Pacific Battleship Center

a 501(c) non-profit
USS Iowa Hours:  10:00am-4:00pm

Patron
Login

Ignite Curiosity. Inspire Purpose.

Real-world learning experiences aboard Battleship IOWA — from daytime field trips to overnight adventures.

Daytime ProgramsOvernight Programs

“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.”
— William Arthur Ward

Daytime Programs

Inspire Curiosity Through Real-World Learning

A variety of engaging daytime programs and educational field trips aboard Battleship IOWA and virtually, designed to inspire students through hands-on STEAM, history, and leadership experiences.

American History Field Trip

Grades 2-12

Walk the decks of Battleship IOWA with one of our knowledgeable guides and discover the story of American seapower, innovation, and leadership. This foundational experience connects students with the people, events, and technology that shaped our nation’s history and continues to influence its future.

 

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Time: Flexible start time between 10 AM and 3:30 PM
  • Days Available: 7 days a week
  • Cost: $12 per person. One free chaperone for every 10 students. Teachers are free.

School Year: STEAM At Sea

Bring your students aboard for NGSS aligned STEM activities and maritime industry networking and mentorship opportunities.  

More About STEAM At Sea

STEAM at Sea aims to inspire curiosity in younger students, inform middle school students of maritime careers tied to specific STEM concepts, and connect high school students with industry professionals and mentors to establish a pathway towards a career in the maritime sector. 

Inspire (Grades 1–5) – Hands-on STEAM concepts through tangible shipboard exploration and classroom connections. Students rotate through four stations – one main deck tour station and three STEM activity stations.

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
  • Days Available: Monday – Friday
  • Cost: $15.00 per person. One free chaperone for every 10 students. Teachers are free 

*Program offered free to Title 1 schools. Bus scholarships available. 

 

Inform (Grades 6–8) – Deeper STEM applications, problem-solving activities, and introductions to career pathways. Students rotate through four stations – one main deck tour station and three STEM activity stations. 

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
  • Days Available: Monday – Friday
  • Cost: $15.00 per person. One free chaperone for every 10 students. Teachers are free

*Program offered free to Title 1 schools. Bus scholarships available. 

 

Connect (Grades 9–12) – Industry connections, mentorship opportunities, and pathways to internships and careers. Under development. This program will consist of: 

  • An online database for counselors and students that outlines maritime careers, education/certification requirements, and a partner/mentor directory. 
  • On-board networking events where students meet directly with maritime professionals, through lectures, small group discussions, and career exploration fairs.

 

  • Duration: Variable
  • Time: Ranging from one hour to day long events
  • Days Available: Variable. Both during school and out of school hours
  • Cost: Both free and fee based events

Summer Program: STEM Adventure Camp

A weeklong, progressive STEM experience that builds daily with deeper exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

More About STEM Adventure Camp

Students explore STEM concepts related to the successful design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a battleship. Camp includes daily activity supplies, snacks, and a camp t-shirt. 

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
  • Days Available: Monday – Friday, end of June to early July
  • Cost: $115 per student

Scholarships available for low- to middle- income students. 

Additional Opportunities & Resources

Learn about our Lesson Plan Library, Gravely Experience and Essay Contest, birthday parties, and more.

More Resources

Additional Opportunities & Resources

Schedule a Visit / Questions

Phone: 877-446-9261 ext. 706
Email:  groupsales@labattleship.com

Overnight Adventures: Camp Battleship

Sleep Where Sailors Lived. Lead Like They Did.

Experience one of Southern California’s most unique and memorable overnight youth encampment programs aboard the historic Battleship IOWA.

Camp Battleship is a purpose-driven overnight encampment designed to build leadership, teamwork, and connection through hands-on shipboard living. Youth groups sleep in real sailor bunks, dine on the mess decks, and explore naval history through guided tours and engaging evening activities.

