National Museum of the Surface Navy

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USS Iowa Hours:  10:00am-4:00pm

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Guided President's Tour

Every sailor serves under a President.
GuidedExperiences

Some sailors become President.

Every sailor served under a President. On this tour, walk in his footsteps.

It’s November 1943, and Battleship IOWA is on a covert mission. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his entire staff are aboard, headed for top-secret meetings with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. What should be a routine Atlantic crossing nearly turns deadly for Roosevelt — and leads to the “arrest” of an entire U.S. destroyer’s crew. What happened? Find out on the President’s Tour.

This exclusive guided journey takes you into areas closed to the standard self-guided route, including the famous Captain’s Cabin — home to the only bathtub still in existence on a Navy warship, installed for a sitting U.S. president. Stand where history was made, hear epic tales of wartime diplomacy, and discover an unforgettable snapshot of life aboard the only battleship to host five U.S. Presidents.

Your tour also includes full access to the IOWA Experience, where you’ll explore five decks of interactive exhibits, hear sailor stories, and join the family-friendly Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt. End your visit with a trip to the ship’s store and a famous hot dog from Vicky’s Doghouse.

Advance reservations required due to limited availability. Accessible routes available upon request.

What You'll Experience

  • Crew-led guided tour into President’s Cabin.
  • Only presidential bathtub on a Navy ship.
  • True story of FDR’s covert 1943 voyage.
  • Includes self-guided admission.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

LOCATION

President’s Cabin.

DATE OPENED

2019

AVAILABILITY

By reservation in advance.

Self-guided Ship 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 Ship 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.
National Museum of the Surface Navy Plank Owner certificate

Best view in the harbor!

Cars & Stripes Forever is coming to Battleship IOWA. The evening is capped by a huge fireworks show and since our portside is perfectly aligned for it, we’re throwing a VIP party on the ship. Join us for:

  • - Fireworks
  • - A special drink menu (coming soon)
  • - One complimentary drink
  • - 10% off food at Vicky’s Doghouse

(Hey, World Cup fans. We’ll be showing the Uruguay vs Spain game on our LED wall, too.)

Click the button below for more details and to purchase tickets.