Pacific Battleship Center
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Bring Your Group Together Aboard a Los Angeles Landmark

Your group already shares a common interest, experience, or sense of purpose. Battleship IOWA gives you an unforgettable place to come together.

Located on the Los Angeles Waterfront in San Pedro, near Long Beach, Battleship IOWA welcomes car clubs, motorcycle groups, veterans organizations, first responders, service clubs, community associations, and organized groups of all kinds.

Explore an authentic U.S. Navy battleship, share a catered meal onboard, and spend time together in a setting built around service, teamwork, and connection.

More Than a Group Tour

We can tailor a visit to Battleship IOWA to your organization’s interests and schedule. Your group can explore the ship, gather for a meal, recognize members, hold a meeting, or enjoy a day together on the waterfront.

Battleship IOWA served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Today, it is home to the National Museum of the Surface Navy and the immersive Life of a Sailor experience.

Guests do more than walk through a historic ship. They receive orders, hone their sailor skills, and follow the story of a real sailor while discovering the teamwork required to operate a Navy vessel.

Your group can encounter:

  • The ship’s massive 16-inch guns
  • Officers’ and enlisted living spaces
  • Sailor berthing and mess areas
  • Navigation and command spaces
  • Stories of service across three historic eras
  • Exhibits about technology, engineering, and life at sea
  • Expansive views of the Port of Los Angeles
Two classic cars sit on the deck of a battleship with large cannons, a dark blue military plane, and clear skies in the background. The sun shines brightly, casting shadows on the wooden deck.

Car Clubs and Automotive Groups

Make Battleship IOWA the destination for your next cruise, rally or club gathering.

The ship’s size, industrial character, and waterfront setting create a distinctive backdrop for classic cars, vintage vehicles, specialty automobiles, and enthusiast groups. Depending on availability and your event details, our team can help explore options for vehicle displays, group admission, photography, meetings, and catered meals.

Battleship IOWA is an especially fitting destination for groups that appreciate American history, design, engineering, and powerful machinery.

Because vehicle access and display opportunities depend on event requirements and waterfront operations, advance coordination is required.

Motorcycle Clubs and Riding Groups

Give your next group ride a destination worthy of the journey.

Located on the working waterfront between the greater Los Angeles and Long Beach areas, Battleship IOWA offers motorcycle clubs a place to gather, explore, and share a meal overlooking the harbor.

Whether you are planning a club ride, veterans gathering, charity event, or commemorative occasion, our team can help you build a memorable group experience. Discuss parking, arrival, and display arrangements in advance.

Veterans and Military Organizations

For veterans, shipmates, and military families, Battleship IOWA is more than a historic attraction. It understands service, responsibility, camaraderie, and remembrance.

We welcome:

  • Veterans organizations
  • Ship and unit reunions
  • Military associations
  • Active-duty groups
  • Military family organizations
  • Commemorative gatherings
  • Retirement and recognition events
  • Memorials and celebrations of life

Groups can explore the ship, reconnect over a catered meal, and gather in spaces surrounded by naval history. You may also have opportunities to incorporate ceremonies, speakers, presentations, or moments of recognition into your visit.

First Responders and Public-Service Groups

Battleship IOWA is built around the same values that unite first responders: readiness, teamwork, trust, and service to others.

Firefighters, law-enforcement personnel, emergency medical professionals, dispatchers, emergency managers, and other public-service organizations can gather aboard the ship for:

  • Department outings
  • Association meetings
  • Recognition events
  • Retirement celebrations
  • Team-building activities
  • Memorials and commemorations
  • Catered lunches and dinners
  • Family gatherings

The ship provides a meaningful setting where members can connect outside the workplace while honoring the shared purpose behind their service.

Service Clubs and Community Organizations

Rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, alum groups, historical societies, and other community organizations are invited to come aboard.

Plan a social gathering, membership outing, luncheon, volunteer day, educational visit, or special program in a place connected to the history and future of the Los Angeles Waterfront.

Battleship IOWA also offers organizations an opportunity to learn about the nonprofit mission behind the ship and its programs serving students, veterans, and the community.

