





Children's Museums
Battleship IOWA Museum
📍 250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About Battleship IOWA Museum
Navy warship with kid-friendly tours. Storied Navy warship offering kid-friendly tours (from the decks to the Captain’s Cabin) & exhibits. The USS IOWA battleship features an engine room that is only open to visitors on weekends, creating a special limited-access exhibit within the museum. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 8,569 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Battleship Museum
- Location
- Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro waterfront
- Best For
- All ages
- Main Attraction
- USS IOWA battleship with deck exploration and scavenger hunts
- Upcoming
- National Museum of the Surface Navy opening 2026
💡 Did You Know?
- The USS IOWA battleship features an engine room that is only open to visitors on weekends, creating a special limited-access exhibit within the museum
- The National Museum of the Surface Navy is launching in 2026 at the Battleship IOWA Museum, featuring hands-on exhibits and stories of life at sea
- The museum offers youth overnight encampment programs that allow visitors to sleep aboard the actual USS IOWA battleship
- LA Fleet Week occurs each Memorial Day weekend at the museum, featuring free public access to ship tours, live music, and military displays
- The USS IOWA has a documented service history including participation in Korean War operations, as evidenced by review mentions of Korean War history
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit on a weekday morning right at opening to avoid crowds and maximize your time. Reviewers specifically noted weekday visits allowed for a more relaxed experience and better interaction with docents throughout the ship.
- Plan for 2-3 hours minimum to explore the entire battleship from bow to stern. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for frequent steep steps, short ladders, and low ceilings in various compartments—watch your head and take your time navigating these tight spaces.
- The engine room is only open on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly if seeing this area is a priority. Different ticket options are available, so confirm what's included in your chosen ticket level.
- Bring kids aged 5+ and participate in the complimentary scavenger hunt game provided at the start of your tour. You receive a pencil and paper, and completed hunts earn small prizes at the gift shop—it enhances the educational experience and keeps children engaged throughout the tour.
- Watch the on-ship videos about the battleship's history and transformations over time. Docents are stationed throughout and are highly knowledgeable—engage with them to learn detailed information about how the ship operates and its historical significance that you won't get from self-guided exploration alone.
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section




