Guided Gun Tour
Every sailor charts their own course.Some sailors like big guns.
Some sailors like big guns. This exclusive, behind-the-scenes journey puts you inside the systems that made Battleship IOWA one of the most powerful warships ever built.
Begin with the self-guided IOWA Experience, exploring five decks of presidential legacy, interactive exhibits, and sailor stories — plus Vicky the Dog's scavenger hunt for the kids. Then go deeper with a 2.5-hour crew-led tour into rarely seen spaces that powered IOWA's dominance through WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Descend through hatches and climb through passageways as you explore the 5-inch gun house where sailors loaded live rounds, the upper handling room and magazine that fed it, and the aft battery plot that aimed and fired both the 5-inch and 16-inch guns. The highlight: stepping inside one of the ship's massive 16-inch gun turrets — among the most powerful naval gun systems still in existence today.
Hear stories of courage, innovation, and daily life aboard from a member of today's crew, who helps preserve this legendary ship for the next generation. End your visit with a trip to the ship's store and a famous hot dog from Vicky's Doghouse.
Approx. 4.5 hours total, including the Self-Guided tour. Ages 10+. Offered Saturdays and Sundays only — advance reservation required due to limited space. Please arrive early to complete the self-guided IOWA Experience before your 1:30 PM "Big Guns" Tour.
What You'll Experience
- Crew-led guided tour into ship's gun systems.
- Gun house, magazine, and battery plot.
- Visit inside 16" gun turret.
- 2+ hrs of stories and exploration.
- Includes self-guided admission.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
LOCATION
Numerous spaces.
DATE OPENED
2024
AVAILABILITY
By reservation in advance.
CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY
Self-guided Exploration
- Explore the Surface Navy’s Life of a Sailor aboard a real battleship.
- 75+ exhibits and displays.
- Hear stories from our crew.
- Vicky the Dog kids scavenger hunt.
- Stunning views of the Port of Los Angeles.
guided Exploration
- Guided tour with themed Sailor career tracks.
- Access exclusive areas beyond the self-guided tour.
- Visit President Roosevelt’s famous bathtub.
- Led by a knowledgeable crewmember.
- Includes all self-guided experiences.
pathways programs
- Group outings and special events.
- Youth field trips and overnights.
- Eat at Vicky’s Doghouse Cafe.
- Attend LA Fleet Week.
- Become a volunteer crewmember.