Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Explore the historic Battleship USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro, CA, and step back in time to experience life aboard a US Navy warship, a veteran of WWII, Korea, and the Cold War.
Step aboard the Battleship USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro and immerse yourself in naval history. This floating museum, a retired US Navy battleship, offers a fascinating glimpse into life at sea and the ship's pivotal role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Explore the decks, turrets, and living quarters, and discover interactive exhibits showcasing the ship's technology and the stories of the sailors who served on her. Don't miss the Captain's Cabin, famously equipped with a bathtub for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the impressive 16-inch guns. With self-guided tours and engaging exhibits, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum provides an unforgettable experience for history buffs and families alike. Be sure to check out Vicky's Doghouse Cafe on the fantail for a bite to eat with a view.
A brief summary to Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- 250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, San Pedro, California, 90731, US
- +1310-971-4462
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs throughout the ship.
- Download the free Battleship USS Iowa Museum app for an interactive self-guided tour with augmented reality features.
- Consider a guided tour for a more in-depth experience and access to areas not available on the self-guided tour.
- Visit on a weekend for access to additional areas like the Main Galley and Crew's Mess Hall.
- Check the museum's website for special events, exhibits, and discounts before your visit.
Getting There
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Public Transport
For visitors using public transportation, the Metro J Line (Silver) is a convenient option. Take the J Line south to San Pedro and exit at the Beacon/1st Street stop, which is approximately a 6-minute walk (about 450 yards) from the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. From the station, walk west on 1st Street towards Harbor Boulevard, then turn left onto Harbor Boulevard. The museum will be on your right, located at the LA Waterfront. A regular Metro fare is $1.75 each way, and a day pass is $5. Showing your TAP card at the ticket booth will save you $2 on regular admission.
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Driving
If driving, use the address 250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731 for GPS navigation. From the north or south, take the I-110 S freeway and merge onto CA-47 N toward Vincent Thomas Bridge/Terminal Island/Long Beach. Take the South Harbor Blvd exit and continue on S. Harbor Blvd. Follow the signs to the Battleship Iowa parking lot. Parking is available directly adjacent to the museum. The first hour is free, and each additional hour costs $2, with a maximum of $22 per day. Note that the parking lot is operated by Parking Concepts Inc., not the museum itself.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
For those using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, set your destination as Battleship USS Iowa Museum, 250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro. Alternatively, you can select the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building (425 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro) as your drop-off location and walk down 5th Street to the museum. Ride-share costs from other parts of Los Angeles will vary depending on distance and demand, but expect to pay approximately $30-$60 from downtown Los Angeles.
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