The Battleship USS Iowa (BB-61) is a World War II battleship turned museum ship on the LA Waterfront in San Pedro, California. Home to the National Museum of the Surface Navy, it is moored at the foot of the 110 Freeway at 250 S. Harbor Blvd., a five-minute walk from the World Cruise Center, and is open Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Step aboard one of America’s most famous battleships and explore seven decks on your own: crew berthing, the galley, command areas and the ship’s massive guns. Most visitors spend two to three hours aboard. General admission includes the self-guided “Life of a Sailor” experience; crew-led tours of the guns, the engine rooms and the President’s quarters cost extra and are best booked in advance.
About the USS Iowa
Commissioned in 1943, the Iowa served in World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. Known as the “Battleship of Presidents,” it hosted three U.S. presidents. In November 1943 it secretly carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic on his way to meet Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Its eight boilers and four steam turbines produced 212,000 shaft horsepower, driving the ship at up to 35 knots, and its 16-inch guns are still aboard.
Saved from the Navy’s reserve fleet in 2011, the ship was towed to the Port of Los Angeles and opened as a museum on July 4, 2012. The nonprofit Pacific Battleship Center runs it as the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA.
What you can see aboard
- Life of a Sailor (included with admission): a self-guided route across seven decks, through crew berthing, the galley, command areas and weapons.
- Guided tours (extra cost, book ahead): the President’s Tour, a 90-minute crew-led Overview Experience, the Gun Tour, the Engineering Tour, and the Escape the Fleet Adventure.
- Exhibits: a ship cutaway, the Great Ships exhibit, a HUP-2 Retriever helicopter and the Sticks Art Gallery.
Plan your visit
- Hours: Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry at 4 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Time needed: most visitors spend two to three hours aboard.
- Tickets: buy on the museum’s website. Guided tours sell out, so reserve them in advance.
- Address: 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731
Getting there and parking
The ship sits at the south end of the Harbor Freeway (110). Parking is in the shared cruise terminal lot next door: the first hour is free, then $3 an hour up to $23 a day. Some street parking is available. By transit, the Metro J Line (Silver) stops across Harbor Boulevard, about an hour from Downtown Los Angeles. Cruise passengers can use the day lockers near the pier.
Accessibility
The main deck is wheelchair accessible, and chair lifts reach three decks when they’re working. Other areas have steep ladders, narrow passageways and uneven surfaces, so wear comfortable shoes. The boarding ramp can be steep at high tide.
Nearby in San Pedro
Pair your visit with the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Fanfare Fountain at Gateway Plaza, or lunch at one of San Pedro’s local restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the USS Iowa museum?
At 250 S. Harbor Blvd. in San Pedro, on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles, next to the World Cruise Center.
What are the USS Iowa’s hours?
Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. It’s closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours aboard.
Where do I park for the USS Iowa?
In the cruise terminal lot next to the ship. The first hour is free, then $3 an hour up to $23 a day.
Is the USS Iowa wheelchair accessible?
The main deck is, and chair lifts reach three decks when available. Many lower spaces have steep ladders and aren’t accessible.
What is the National Museum of the Surface Navy?
It’s the museum aboard the Battleship USS Iowa, run by the nonprofit Pacific Battleship Center.
Why is the USS Iowa called the “Battleship of Presidents”?
It hosted three U.S. presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, whom it carried across the Atlantic in 1943.