Battleship USS Iowa Museum Tours

Battleship USS Iowa Museum which includes a marina, skyline and military items

USS Iowa which includes skyline, military items and a bay or harbor

Battleship USS Iowa Museum featuring a bay or harbor and military items

USS Iowa featuring a bay or harbor, industrial elements and a marina

Visit Battleship USS Iowa Museum

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Climb aboard a floating interactive maritime museum that was once one of the most powerful ships in the world.

Mothballed by the US Navy after serving the United States with distinction for more than five decades, this mighty battleship is now permanently moored in LA on the San Pedro waterfront, a floating tribute to a proud military past.

Dubbed the “Big Stick,” this 887-foot (270-meter) long vessel is almost the length of three football fields and is characterized by its massive guns, the biggest ever sent to sea on a US ship. It took at least 77 men to fire the three 16-inch (41-centimeter) diameter weapons housed in each turret.

The USS Iowa is an important part of the naval history of the United States. It saw action in World War II and the Korean War, earning nine battle stars for the former, and two for the latter. It also once ferried President Franklin Delano Roosevelt across the Atlantic to a wartime summit with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Russian Premier Josef Stalin. Indeed, the bathtub that FDR had specially installed for the journey remains, and offers one of the highlights of a ship tour. To date the Iowa is the only US Navy warship with a bathtub built for a president.

Seven of the vessel’s 19 decks are open to the general public. Heavy artillery is on display and visitors can get a feel for the ship’s colossal firepower in the digital theater. Here, you can stand on a facsimile of the bridge and be immersed in a recreation of the American landings at Okinawa, Japan in 1945, where the Iowa played a supporting role.

A tour of this warship museum also passes along the ship’s missile decks, inside the FDR and Captain’s cabins where foreign dignitaries were entertained and through the mess deck area where sailors took their meals. After ascending a maze of ladders, you’ll find yourself inside the armored bridge area, the scene of many pivotal combat decisions.

USS Iowa is located in San Pedro, 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of downtown LA. There is paid parking nearby at First Street and Harbor Boulevard. The Iowa is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

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Bon Voyage! We are headed out on a 15 day Panama Canal transit cruise with no cell phones or internet on board

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At the back of the museum is a pond with a guide explaining the different starfishes the museum have.

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Last year I spent the day driving around Los Angeles with a couple of photography friends. As we arrived at the Korean Friendship Bell I shot this picture while my buddy shot his composition standing next to me!

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Best Lodging Options Near Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel by IHG

601 S Palos Verdes St, San Pedro, CA

Portside Inn & Suites

525 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA

The Guest Harbor Inn - Port of Los Angeles San Pedro

411 South Pacific Avenue, San Pedro, CA

DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles

2800 Via Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA

Vagabond Inn San Pedro

215 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA

Motel 6 San Pedro, CA – Port Of Los Angeles

354 West 9th Street, San Pedro, CA

Hotel Maya

700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA

Americas Best Value Inn Rancho Palos Verdes

29601 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Pacific Inn & Suites

516 West 38th St, San Pedro, CA

See all 1,931 properties in Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Experience a memorable visit to the Battleship USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro, California, where you can enjoy guided tours led by knowledgeable tour guides. Explore nearby activities like hockey, sports, and boating, or plan a fun day at local theme parks. Don't miss the chance to visit today and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant surroundings of this iconic battleship.

Shopping

For shopping near the Battleship USS Iowa Museum, visit Redondo Beach Pier, just 14.5km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, The Comic Bug, 19.3km away, is perfect for comic enthusiasts, while Pacific City, 27.4km away, features a lively city atmosphere.

Recreation

At Dignity Health Sports Park, enjoy an energetic atmosphere with various sports activities to keep you active. For a serene experience, visit Riviera Health Spa for rejuvenating body treatments. Additionally, Trump National Golf Club offers a relaxing outdoor setting for golf enthusiasts, with stunning views of the coastline.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at the Porsche Experience Center, located 12.9km from the Battleship USS Iowa Museum, where adrenaline meets precision. For a scenic outdoor adventure, bike along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also 12.9km away, or stroll the romantic International Boardwalk, 14.5km away, enjoying beach vibes.

Nightlife

Experience a romantic evening at the Warner Grand Theatre, just 966m away, featuring captivating performances. For a unique adventure, visit Adventure City, 27.4km distant, where family fun awaits. Finally, enjoy a cultural night at the Terrace Theater, located 8.0km from your base at the museum.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Battleship USS Iowa Museum

When visiting the Battleship USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and entertainment arenas. This area is perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences, family fun, and vibrant city life. Don't miss out on nearby hotels for a comfortable stay and explore other attractions that enhance your visit to this historic battleship museum.

Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center: Located only 8.0km from the Battleship USS Iowa Museum, this vibrant arena offers a variety of events, from concerts to family-friendly shows. Its lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for entertainment and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Knott's Berry Farm: About 27.4km away, this amusement park is a thrilling destination for families seeking outdoor adventures. With exciting rides and attractions inspired by the Wild West, it promises an action-packed day for visitors of all ages.
Cabrillo Beach: Just 3.2km from the museum, this picturesque beach offers a relaxing escape with its soft sands and gentle waves. It's perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Best time to go to Battleship USS Iowa Museum

The best time to visit Battleship USS Iowa Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Battleship USS Iowa Museum falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Battleship USS Iowa Museum falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Battleship USS Iowa Museum

To save on your visit to the Battleship USS Iowa Museum, consider traveling during the off-peak months of November to January when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay on a Monday can save you more compared to Saturday. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options and filter for eco-certified hotels. Look for package deals combining flights, hotel, and activities for the best rates. Additionally, take advantage of public transportation to explore the area affordably, and seek out free activities nearby to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Battleship USS Iowa Museum are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Battleship USS Iowa Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Battleship USS Iowa Museum is Saturday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Battleship USS Iowa Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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