About this experience
Experience the Surface Navy’s Life of a Sailor (and Vicky) Aboard Battleship IOWA — the Battleship of President
Step aboard the legendary Battleship USS Iowa and experience the new National Museum of the Surface Navy’s Life of a Sailor in one of America’s most iconic naval settings. Saved by civilians in 2012, Battleship IOWA continues to be maintained and preserved by a nonprofit organization so visitors can experience and enjoy the ship today.
Now open: Explore what life was like aboard a real Navy battleship through immersive exhibits, powerful stories, and hands-on experiences.
During your visit, you’ll:
Explore 7 decks of a battleship that served in three wars, hosted five U.S. Presidents, and was home to tens of thousands of sailors — and Vicky the dog.
Over 75 different exhibits and displays including the new immersive Surface Navy Museum exhibits.
Stand on the navigation and signal bridges where missions were directed.
Walk past massive 16-inch and 5-inch guns, Tomahawk missile systems, and historic ship spaces.
Step onto the Captain’s and Admiral’s verandas, crew living areas, and mess decks.
Hear real stories through videos, exhibits, and knowledgeable volunteers.
Go deeper with a guided tour for behind-the-scenes access.
For families, kids can follow Vicky the Dog on an interactive scavenger hunt that turns the ship into a fun, hands-on adventure.
This isn’t just a museum. It’s a 2–3 hour immersive experience aboard one of the most powerful battleships ever built, located along the LA Waterfront.
Perfect for families, visitors, veterans, history lovers, and anyone looking for something meaningful and memorable to do near Long Beach and Los Angeles.
📍 Approx. 2-hour experience
🎟️ Admission helps preserve the museum
👨👩👧👦 Fun for all ages, top-rated LA attraction
Next available dates
What’s included
- Entry / admission fee
- WiFi
- Vicky's Scavenger Hunt
- Self-Guided Life of a Sailor Experience
- Brochures Available
Not included
- Parking fees
- Food and drinks
- Parking not included
- Food and Drinks available for purchase at Vicky's Doghouse
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
Know before you go
- Limited mobility accessible
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Battleship IOWA is a real Navy ship with indoor and outdoor spaces, historic decks, passageways, exhibits, and shipboard areas to explore. Some areas include steep stairs, also known aboard ship as ladders, narrow passageways, uneven surfaces, and outdoor decks. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. The main deck is wheelchair accessible, and chair lifts provide access to three decks when available.
- Boarding ramps and gangways may be steep, especially during high tide. For safety, guests using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility devices are strongly encouraged to board under their own power when able and transfer to a wheelchair once on deck.
- Because this is a historic ship, many spaces may not be accessible to all guests. Guests board and visit Battleship IOWA at their own risk and are responsible for determining whether they can safely board, move through the ship, and follow posted signs and crew instructions.. Recommend that infants are carried in a front facing infant carrier.
- As a waterfront attraction, the weather tends to be cooler in the mornings and warmer in the afternoons.
Cancellation policy
This booking is non-refundable once confirmed.
Non refundable
Meeting point
View on map
Battleship IOWA Museum
- Address
- South Harbor Boulevard 250, Los Angeles, 90731, US
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Coordinates
- 33.74218, -118.27734
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
Traveler reviews
Be among the first to review this experience.
Write a review- Provided by
- Battleship IOWA Museum
Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 2 hours.
Can I cancel this booking?
This booking is non-refundable once confirmed.
Is hotel pickup included?
No — you make your own way to the meeting point.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at Battleship IOWA Museum, South Harbor Boulevard 250, Los Angeles, 90731, US.
Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the supplier lists this experience as wheelchair accessible.
From AED 82 per person
