Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship IOWA Museum Tours
Once considered the world’s greatest naval ship thanks to its powerful weaponry, heavy armor, and advanced fire control systems, the USS Iowa served the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Today it’s docked in Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro, California.
The Basics
USS Iowa visitors have their choice of several tours: a self-guided tour (just board the vessel and following an easy, well-marked path), a guided kid’s tour, a guided highlights tour, the Full Steam Ahead tour, and the Big Stick Tour, which offers the best behind-the-scenes access, including lunch in the captain’s or admiral’s cabin.
Whichever you choose, you’ll walk in the footsteps of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and President Reagan as you see where daily operations took place, where officers spent their free time, the galley, and the flying bridge. Go below deck to play an interactive combat game in the digital theater, then explore exhibits that reveal more about the ship’s fascinating history. Former military personnel are usually on hand to answer questions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a great site for history buffs, particularly those interested in the Navy, the Korean War, and WWII. It’s also one of the area’s best-rated attractions for kids.
- Save time and money by purchasing tickets in advance.
- Because there are several steep steps and narrow passageways, the Pacific Battleship Center is not a good choice for people who are disabled or physically impaired.
How to Get There
The museum is located at Berth 87 at the Los Angeles World Cruise Port Terminal at the Port of Los Angeles, about 30 miles (48 kilomters) south of downtown Los Angeles. Take I-110 South to exit 1A, then turn onto North Harbor Boulevard. Paid parking is at the lot on 1st Street and Harbor Boulevard.
When to Get There
This site is open from 10am–5pm daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends; on some days, it’ll feel like you have the entire vessel to yourself. Fleet Week, when there are typically several free events planned, can be an exciting time to visit.
Oops! Wrong Target
The USS Iowa, escorted by three destroyers—including the William D. Porter, also known as the “Willie Dee”—was carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Nov. 14, 1943. During a routine mock torpedo run, one crew member didn’t remove a crucial priming pin, which launched a torpedo toward the USS Iowa. Thankfully, the Willie Dee crew radioed to the Iowa, and the vessel made a safe, sharp turn to avoid impact.
Address: 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731, USA
Admission: Varies
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship IOWA Museum
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Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach and Los Angeles
See the L.A. coast from the sky with an exciting, 15-minute tour from Long Beach on a private helicopter. Swoop above the iconic Queen Mary ocean liner and hover over downtown Long Beach, see the imposing Battleship Iowa that's moored in the city's bustling port. Enjoy seaward views of Catalina Island and the curving Pacific coastline before touching back to earth at the Long Beach helipad.
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From
$110.00
Price varies by group size
From
$110.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Private Helicopter Tour of Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, and Long Beach
See the L.A. coast from a private helicopter with a 30-minute, narrated flight from Long Beach, and take in California’s most iconic vistas. Watch for surfers as you soar over the breaks at Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan beaches, then swoop above the exclusive harbor in Marina del Rey. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the slender Santa Monica Pier, see the Los Angeles airport from above, and return to Long Beach past Hawthorne, Torrance and the Galaxy Stadium while enjoying sweeping western panoramas of the Pacific Ocean.
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From
$193.00
Price varies by group size
From
$193.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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