The Battleship Iowa Museum in San Pedro, California, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore a legendary World War II vessel. Visitors can wander the decks, marvel at the massive 16-inch gun barrels, and learn about the daily lives of the sailors who once called this ship home. With a variety of ticket options and the convenience of a mobile app-guided tour, this museum provides an immersive and educational experience for history enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Battleship Iowa Museum promises to captivate your senses and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the country’s naval heritage.
Key Points

- Tickets for the Battleship Iowa Museum in San Pedro, California start from $23.41 per person, with discounted options for seniors, students, and groups.
- The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the ship’s decks and learn about the sailors’ living conditions, as well as see the 16-inch gun barrels and 20mm Phalanx CIWS gun replicas.
- The museum is open rain or shine, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and offers the opportunity to spot wildlife like seals, ducks, and dolphins.
- Visitors can use the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt mobile app with complimentary headphones to enhance their experience and discover the ship’s key features.
- The museum is wheelchair-friendly and committed to accessibility, ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all visitors.
General Information

The Battleship Iowa Museum is located in San Pedro, California, and is open rain or shine, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas day when it’s closed.
The museum offers a self-guided tour, allowing visitors to explore the decks and see how sailors lived on the historic battleship.
Guests can expect to encounter seals, ducks, and possibly even dolphins during their visit.
The museum’s Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt mobile app provides an interactive way to explore the ship, with headphones included for a more immersive experience.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique day out, the Battleship Iowa Museum offers a memorable and informative experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Los Angeles
Pricing and Booking

Ticket prices at the Battleship Iowa Museum start from $23.41 per person, and visitors can reserve their tickets now and pay later.
The museum offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those planning their visit.
The pricing structure at the Battleship Iowa Museum is designed to accommodate a variety of budgets and schedules:
- Standard adult tickets are available for $23.41 per person.
- Discounted tickets are offered for seniors, students, and children.
- Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more.
With these flexible options, guests can easily plan their visit to the Battleship Iowa Museum and enjoy the historic experience.
Tour Details

What’s more, visitors can explore the decks of the Battleship Iowa and see how sailors lived on board. They can also spot seals, ducks, and possibly dolphins during their tour.
On top of that, guests can use the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt mobile app, which includes complimentary headphones for the experience. The self-guided tour allows guests to learn about the Battleship of Presidents, see the impressive 16-inch 50 caliber Mark 7 gun barrels, and explore the captain’s cabin and the 03 level flag bridge.
Plus, visitors can view the 20mm Phalanx CIWS gun replicas, providing a unique glimpse into the ship’s impressive armaments and technology.
Highlights

Visitors can learn about the Battleship of Presidents, which served as the site for several historic meetings between U.S. presidents.
The museum highlights include:
- Seeing the impressive 16-inch 50 caliber Mark 7 gun barrels, which were the largest guns ever mounted on a U.S. Navy battleship.
- Exploring the captain’s cabin and the 03 level flag bridge, where important decisions were made during the ship’s service.
- Viewing the 20mm Phalanx CIWS gun replicas, which demonstrate the advanced firepower and defense capabilities of the Iowa-class battleships.
These highlights provide a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the Battleship Iowa’s storied history and impressive capabilities.
More Great Tours NearbyAccess and Restrictions

The Battleship Iowa Museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities, as it offers wheelchair-friendly access. However, open-toed shoes are prohibited for safety reasons. This is to ensure that all guests can explore the museum comfortably and securely.
The museum’s commitment to accessibility and safety allows everyone to fully enjoy the historic vessel’s rich history and captivating features. Whether you’re admiring the 16-inch gun barrels, stepping into the captain’s cabin, or participating in the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt, the Battleship Iowa Museum strives to provide an inclusive and engaging experience for all visitors.
With these access considerations in place, guests can focus on the museum’s remarkable highlights and educational offerings.
You can also read our reviews of more museum experiences in Los Angeles
Directions to the Museum

To reach the Battleship Iowa Museum, visitors can take the 110 Freeway south and exit at Harbor Boulevard.
From the exit, they should follow the signs directing them towards the Port of Los Angeles. The museum is located within the port area, just a short distance from the exit.
Once at the port, visitors have a few options to reach the museum:
Drive directly to the museum’s parking lot, which is located adjacent to the ship.
Park in one of the public lots within the port and walk to the museum, which is about a 5-10 minute walk.
Take the free Ports O’ Call Village shuttle, which has a stop near the Battleship Iowa Museum.
What to Expect on the Tour

Once visitors arrive at the Battleship Iowa Museum, they’ll find a self-guided tour that allows them to explore the ship’s decks and see how sailors lived aboard this historic vessel.
The tour includes use of the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt mobile app, which comes with complementary headphones. Along the way, guests can spot seals, ducks, and potentially even dolphins.
Known as the ‘Battleship of Presidents,’ the Iowa features the impressive 16-inch 50 caliber Mark 7 gun barrels, as well as the captain’s cabin and 03 level flag bridge. Visitors will also get to view replicas of the 20mm Phalanx CIWS gun.
The museum is open rain or shine, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors often inquire about the museum’s accessibility, as the Battleship Iowa is wheelchair accessible. On top of that, they’re interested in the dress code, which prohibits open-toed shoes.
Can I bring food and drinks inside? No, outside food and beverages aren’t permitted. However, there are vending machines and a café on site.
Are there guided tours available? The museum offers a self-guided tour experience, but there are volunteer docents available to answer questions throughout the ship.
What’s the best time to visit? The museum is open rain or shine, and while it’s generally less crowded on weekdays, the optimal time to visit depends on your personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to the museum. However, there are no on-site dining options, so visitors should plan accordingly if they wish to eat during their visit.
Do You Offer Discounts for Military or Seniors?
The Battleship Iowa Museum offers discounts for military personnel and seniors. Visitors can save on admission tickets by presenting valid military or senior ID at the time of purchase.
Is Photography Allowed on the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed on the tour, but visitors should check with staff for any restrictions. Guests are welcome to take photos throughout the museum to capture their experience and share their visit with others.
How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?
The self-guided tour of the Battleship Iowa Museum typically lasts around 1-2 hours, allowing visitors to explore the ship’s decks and exhibits at their own pace. The exact duration may vary depending on individual interest and exploration.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The Battleship Iowa Museum does not have any age restrictions for the tour. Visitors of all ages are welcome to explore the historic ship and participate in the guided activities and scavenger hunt.
Recap
The Battleship Iowa Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic warship and learn about naval history.
With ticket prices starting at $23.41, visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, discover the ship’s impressive features, and enhance their experience using the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt app.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable day out, the Battleship Iowa Museum is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles.
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