Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship IOWA Museum

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Battleship IOWA Museum is a maritime museum in California that features a ship used by the US Navy during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. At the museum, you can explore the historic battleship and learn more about its past in US history.

If you’re looking to buy admission tickets for the Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship IOWA Museum, you can buy them online at the attraction’s website or onsite at the attraction. It’s always best to prebook your admission tickets to guarantee your visit on the day you prefer to go.

Yes, the Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship IOWA Museum offers several themed guided tours, or you can take a self-guided experience with your admission ticket. The guided tour options include tours focused on the ship's guns and engineering or game-like scavenger hunt tours.

The Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship IOWA Museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, but it can be crowded every day at certain times of year—such as summer and school breaks.

Yes, the Battleship IOWA Museum is kid-friendly, and many families visit it yearly. Visitors of all ages can explore the museum's five outdoor decks and exhibits. You can upgrade your tour experience to add extras, such as a visit to the Captain’s Cabin.

Yes and no. The Battleship IOWA is somewhat accessible for visitors with disabilities. Visitors in wheelchairs or using walkers can explore the main deck’s exterior but won’t be able to enjoy the full experience. The ship's narrow passageways and "knee knockers" at the base of doorways prevent ease of movement.