What to Expect
  • 🧭 Late afternoon muster and orientation with your ship guide

  • 🍽️ Dinner on the authentic mess decks

  • ⚓ Ship tour and evening programming

  • 🌆 Harbor views of the working Port of Los Angeles

  • 🛏️ Sleep in the actual berthing racks used by sailors

  • 🎥 Optional entertainment or educational sessions

  • 🚢 Feel the subtle movement of the ship with the tides

Popular with scouts, JROTC, YMCA, Church, Home School, and traveling groups & campers, this encampment is a one-of-a-kind experience that fosters purpose, pride, and camaraderie.

Accommodates up to 180 participants per night.

🔗 Download the Camp Battleship Guidebook

📞 Questions or ready to reserve? Request a Reservation below, call 877-446-9261 x706, or email overnights@labattleship.com

What is the maximum capacity per camping experience?

We have berthing to accomodate up to 180-people safely and comfortably.

How much is the deposit?

A deposit of $270 is needed 3 weeks after booking to secure your reservation.

Are meals provided?

We provide a catered dinner on the evening of arrival and a catered breakfast the following morning of your experience. Meals will be individually packed to adhere to the latest safety guidelines.

Is parking both short-term and long-term parking available?

Yes.  We share the parking lot with the Los Angeles World Cruise Terminal and parking is available adjacent to the Battleship USS Iowa.  Parking is available for an hourly and daily cost.  More information can be found at https://pacificbattleship.com/battleshipussiowa/museum_visit/hours-directions/.

Are you in walking distance to the San Pedro Downtown Harbor?

Yes.  We are a short walk to the San Pedro Downtown Harbor, making the Battleship USS IOWA the perfect location to stay before your departure to the Catalina camps.

What is the duration of the program?

A full refund will be issued for the following: The Pacific Battleship Center cancels in the event that the minimum number of participants (25) is not met or inclement weather causes hazardous conditions. No refunds will be issued if a group chooses to cancel their booked visit.

The Pacific Battleship Center cannot be held responsible for any inconveniences or consequences that may arise from the cancellation of a group’s visit in the event of an emergency as determined by the Pacific Battleship Center, government officials, or any other entity authorized to advise on emergency situations, including, but not limited to, any situation that could affect the safety of any guest on Pacific Battleship Center property or any other circumstances beyond the control of Pacific Battleship Center that would limit access to or use of the facility.

Resources & Updates

Accepting Applications: Paws For Freedom

Paws For Freedom is a community art and engagement initiative to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States

Gravely Experience

AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER In 1962 Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. became the first African American to take command of a U.S. Navy combatant ship. He continued to...

Gravely Essay Contest

   Attention 11th grade students!       You are eligible to participate in our annual Gravely Experience Essay Contest. Students with winning submissions...

Birthday Parties Aboard IOWA

Join Vicky, the ship’s furry crew member, for an unforgettable birthday adventure aboard Battleship IOWA! Party packages include tours, games, lunch, and more—fun for...

Lesson Plan: Weather Prediction Activity

Weather prediction Activity Objective: Students will be introduced to antique techniques mariners used to predict weather while at sea. Students will observe most of...

Lesson Plan: Mini Water Cycle Activity

Mini Water Cycle Activity Objective: Students will learn how thermal energy is transferred and how this transfer of energy establishes and drives the water cycle....

Lesson Plan: A Battleship’s Vocabulary

A Battleship’s Vocabulary The language used to describe parts of a large Naval ship can be difficult to learn. Using some sort of topic information as chosen by the...

Lesson Plan: The Story of Victory the Dog

The Story of Victory the Dog Learn how to write a professional letter using the real story of the USS Iowa’s ship’s dog. Grades: 4-6 Disciplines: Reading, Social...

Lesson Plan: Where in the World?

Where in the World? This lesson teaches the concepts of latitude and longitude with relation to the globe. Grades: 4-6 Disciplines: Geography, Math Download Lesson...

Lesson Plan: Where in the World War?

Where in the World War? As an introduction to World War II in the Pacific, students will use classroom reference materials to learn the basic geography of the Pacific...

Lesson Plan: World War II Vocabulary

World War II Vocabulary This is a game that teaches political concepts and language that have their origins in World War II. Grades: 4-8 Disciplines: Reading, Social...

