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Battleship USS Iowa Museum – what to expect, tickets, prices, timings

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USS Iowa was originally commissioned in the year 1943 and had served during the second World War. 

This lead battleship of the US Navy had hosted many American Presidents, eventually earning the nickname the Battleship of Presidents.

In 2012, USS IOWA opened to thousands of veterans and since then, this naval ship-turned-museum has been offering to the viewers an in-depth look at the life and times of the battleship.

Located in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, California, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a fantastic attraction for history buffs and adventure-seekers. 

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Battleship USS Iowa Museum.

What to expect at the Battleship USS Iowa Museum

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum offers a unique experience for visitors looking to dive deep into the ship’s history. 

The museum features various exhibits showcasing the ship’s history and the events it witnessed throughout its service. 

The ship itself is a massive 887-foot-long battleship, and visitors can tour its various decks, such as the bridge, the combat information center, and the living quarters.

Some of the most notable features of the Battleship USS Iowa Museum are the interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it was like to be on board the ship. 

For instance, visitors can participate in a simulated combat mission, where they can learn about the different weapons systems and tactics used during combat. 

The museum also offers a unique opportunity to explore the ship’s decks and learn about its various functions, from engine rooms to mess halls.


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Where to buy tickets for the USS Iowa

Tickets to the Battleship USS Iowa Museum are available online and at the attraction. 

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Go to the Battleship USS Iowa Museum booking page and choose your desired date and the number of tickets. 

Once you purchase museum tickets, they get delivered to your email address. 

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

Remember to bring your official IDs. 

Battleship Iowa Museum ticket prices

Battleship USS Iowa’s tickets for adults aged 12 to 61 years are priced at US$23, while seniors 62 years and above get a US$3 discount and pay only US$20. 

Kids aged three to 11 pay only US$15 for entry while infants under two can enter for free.

The museum also offers discounted rates for active military personnel, veterans, and their families. 

Visitors must present their military ID or proof of service to get the discounted rate of US$20. 

USS Battleship Iowa tickets

USS Battleship Iowa tickets
Image: GetYourGuide.com

These Battleship Iowa Museum tickets get you complete access to the Battleship of Presidents.

The tour of the museum starts on the quarter deck after a safety briefing. 

The self-guided tour ticket includes free use of the award-winning mobile app and the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt.

Headphones don’t come with the tickets, so bring your own if you plan to try out the scavenger hunt.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12 to 61 years): US$23
Youth Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$15
Seniors Ticket (62+ years): US$20
Military Ticket (with ID): US$20
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free entry

Save time & money! Buy Los Angeles Pass and explore 40+ attractions in LA. See the Aquarium of the Pacific, Dolby Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and even the Los Angeles Zoo among others. Pick from a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or a 7-day pass and prepare for an adventurous and entertaining tour of LA.

Battleship Iowa Museum + Aquarium of the Pacific

Battleship Iowa Museum + Aquarium of the Pacific
Image: GetYourGuide.com

The Battleship Iowa Museum and Aquarium of the Pacific are only a 6.8 miles (11 km) apart, and it takes only 10 minutes to reach by car.

So book this combo ticket, get a discount of 10%, and visit both attractions on the same day.

See over 500 species of marine life, including playful penguins, seals, and remarkable rays. 

Immerse yourself in the 4D cinema experience and interactive art installations, and learn about the science of marine biology and oceanic conservation. 

With this ticket, you can also explore the state-of-the-art Pacific Visions building and visit the enlightening Our Water Future exhibit. 

The Battleship Iowa Museum pass includes a free mobile app available in seven languages for a self-guided tour. 


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How to reach Battleship USS Iowa Museum

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is located in the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, which is approximately 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. 

Address: 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731, United States. Get directions

Visitors can reach the museum by public transportation or car.

By Metro Bus

Take Metro Bus 205, which stops near the museum entrance. 

For your best route, use the Metro Trip Planner 

By Trolley

Alternatively, visitors can take the San Pedro Red Car Trolley, which runs along the waterfront and stops at various points of interest, including the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. 

By Car

If you’re driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.

You can park in the designated parking lot

Opening hours of Battleship USS Iowa Museum

The USS Iowa Museum is open all days of the week from 10 am to 5 pm.

The guided museum tours runs from 10 am to 4 pm and the last tour of the day departs one hour before closing.

The museum remains closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. 

How long does the USS Iowa Museum tour take

The average time for the Battleship USS Iowa Museum tour is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the pace at which you walk and the number of exhibits you explore. 

Visitors can explore the self-guided tour at their leisure, which covers three levels of the ship.

The exhibits showcase various aspects of the ship, including its armaments, the living quarters of the crew, and the bridge. 

Best time to visit USS Iowa Museum

The best time to visit the USS Iowa is when it opens at 10 am.

During the early morning, the museum sees minimal foot traffic, allowing you ample time and space to leisurely explore every corner at your own pace.

Weekdays are better than weekends if you want to avoid rush.

If you plan to visit USS Iowa during the summer, it’s best to arrive early in the day or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and heat. 

During the summer months as the day progresses the ship can get crowded with tourists, and the heat can make exploring the museum uncomfortable.

From March to May and September to November, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller, making it an ideal time to explore the ship at your own pace. 

The winter months can be cold and rainy, but if you don’t mind the weather, you can take advantage of the smaller crowds and the indoor exhibits.

FAQs about the Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Here are a few questions visitors usually ask before visiting the USS Iowa Museum.

When is the last entry allowed to the USS Iowa Museum?

The last entry to the museum is one hour before the closing time.

Is the USS Iowa Museum wheelchair accessible?

The museum has a chairlift on the Main Deck mainly used to board and exit the ship, bringing guests to 01 level. The museum also has two elevators to access the 2nd deck museum spaces and the 3rd deck new exhibit area.

Are all areas on the USS Iowa Museum stroller accessible?

The use of strollers is restricted to Main Deck exterior spaces only. We suggest using a front carrier (Baby Bjorn-type carrier) for small children.

Is photography allowed inside the USS Iowa Museum?

Yes, the guests are allowed to take pictures, but no photo or video should be used for a commercial purpose.

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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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