The USS Iowa is a World War II-era battleship — lead ship of the Iowa class, the largest the U.S. ever built — now permanently berthed as a museum at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. Nicknamed the "Battleship of Presidents" for the leaders who sailed aboard her (including Franklin Roosevelt), she served from the 1940s through the early 1990s. A self-guided or docent-led visit takes you across the teak decks, past the massive 16-inch gun turrets, onto the bridge, and through the ship's interior, with veterans often on hand to share stories.
Launched in 1942, the USS Iowa was the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships, the largest and last battleships built by the United States. Over a service life spanning World War II, the Korean War, and a 1980s recommissioning, she carried presidents — earning the nickname "Battleship of Presidents" — and projected American naval power across the globe before being retired and, in 2012, opening to the public as a museum at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro.
A visit lets you explore this floating fortress up close: walk the long teak decks beneath the towering superstructure, stand before the enormous 16-inch gun turrets that could hurl shells over 20 miles, climb to the bridge, and tour interior spaces that reveal what life aboard a battleship was like. Exhibits trace her history and the broader story of the U.S. Navy, and military veterans frequently volunteer as guides, lending firsthand perspective. Both self-guided and guided options are available.
It's a powerful experience for history buffs, families, and anyone drawn to military and maritime history, and the San Pedro waterfront setting adds harbor views and a sense of the working port around it. San Pedro is south of central LA near Long Beach, so it pairs naturally with a visit to the Queen Mary nearby. This experience is booked directly through our own ticketing site.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided or docent-led tour of the battleship — the decks, gun turrets, bridge, and interior spaces — at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. Veterans often volunteer as guides.
Best time
Weekday mornings are quietest. The open decks are exposed, so a clear, mild day is ideal; bring sun protection.
How long
2-3 hours to explore the ship.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes — there are steep ladders and steps between decks. Bring sun protection for the exposed top decks. It's in San Pedro, south of central LA near Long Beach, so combine it with the Queen Mary for a battleship-and-ocean-liner maritime day. Chat with the veteran volunteers — their stories are a highlight.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History and military enthusiasts, and families with kids fascinated by ships and machines.
- Families
- Kids love clambering around the decks and gun turrets; the scale of the ship is genuinely impressive. Mind the steep ladders with little ones.
- Couples
- A more unusual outing with harbor views; pairs well with the San Pedro and Long Beach waterfront.
- Pair with
- The Queen Mary in nearby Long Beach makes a natural maritime pairing; the San Pedro waterfront and the Battleship's harbor setting round it out.
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours.
Good questions
What is the USS Iowa?+
A World War II-era battleship — lead ship of the Iowa class, the largest battleships the U.S. ever built — now a museum ship at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. She's nicknamed the "Battleship of Presidents."
What can I see on board?+
The teak decks, the massive 16-inch gun turrets, the bridge, and interior spaces showing life aboard, plus exhibits on the ship's history and the U.S. Navy. Veteran volunteers often guide visitors.
Where is it and can I combine it with other sights?+
It's at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, south of central LA near Long Beach — a natural pairing with the Queen Mary for a maritime-themed day.
How long does a visit take?+
Plan 2-3 hours to explore the ship. Wear comfortable shoes for the steep ladders, and bring sun protection for the open decks.
Is it suitable for kids?+
Yes — kids are usually captivated by the decks, turrets, and sheer scale, though the steep ladders between levels call for care with younger children.