Lesson Plan: Buoyant Boats

Buoyant Boats Discover the most effective boat designs by designing and building your own boat! Grades: 4 Disciplines: Science Download Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan: Chronicles of Courage: The Doolittle Raid

Chronicles of Courage: The Doolittle Raid Only months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, famed pilot James Doolittle leads a top-secret mission to bomb Japan....

Lesson Plan: Chronicles of Courage: Pearl Harbor

Chronicles of Courage: Pearl Harbor On December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launches a surprise attack on the U.S. military stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Stuart...

Lesson Plan: Leaders and countries involved in World War II

Leaders and countries involved in World War II Basic introductory presentation of leaders and countries involved in WWII used with Elementary class. Includes maps;...

Lesson Plan: Periodic Table Battleship

Periodic Table Battleship Players take turns calling out a period number and a group number on the periodic table of the elements to try and guess the location of their...

Lesson Plan: Float a Boat

Float a Boat Students draw upon their understanding of buoyancy and density, as well as potential and kinetic energy, to design and build a floating vessel with its own...

Lesson Plan: 24 Hours in a Day

24 Hours in a Day A lesson plan to teach military time using a 24-hour clock. Grades: 8 Disciplines: Math MilitaryTime

Lesson Plan: Civilian & Military Time Conversion

Civilian & Military Time Conversion Time arriving and time departing from checkpoints on the Iditarod Trail is reported in military time. Students can understand...

Lesson Plan: What time is it?

What time is it? Students will demonstrate an understanding of latitude and longitude by identifying locations by degrees. Students will learn and use the meanings of...

Lesson Plan: Gravity and Tides

Gravity and Tides This kinesthetic learning activity will help students learn about the Earth’s tides by acting them out. Students will learn about the gravitational...

Lesson Plan: Where Does All The Water Go?

Where Does All The Water Go? Students will aim to complete a project investigating and researching tides. Each student should seek to develop an understanding of what...

Lesson Plan: The Ocean in Motion

The Ocean in Motion Students will use a simple model to investigate the Coriolis Effect – that is, the curving of motion caused by the Earth’s rotation. In the...

Lesson Plan: True North, Magnetic North

True North, Magnetic North Many centuries ago, mariners oriented themselves by the sun's place or rising and setting, or by the direction of the prevailing winds. This...

Lesson Plan: Google Earth Time Zones

Google Earth Time Zones Are there differences in the time of day depending on where you are? Could it be 12 o'clock midnight in one country and 12 o'clock at noon in...

Lesson Plan: Waves

Waves Students measure wavelength and height of different waves to ascertain which one has the highest pitch/is the loudest etc. Grades: 6-8 Disciplines: Science...

Lesson Plan: Dropping the Atomic Bomb: Right or Wrong?

Dropping the Atomic Bomb: Right or Wrong? This is a four lesson activity on the decision of the United States to drop the atomic bombs on Japan. It finishes with a...

Lesson Plan: How does war affect individuals and societies?

In this module, students will study Japanese-American relations during WWII. They will consider the question “How does war affect individuals and societies?” as they...

Lesson Plan: Heroism in Internment Camps

Students will learn about internment camps during World War II. Students will respond and reflect on heroic characteristics by participating in a meaningful...

Lesson Plan: Women at war – the changing role of women in WW2

Women at war - the changing role of women in WW2 Can be linked to International Women's Day. It is a look at the way war affected women during the second world war and...

Lesson Plan: Simple as a Piece of Pi

Simple as a Piece of Pi In this lesson plan, students will use data on the circumference and diameter of various objects to calculate pi. The exciting aspect of this...

Lesson Plan: Under Pressure

Under Pressure The history of naval communication relies heavily on the non-verbal and multi-sensory. Stripes or stars on an officer’s uniform automatically dictated an...

Lesson Plan: A Dot and Dash, a Ping and a Flash

A Dot and Dash, a Ping and a Flash The history of naval communication relies heavily on the non-verbal and multi-sensory. Stripes or stars on an officer’s uniform...

