Battleship USS Iowa Museum — Attraction in Los Angeles

Absolutely stunning! I'm amazed and grateful for the extensive efforts to preserve not only the vessel but the continued legacy and remembrance for those who served. While I only had a general access ticket, I listened briefly to one of the tour guides and how this very vessel served through WWII and beyond. The guides and volunteers were absolutely lovely and informative during the tour.

General access ticket provided a self-guided tour through many locations on the ship. You do have to be able to climb and descend some fairly narrow and steep stairs as well as mind your head and feet through the corridors and pathways. For me the safest way to descend the stairs is actually to descend backwards (so on the sole of your feet rather your heel). Just take it slow and methodically when navigating the ship.

Do note that the preservation of this vessel is ongoing. During our self-guided tour, there was active repair of the upper decks which involved chiseling/jack hammering the decks which was nearly unbearably loud even a couple decks below. Since it was definitely heard on the general access tour route, and while the repairs are absolutely needed, my only suggestions would be to either have the louder repairs during non-operating hours or provide some temporary hearing protection when/where needed. It would have been much more pleasant to have something to cover our ears than for us to scramble quickly through the particularly loud section just covering our ears with our hands. Even some small earplugs would have been greatly appreciated.

Also, the way the route is organized you begin from the bow/front of the ship and meander up and down decks to the stern/back of the ship. This makes much more sense looking at the two ramps coming off from the parking lot. I'm not sure (and haven't tried) if you're allowed rentry after you leave the ship, so take pictures along the way as the main tour doesn't circle back to the front of the ship. Likewise, maybe having larger signage for which of the ramps is entrance-only and exit-only would help avoid confusion as myself and others accidently walked towards the exit ramp looking for the actual entrance...

The ship is beautiful, but the crew who mans this battleship now, is a disgrace as it turns on those who would spend their money to see it, and I speak this truth as a U.S. Army veteran. Particularly, the woman who was cleaning the women’s restrooms on the ship, on July 3rd 2025, at around 3:45p.m. After my mother, who suffers from arthritis, cleared the entire tour, which included climbing up and down ladders and stepping over high thresholds, disclosed to me that the woman had told her, that she looked “funny”, with a little giggle. After my mother had exited the restroom, she did not say a word to me. I then decided that I should use the restroom before the long drive to our next tourist destination. This woman kept looking at me with some really weird body expressions that I interpreted as anticipatory and almost sickening fascination, filled with thrill. I was thinking, I really don’t want to use the restroom with such a weirdo in my presence, though I could see that she clearly worked on the ship. Thinking back, while my mom was using the restroom, the man who greeted us, at the beginning of our tour, rolled out an empty baby stroller and was joking that it was his son, in the stroller. I don’t know if that had any underlying meaning, or not. But, I’m pissed now! After it all, I would have to say that it was a very memorable occasion. If you or your loved ones plan to visit, please prepare to be made fun of for however you look, no matter how capable, and honorable, intelligent, and kind that you are! I gave one star, but I would strip the current crew of even that, when I think of those who survived the war, only to endure the kind of ridicule my mother faced today. And it makes me sick that anyone could ridicule...

⚓ Battleship USS Iowa Museum – Walk Through Naval History 🇺🇸🚢 Step aboard the USS Iowa, a legendary WWII battleship turned interactive museum, and experience firsthand what life was like on one of the U.S. Navy’s most powerful warships. Located in San Pedro, this historic ship offers a fascinating and immersive journey into military history, making it a must-visit for history buffs, veterans, and families alike.

🌟 Why It’s Worth Visiting 🛳 Explore a Real Battleship – Walk the same decks where U.S. presidents, sailors, and war heroes once stood. 🎖 The “Battleship of Presidents” – The USS Iowa carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic during WWII. 💥 Massive Guns & Military Tech – See the huge 16-inch guns, missile launchers, and advanced naval technology up close. 📱 Interactive Experiences – Use the free mobile tour app to unlock stories and fun facts as you explore.

✅ Pro Tips for Visitors ✔ Best Time to Visit: Mornings for smaller crowds and cooler weather. ☀️ ✔ Tickets: 🎟️ General admission required, with discounts for military, seniors, and children. Special behind-the-scenes tours are available for an in-depth experience. ✔ Parking: 🚗 Paid parking available on-site, but there are also free spots nearby if you don’t mind a short walk. ✔ Nearby Attractions: Located at the LA Waterfront, so you can also check out the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium or enjoy fresh seafood at Ports O’ Call.

🔥 Final Take The USS Iowa Battleship Museum is one of LA’s most unique historical attractions, offering a rare chance to walk through a real piece of naval history. Whether you’re a military history fan, a curious explorer, or looking for a fun family activity, this is an unforgettable experience. Don’t...