A Perfect Day in San Pedro: Battleship IOWA and the San Pedro Fish Market
Two of San Pedro’s most recognizable destinations—Battleship IOWA and the San Pedro Fish Market—can be combined into one memorable Los Angeles waterfront experience.
Begin aboard Battleship IOWA, home of the National Museum of the Surface Navy and the immersive Life of a Sailor experience. After exploring the historic ship, continue along Harbor Boulevard to San Pedro Fish Market – The Landing for fresh seafood and its famous family-style shrimp trays.
Together, these destinations offer something distinctly San Pedro: maritime history, immersive storytelling, harbor views, local flavor, and generations of waterfront tradition.
Experience San Pedro’s Maritime Heritage
San Pedro is a working waterfront community shaped by the Port of Los Angeles, commercial fishing, international trade, the United States Navy, and generations of maritime families.
That identity is especially visible at Battleship IOWA and the San Pedro Fish Market.
Battleship IOWA preserves and shares the history and human experience of America’s Surface Navy. The San Pedro Fish Market carries forward a multigenerational family tradition centered on seafood, celebration, and gathering.
Visiting them together connects two different expressions of San Pedro’s waterfront heritage.
Begin Your Day Aboard Battleship IOWA
Located at 250 South Harbor Boulevard, Battleship IOWA is one of the most significant historic attractions in Los Angeles and the only battleship on the West Coast open to the public.
Commissioned during World War II, USS Iowa served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Known as the “Battleship of Presidents,” the ship carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic in 1943 and later hosted other American leaders and dignitaries.
Today, visitors can walk the decks, stand beneath the ship’s massive 16-inch guns, enter historic working and living spaces, and discover how thousands of sailors operated a floating city at sea.
The experience is not simply about the machinery of a battleship. It is about the people who lived, worked, served, and depended upon one another aboard ships like USS Iowa.
Discover Life of a Sailor
A visit to Battleship IOWA includes Life of a Sailor, the immersive experience created by the National Museum of the Surface Navy.
The journey places visitors in the role of a sailor, beginning with the transition from civilian life through boot camp and continuing into life at sea. Art, technology, historic spaces, artifacts, and personal stories reveal how sailors learned their responsibilities, operated complex systems, and became part of a shipboard community united by mission.
Visitors encounter the challenges, camaraderie, humor, sacrifice, and sense of purpose found aboard a Navy ship. The experience also introduces Vicky, the ship’s dog and mascot, whose story helps younger visitors and families connect with the journey.
Life of a Sailor changes the visitor’s perspective from simply looking at a historic ship to understanding the people who brought it to life.
Understanding the Three Identities
The three names associated with the destination have different but connected meanings:
- The National Museum of the Surface Navy is the museum organization dedicated to sharing the history and human experience of America’s Surface Navy.
- Battleship IOWA is the historic ship, museum platform, and visitor destination in San Pedro.
- Life of a Sailor is the immersive museum experience aboard the ship.
Together, they connect visitors with the sailors, ships, missions, and communities that have supported the Surface Navy across generations.
Continue to San Pedro Fish Market – The Landing
After exploring Battleship IOWA, continue south along Harbor Boulevard to San Pedro Fish Market – The Landing.
The San Pedro Fish Market began in 1956 and remains a fourth-generation family-owned business. Over the decades, it has grown from a small seafood operation into one of Southern California’s best-known dining traditions.
The Landing honors the Fish Market’s original waterfront location, known as Norm’s Landing, while continuing the family’s story in San Pedro. Its menu includes fresh seafood and the signature World Famous Shrimp Tray that helped make the restaurant a regional institution.
Large portions, shared trays, and a lively atmosphere make the experience especially well suited to families and groups. It feels less like a conventional restaurant meal and more like a waterfront gathering.
San Pedro Fish Market – The Landing is located at 706 South Harbor Boulevard. Visitors should confirm current hours and dining information through the official San Pedro Fish Market website.
