront with expanded public promenades, parks, dining, recreation, entertainment, and more attractions opening over time.
Visitors can enjoy waterfront views, watch harbor activity, discover local food and businesses, and experience a side of Los Angeles that is unlike its more familiar beaches and tourist districts.
Despite construction on the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the LA Waterfront remains a destination worth exploring.
Learn more about the area at LA Waterfront and West Harbor.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Parking, and Admission
Battleship IOWA Museum is open Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last entry at 4:00 p.m. Special holiday hours and operational changes may apply.
Paid public parking is available adjacent to the museum in the shared LA World Cruise Terminal parking lot. Current posted museum parking information lists the first hour as free, followed by $3 per hour, with a daily maximum of $23. Rates are subject to change.
For cruise passengers, Battleship IOWA is approximately a five-minute walk from the LA World Cruise Terminal, making it a convenient attraction before or after a cruise when time permits.
Traveling from Downtown Los Angeles without a car? The Metro J Line serves San Pedro, with a stop across Harbor Boulevard from the museum. Check current transit schedules before traveling.
For current admission information, special experiences, and visitor details, visit Battleship IOWA’s official visitor page.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Vincent Thomas Bridge Closure
Can I still visit San Pedro when the Vincent Thomas Bridge is closed?
Yes. San Pedro remains accessible, and the Battleship IOWA Museum, LA Waterfront, local businesses, and waterfront attractions continue to welcome visitors. The bridge closure affects an important transportation connection, not the entire community.
Do I need to cross the Vincent Thomas Bridge to visit Battleship IOWA?
No. Visitors traveling south on Interstate 110 from the Los Angeles area can reach Battleship IOWA without crossing the bridge.
Can I visit Battleship IOWA from Long Beach?
Yes. However, you will need an alternative route while the Vincent Thomas Bridge is closed. Use current navigation and follow the official Caltrans detours.
Will parking at Battleship IOWA still be available?
Yes. The museum’s adjacent public parking area remains available, subject to normal lot operations and capacity.
When will the Vincent Thomas Bridge reopen?
Caltrans currently targets early March 2028 for the bridge's reopening, following about 16 months of construction. Schedules may change as work progresses.
The Bridge May Be Closed, but Your Adventure Is Still Open
The Vincent Thomas Bridge has long been one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Los Angeles Harbor. Its temporary closure represents an important investment in the region’s transportation future.
In the meantime, the history, experiences, and community of the LA Waterfront are still here to discover.
Whether you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time, returning to explore something new, or looking for an adventure with family and friends, Battleship IOWA offers an opportunity to experience the life of a sailor aboard a legendary American battleship.
The bridge may be under construction, but there’s still plenty to explore on the LA Waterfront.
Plan Your Visit to Battleship IOWA
https://pacificbattleship.com/battleshipussiowa/
For official construction schedules and detour information, visit the Caltrans Vincent Thomas Bridge project page.
Limited time only!
Kids Board Free
In the all-new Life of a Sailor experience, kids become sailor recruits, building their skills, following the story of a famous sailor, and joining Vicky the Dog on a scavenger hunt through Battleship IOWA.
Kids board free with a paid adult.