Battleship USS Iowa Museum (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Battleship USS Iowa Museum?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples can explore gun turrets together, take harbor photos, and grab lunch on the fantail, yet tight passages and crowd noise limit privacy and require both partners to handle ladders.
![[13] Battleship Iowa (BB-61) Museum Day Trip](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p3voT3X2lJg/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Immersive History: Audio app and volunteer guides bring shipboard life to you.
- Spacious Deck Views: Open-air decks offer 360° harbor panoramas perfect for photos.
- Convenient Parking: On-site parking is free and close to the boarding area.
Challenges:
- Limited Shade: Much of the tour is outdoors; bring sun protection on sunny days.
- Narrow Passageways: Interior ladders and corridors can be tight; wear comfortable shoes.
What is Battleship USS Iowa Museum?
- A floating naval museum occupying the decommissioned USS Iowa (BB-61) battleship
- The lead ship of the Iowa class, commissioned in 1943 and active in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War
- A moored landmark in the Port of Los Angeles at San Pedro showcasing original warship architecture, armament, and engineering
What is so special about Battleship USS Iowa Museum for couple trip?
- Couples can explore hidden ship areas together at their own pace
- Team up on the Vicky scavenger hunt for a playful challenge
- Join small-group engineering tours for insider stories
- Relax with panoramic harbor views and snacks at the fantail café
- Easy parking and downloadable audio guide simplify your visit
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Provides enough time to tour decks, cabins, and join an optional guided tour without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Self-Guided Tour of Decks and Bridge:
Walk through the main deck, gun turrets, and captain’s bridge at your own pace.
Tip: Start at the aft deck and use the audio app to skip lines.
Victory “Vicky” Scavenger Hunt:
Follow pawprints and solve puzzles inspired by the ship’s mascot.
Tip: Pick up the hunt map at the entrance to earn a small prize.
Engineering Guided Tour:
Descend into gun turrets and boiler rooms on a crew-led small-group tour.
Tip: Book online in advance; tours often sell out on weekends.
Snack at Vicky’s Doghouse Café:
Enjoy gourmet hot dogs and sandwiches with harbor views on the fantail deck.
Tip: Reserve a table late afternoon for sunset over the water.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- Arrive Early: Get there 30 minutes before opening to find close parking and quieter decks.
- Download Audio App: Install the USS Iowa audio guide on your phone before you arrive.
- Book Tours Online: Reserve engineering tour slots on the website to guarantee your spot.
Reviews of Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Grumpy Scot
Fascinating tours of an iconic warship. There are both self guided and guided tours. You can see most parts of the top decks, the lower decks are closed off. Its amazing how flat out HUGE these ships are. The 16in and 5in guns are still aboard as are the Harpoon and tomahawk missile launchers. a lot of the quarters and messdeck are kept operational because groups can camp there. Knowledgeabl...
Jimmer Wagner
Came here March 2025 on a Saturday when they were doing a tribute to police K-9s day. Pretty cool. The museum is quite amazing. Not only is the ship remarkable but also the exhibits and displays inside are fascinating. Right next to the cruise terminal and port facilities, which provided a nice backdrop for this big beauty. Well worth the hour to hour and a half we spent and the cost of admission....
Nicole Y.
We had an amazing time exploring the Battleship IOWA in Long Beach. The ship is massive and well-preserved, offering a fascinating look into naval history. The self-guided tour was easy to follow, with lots of informative signs and interactive displays. Standing on the deck and seeing the huge guns up close was incredible. The staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to a...
Marek Minecki
This was a lot of fun especially for the kids... we did the self guided tour and it took about 1.5 hours. It is a part of history that the kids only know about from books and seeing and touching the real thing really gives them a connection to the effort and sacrifice it all took. The place is well curated, maintained and the volunteers are very helpful...
John Van Horn
What an amazing piece of history. The staff were great, and helpful. We’re from Iowa, so it was fun for us to learn about this legacy of a ship. It was a self guided tour but very easy to guide around the ship. There are a lot of steep stairs. Well worth the time to take a detour to see this amazing piece of history.
When is the best time to visit Battleship USS Iowa Museum (Los Angeles, United States)?
Summer visits can be sunny and warm—bring sunscreen and water. Winter days are breezy—wear layers for open decks.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission (2 adults) | USD 55.12 |
| Engineering Guided Tour (2 adults) | USD 60 |
| Snacks at Vicky’s Doghouse Café (2) | USD 40 |
| Souvenir purchases | USD 30 |
| Total Estimated | USD 185.12 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Address: 250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731, USA
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About Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 310-971-4462Average price
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