Is Battleship USS Iowa Museum worth visiting?

Step aboard the historic Battleship USS IOWA, the National Museum of the Surface Navy, located on the LA Waterfront. Explore its decks, learn about Navy life, and participate in immersive, hands-on experiences for all ages.

What are the best things to see and do at Battleship USS Iowa Museum?

Visitors can explore six decks of the historic battleship, seeing the bridge, guns, missiles, and living quarters firsthand. Beyond general admission, special guided tours provide deeper insights into the ship's operation.

What are the opening hours at Battleship USS Iowa Museum?

The Battleship IOWA Experience, Tours & Museum is generally open daily from 10:00 AM with the last experience or tour starting at 4:00 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please check the official site for date-specific hours.

Is Battleship USS Iowa Museum suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is suitable for all ages. Educational youth programs, such as Camp Battleship and STEAM at Sea, are available to connect young people to history, leadership, and life skills through interactive learning.

Is there food available at Battleship USS Iowa Museum?

Yes, Vicky’s Doghouse Cafe is located on the fantail, offering gourmet hot dogs and harbor views. The cafe is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday-Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for special events.

Where is the USS Iowa Battleship museum?

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is located on the LA Waterfront in Los Angeles, California, at 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731.

Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Write a Review Los Angeles, California All ages Verified•History Museum

Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

Image credits

Photo by Mark Fischer via Openverse, CC-BY-SA-2.0

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About Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Climb six decks of a historic battleship at the Port of LA to see its bridge, guns, and missiles up close.

Berthed at the Port of Los Angeles, the Battleship USS Iowa is a national museum of the Surface Navy you can walk straight onto.

What you'll see and do - Explore six decks, taking in the bridge, guns, missiles, and crew living quarters - Book special guided tours for deeper stories of the ship and its sailors - Learn through youth programs like Camp Battleship and STEAM at Sea - Grab a gourmet hot dog with harbor views at Vicky's Doghouse Cafe on the fantail

Attraction Details

Facilities

Parking
Food court
Gift shop

Events at Battleship USS Iowa Museum

LA Fleet Week 2026
May 22-25, 2026
LA Fleet Week is the southland’s largest free Memorial Day event, featuring ship tours, live music, and military displays.
Father’s Day Steel Beach Barbecue 2026
June 21, 2026
Celebrate Dad with a Navy tradition: a “steel beach” barbecue aboard the USS Iowa.
Spring Mixer 2026
Join for light refreshments and beverages on the Admirals’ Veranda to get to know the event space.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Battleship USS Iowa Museum.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

Battleship USS Iowa Museum is at 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Battleship USS Iowa Museum

250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731

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Last updated 10/17/2026