Enjoy a Catered Meal Aboard the Ship

Turn your group visits into a complete experience with a meal onboard Battleship IOWA.

Our full-service catering operation can provide meals for group outings, meetings, celebrations, and special events. The ship offers numerous onboard spaces where groups can gather and dine, from authentic interior settings to open-air spaces overlooking the waterfront.

Depending on your group’s size, schedule, and event needs, meal options may include:

  • Breakfast gatherings
  • Boxed lunches
  • Buffet meals
  • Plated meals
  • Receptions and refreshments
  • Club luncheons
  • Commemorative dinners
  • Custom menus for special occasions

Dining aboard a historic battleship gives members time to talk, reconnect, and enjoy the experience together. We arrange catering, menus, and dining locations in advance, subject to availability.

A table set with lemonade, iced tea, silver pitchers, flowers, and an ice bucket creates a refreshing atmosphere at this unique event venue, with banquet tables, balloons, and an American flag on a ship deck in the background.

Create an Experience Around Your Group

No two organizations are exactly alike. Our team can help combine different elements to create an experience that fits your interests, including:

  • Group admission to Battleship IOWA
  • The Life of a Sailor experience
  • Onboard catered meals
  • Club meetings and presentations
  • Member recognition
  • Ceremonies and commemorations
  • Vehicle or motorcycle displays
  • Photography opportunities
  • Volunteer service activities
  • Private gathering spaces

Available options depend on your group’s size, preferred date, and planned activities.

An Experience With a Greater Purpose

Battleship IOWA is operated by Pacific Battleship Center, an award-winning 501©(3) nonprofit organization supported by admissions, programs, and donations—not regular government operating funds.

Every group visit helps preserve the ship, honor the service of America’s sailors, and expand programs serving students, veterans, and the community.

By gathering aboard Battleship IOWA, your group becomes part of the ship’s continuing story.

Plan Your Club or Organized Group Visit

Please tell us what brings your group together, and we will help you explore the possibilities aboard Battleship IOWA.

When submitting your inquiry, please include:

  • Type of club or organization
  • Preferred date and arrival time
  • Estimated number of guests
  • Desired length of visit
  • Interest in an onboard meal
  • Meeting, ceremony, or presentation needs
  • Vehicle, motorcycle, or transportation details
  • Mobility or accessibility considerations

Advance arrangements are required for catering, private spaces, ceremonies, and vehicle displays.

MAKE A GROUP INQUIRY

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of clubs and organizations can visit Battleship IOWA?

Battleship IOWA welcomes car clubs, motorcycle groups, veterans organizations, first responders, military associations, service clubs, community groups, historical societies, alum groups, nonprofits, and many other organized groups.

Can our group have a meal aboard Battleship IOWA?

Yes. Battleship IOWA has a full-service catering operation and numerous onboard spaces where groups can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a reception. You must arrange menus, dining spaces, and service options in advance.

Can we hold a meeting or presentation onboard?

Meeting and gathering spaces may be available depending on your group’s size, preferred date, and technical needs. Include this information when making your inquiry.

Can our car or motorcycle club display vehicles at the ship?

Vehicle and motorcycle displays may be possible with advance coordination. Availability depends on the event, number of vehicles, required space, waterfront operations, and other logistical considerations.

Can veterans or first responders hold a ceremony aboard the ship?

Yes. Battleship IOWA hosts military, veterans, and first-responder gatherings, including commemorations, retirements, memorials, and recognition events. Contact our team to discuss your ceremony and available spaces.

How long should our group plan to stay?

Many visitors spend approximately two to three hours exploring the ship. Groups adding a meal, meeting, ceremony, or other activity should plan additional time.

Is the ship accessible?

Battleship IOWA is an authentic historic warship, and portions of the experience contain steep ladders, narrow passageways, and elevation changes. Contact our team before booking to discuss your members’ mobility needs and the available options.

TICKETS

Experience the Life of a Sailor.

Included with Admission

M
Smiling man and child stand on a ship deck near large equipment. Text reads Kids Board Free Launching Labor Day Weekend. Promo details mention free admission for children with a paid adult.

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.