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Battleship USS Iowa Museum: A Journey Through Naval History

Explore the historic Battleship USS Iowa Museum in Los Angeles, offering a unique glimpse into naval history and American military prowess.

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Explore the historic Battleship USS Iowa Museum, a floating maritime museum docked in Los Angeles. This celebrated battleship, which served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War, offers a unique glimpse into naval life and American history. Walk the decks, tour the ship's interior, and discover the stories of the sailors who called her home.

A brief summary to Battleship USS Iowa Museum

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on the ship.
  • Check the museum's website for special events, tours, and discounts before your visit.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the ship and its exhibits.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the ship's history and features.
  • Visit Vicky's Doghouse Cafe on the fantail for a unique dining experience with scenic harbor views.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Los Angeles, take the Metro J Line (Silver) to the Beacon/1st Street stop in San Pedro. From there, it's approximately a 6-minute walk to the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. A single Metro fare is $1.75. Show your TAP card at the museum entrance and save $2 on regular admission.

  • Driving

    From Long Beach, take the Vincent Thomas Bridge west toward San Pedro. Exit at Harbor Blvd and continue straight onto Swinford St. Turn right into the LA World Cruise Terminal and follow the signs for parking. The Battleship USS Iowa is located on the south end of the LA World Cruise Terminal parking lot. Parking is free for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour, with a maximum of $22 per day.

  • Walking

    If you are arriving from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center, the Battleship USS Iowa is a short walk south. Follow the signs within the cruise terminal area to the parking lot, where the ship is docked. There are no additional costs for accessing the ship via this route.

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Discover more about Battleship USS Iowa Museum

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum, located at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, offers an immersive journey into American naval history. As the only battleship museum on the West Coast open to the public, the USS Iowa provides a unique opportunity to explore a floating city that once played a crucial role in global conflicts. Commissioned in 1943, the USS Iowa served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War, earning 11 battle stars throughout her distinguished career. The ship earned the nickname “Battleship of Presidents” for hosting Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. Visitors can explore various parts of the ship, including the 16-inch guns, missile decks, the Captain's Cabin, and the armored bridge. The Captain's Cabin notably features the only bathtub installed on a battleship for a U.S. president, specifically for Franklin D. Roosevelt. The museum offers both self-guided and docent-led tours, as well as interactive experiences such as an escape room and a scavenger hunt for kids led by the ship’s mascot, Vicky the dog. Exhibits showcase historic photographs, naval artifacts, and stories of the sailors who served on board. A recent addition is the Battleship Flight – A Naval Aviation Experience, which features a Korean War-era helicopter and a simulated flight theater. Visitors can also dine at Vicky's Doghouse Cafe, located on the ship's fantail. In 2011, the USS Iowa was donated to the Pacific Battleship Center, a non-profit organization, and opened as a museum in Los Angeles on July 4, 2012. Today, the museum is dedicated to celebrating the American spirit through the preservation and interpretation of the Battleship Iowa, sharing the accomplishments and sacrifices of American patriots.

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