Henri Leroux

Los Angeles · experience

Battleship IOWA: self-guided museum visit

Seven decks and 75+ exhibits aboard a National Historic Landmark battleship — the navigation bridge, 16-inch guns, and the new Life of a Sailor Experience.

2–3 hoursEntry ticket, any group sizeFrom €25

The experience

Seven decks of a National Historic Landmark battleship, home to the National Museum of the Surface Navy.

Self-guided access covers seven decks and more than 75 exhibits, including the new Life of a Sailor Experience — immersive displays, sailor stories, authentic crew spaces, the navigation bridge and the ship’s massive 16-inch guns.

Families can follow the Vicky the Ship’s Dog scavenger hunt, and history enthusiasts can upgrade to a guided behind-the-scenes tour; admission supports the nonprofit preservation of this National Historic Landmark on the LA Waterfront.

Duration

2–3 hours

Group

Entry ticket, any group size

Languages

Audio guide in English and 6 other languages

Format

Self-guided visit with an included audio guide.

Meeting point

Battleship IOWA Museum, LA Waterfront, San Pedro.

Pickup and drop-off

Not included — direct entry at the museum.

Who this suits

A good choice when it matches the way you want to use the city.

  • Military history enthusiasts and veterans.
  • Families — the Vicky the Ship’s Dog scavenger hunt keeps children engaged.
  • Pairing with the Long Beach whale watching cruise or the Aquarium of the Pacific nearby.

Itinerary

The route at a glance.

The guide and exact sequence are confirmed on the day. Times below are a useful indication of how this visit is normally structured.

  1. 1

    Entry

    Last admission is 1 hour before closing.

    Your chosen time
  2. 2

    Self-guided visit

    Across all seven decks, with the included audio guide.

    2–3 hours

What the visit includes

The practical detail before you choose a date.

Highlights

  • Seven decks and 75+ exhibits
  • The new Life of a Sailor Experience
  • The navigation bridge and 16-inch guns
  • The Vicky the Ship’s Dog scavenger hunt for families
  • Home to the National Museum of the Surface Navy

Included

  • ✓ Admission to the Battleship IOWA Museum for a self-guided visit
  • ✓ Audio guide, in English and 6 other languages
  • ✓ WiFi

Not included

  • • Parking
  • • Food and drinks
  • • A guided behind-the-scenes tour (available as a paid upgrade)

Before you go

A few essentials for the day.

  • No pets allowed — service dogs only.
  • No lockers available; no outside food allowed.
  • Photo and video recording for personal use only — no tripods.
  • Last admission is 1 hour before closing.