Lesson Plan: How to Be a Great Navigator

How to Be a Great Navigator Description: Students explore historical navigation methods including dead reckoning and celestial navigation. Activities include using...

Lesson Plan: Cook For a Submarine Fleet

Cook For a Submarine Fleet Description: In this math-based activity, students calculate food supply needs for different submarine deployments. They apply proportional...

Lesson Plan: Christmas Dinner 1944

Christmas Dinner 1944 Description: Through math problems, students calculate the quantity of food needed to serve a 1944-style holiday dinner aboard a battleship. Tasks...

Lesson Plan: As American as Apple Pie

As American as Apple Pie Description: Students use ratio and proportion skills to scale a 1940s apple pie recipe to feed the entire crew aboard the Battleship Iowa —...

Lesson Plan: Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet? Description: Students practice identifying countries using latitude and longitude coordinates, helping to reinforce geographic knowledge and spatial...

Lesson Plan: Across the Pole

Across the Pole Description: Students calculate speed, distance, and time to recreate a historic voyage of the USS Nautilus across the North Pole using real navigation...

Lession: I Sunk Your Battleship!

I Sunk Your Battleship! Description: A coordinate plane plotting activity styled after the classic Battleship game. Students reinforce skills in graphing points,...

Lesson: Thermohaline Circulation Activity

Thermohaline Circulation Activity Description: Students investigate how temperature and salinity influence ocean water density and drive deep-sea currents. Through...

Lesson: Letters Home

Letters Home Through writing “Victory Mail” (V-Mail) and role play, students learn how members of the military communicated with their family at home. Grades: 4,5,6,7,8...

Lesson: Cold War Slang

Cold War Slang Become familiar with Navy jargon and procedures, and learn about the Cold War through the eyes of a sailor. Practice creative writing utilizing Cold War...

STEM Adventure Summer Camp

Have your summer explorers join us for exciting ship tours and engage in fun STEM!Battleship IOWA is once again hosting our STEM Adventure Camp this summer! Thanks to...

USS IOWA Education Programs Leverage Historic Battleship to Bring STEM Lessons to Life

SAN PEDRO, Calif., July 26, 2023 – Battleship USS IOWA Museum, a top five museum and attraction in the Los Angeles area and future home of the National Museum of the...

USS Iowa San Pedro Fun Educational Day Trip

02/23/2018 by DayTrippen The Battleship USS Iowa is docked berth 87 Port of Los Angeles. Open daily for tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and...

Battleship IOWA Museum receives education grant during Black History Month Youth Luncheon

February 25th, 2020  |  The Daily Breeze https://www.dailybreeze.com/battleship-iowa-museum-receives-education-grant-during-black-history-month-youth-luncheon

San Pedro’s Battleship IOWA Museum now offers educational Gun Tour, with a closer look at Turret No. 1

December 12, 2019 | The Daily Breeze https://www.dailybreeze.com/san-pedros-battleship-iowa-museum-now-offers-educational-gun-tour-with-a-closer-look-at-turret-no-1

Camp Battleship Reservation Form

Camp Battleship Reservation Request Ready to embark on an unforgettable overnight adventure aboard Battleship IOWA? Camp Battleship offers a one-of-a-kind encampment...

Youth Group Inquiry

Youth & Education Group Inquiry We’re excited to help you plan an unforgettable educational experience aboard Battleship IOWA! Whether you’re interested in a...

Education Programs Made Possible by Visionary Funders and Donors

Claim Your FREE Digital Certificate Today

Be a Patron for free and show your support for our new Surface Navy Museum experience and receive:

👉 FREE commemorative Plank Owner certificate (limited-time offer)
👉 Stay connected with stories, updates & museum milestones
👉 Earn Haze Gray Points through your involvement and redeem toward exclusive gear, invites, & programs
🌟 With $25+ in donations over time: recognition on the Quarterdeck of Honor

National Museum of the Surface Navy Plank Owner certificate