Why These Two Destinations Belong Together
Battleship IOWA and the San Pedro Fish Market tell different parts of the same waterfront story.
One preserves a ship that served the nation across several historic eras. The other preserves a local family tradition that has brought generations together around seafood. Both are closely connected to San Pedro’s identity as a maritime community.
The pairing also works practically:
- Both destinations are located along Harbor Boulevard.
- Visitors can combine a major attraction and a meal without leaving the San Pedro waterfront.
- The itinerary appeals to families and multiple generations.
- It combines history, immersive entertainment, food, and harbor scenery.
- It can become the centerpiece of a larger day exploring the LA Waterfront.
This is not an itinerary that could be recreated in another Los Angeles neighborhood. It is distinctly San Pedro.
A Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
10:00 a.m. — Arrive at Battleship IOWA
Allow time to park, check in, and take photographs of the ship from the waterfront.
10:30 a.m. — Explore the Historic Ship
Walk through historic decks and shipboard spaces while learning about USS Iowa’s service during World War II, Korea, and the Cold War.
11:30 a.m. — Experience Life of a Sailor
Discover the responsibilities, relationships, challenges, and sense of purpose that shaped life aboard a Surface Navy ship.
1:00 p.m. — Visit San Pedro Fish Market
Continue along Harbor Boulevard and enjoy a seafood lunch at The Landing. Families and groups can share one of the restaurant’s signature trays while enjoying the atmosphere of the working waterfront.
2:30 p.m. — Explore More of San Pedro
Extend the day with a waterfront walk or visit another nearby attraction, gallery, shop, or historic district.
These times are suggestions. Visitors should confirm current operating hours and admission information directly with each destination.
Planning Your Visit
Battleship IOWA
Address: 250 South Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro, CA 90731
Recommended visit: Approximately two hours, depending on the selected experience
Visitor information: Hours and directions
Tickets: Explore ticket and experience options
San Pedro Fish Market – The Landing
Address: 706 South Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro, CA 90731
Known for: Fresh seafood, family-style dining, and the World Famous Shrimp Tray
Visitor information: Locations, hours, and menus
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Battleship IOWA and the San Pedro Fish Market on the same day?
Yes. Battleship IOWA and San Pedro Fish Market – The Landing are both located along Harbor Boulevard on the San Pedro waterfront. They create a natural half-day itinerary combining a major Los Angeles attraction with a local seafood tradition.
What can visitors see aboard Battleship IOWA?
Visitors can explore historic decks, crew spaces, major weapon systems, and exhibits about the ship’s history. Life of a Sailor adds an immersive journey through boot camp, shipboard responsibilities, and the human experience of serving at sea.
Is Battleship IOWA good for families?
Yes. Battleship IOWA combines a real historic ship with immersive storytelling, enormous naval equipment, and personal stories about sailors. Vicky, the ship’s dog and mascot, provides another point of connection for children and families.
What is the San Pedro Fish Market famous for?
The San Pedro Fish Market is best known for fresh seafood and its World Famous Shrimp Tray. The family-owned business began in 1956 and is now operated by its fourth generation.
Is the former Ports O’ Call Fish Market still open?
The former Ports O’ Call location closed as part of the waterfront’s redevelopment. The current San Pedro restaurant is San Pedro Fish Market – The Landing at 706 South Harbor Boulevard.
How much time should I allow?
Allow approximately four to five hours for a comfortable museum visit, travel between the destinations, and a meal. Visitors who want to explore more of the LA Waterfront can easily expand the itinerary into a full day.
Should I purchase Battleship IOWA tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended, particularly on weekends, holidays, and during special events. Visitors should review the current options on the official Battleship IOWA website before arriving.
Experience Two San Pedro Traditions
Step into the life of a United States Navy sailor aboard Battleship IOWA, then gather around a seafood tray at the San Pedro Fish Market.
Together, these two waterfront destinations offer a day filled with history, human stories, local flavor, and the unmistakable character of San Pedro.
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