Battleship USS Iowa Museum (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Battleship USS Iowa Museum?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: A solo adult can roam freely with the audio app, join small-group engineering tours, and speak to veteran docents; only steep ladders require normal caution and fitness.
![[13] Battleship Iowa (BB-61) Museum Day Trip](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p3voT3X2lJg/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Flexible pacing: Self-guided routes let you spend extra time at displays you find most engaging.
- Insider stories: Volunteer crew share first-hand accounts at various stations.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Open decks offer little cover; bring sun protection on sunny days.
- Narrow passages: Tight ladders and doorways may be challenging if you carry a backpack.
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 solo trip?
- Explore the USS Iowa at your own pace with a free audio guide.
- Join small-group tours to see engine rooms and gun turrets.
- Talk with veteran volunteers for personal naval history stories.
- Enjoy café snacks with waterfront views on the fantail.
- Save $2 on admission using the Metro Silver Line discount.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: 2-3 hours lets you cover main decks, audio app, and a guided add-on without rushing
Solo-Friendly Activities in Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Self-Guided Audio Tour:
Download the free USS Iowa app to hear stories at each station.
Tip: Bring headphones; start at the bow then loop around clockwise to avoid backtracking.
Engineering Guided Tour:
Join a small-group tour into gun turrets and engine rooms with veteran volunteers.
Tip: Book online and arrive 15 minutes early to secure your spot.
Volunteer Q&A:
Chat with retired crew walking the decks for real service stories.
Tip: Approach them on the main deck near the bridge for one-on-one conversations.
Vicky’s Doghouse Café Solo Snack:
Grab a coffee or sandwich with harbor views on the fantail.
Tip: Order early to avoid the midday queue and take window seating.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- Buy tickets online: Secure admission and guided tour spots in advance to avoid on-site lines.
- Use audio app offline: Download the USS Iowa app before arriving to skip registration waits.
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)?
Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. During Fleet Week, book the IOWA Express pass early. In summer, wear sun protection on the open decks.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission ticket | USD 27.56 |
| Metro Silver Line fare | USD 2 |
| Engineering tour | USD 25 |
| Café snack | USD 10 |
| Total Estimated | USD 64.56 |
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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