Life of a Sailor Self-Guided Experience

New: Experience the Surface Navy’s Life of a Sailor (and Vicky)

Aboard Battleship IOWA — the Battleship of President

Step aboard the legendary Battleship USS Iowa and experience the new National Museum of the Surface Navy’s Life of a Sailor in one of America’s most iconic naval settings. Saved by civilians in 2012, Battleship IOWA continues to be maintained and preserved by a nonprofit organization so visitors can experience and enjoy the ship today.

Now open: Explore what life was like aboard a real Navy battleship through immersive exhibits, powerful stories, and hands-on experiences.

During your visit, you’ll:

Explore 7 decks of a battleship that served in three wars, hosted five U.S. Presidents, and was home to tens of thousands of sailors — and Vicky the dog.
Over 75 different exhibits and displays including the new immersive Surface Navy Museum exhibits.
Stand on the navigation and signal bridges where missions were directed.
Walk past massive 16-inch and 5-inch guns, Tomahawk missile systems, and historic ship spaces.
Step onto the Captain’s and Admiral’s verandas, crew living areas, and mess decks.
Hear real stories through videos, exhibits, and knowledgeable volunteers.
Go deeper with a guided tour for behind-the-scenes access.
For families, kids can follow Vicky the Dog on an interactive scavenger hunt that turns the ship into a fun, hands-on adventure.

This isn’t just a museum. It’s a 2–3 hour immersive experience aboard one of the most powerful battleships ever built, located along the LA Waterfront.

Perfect for families, visitors, veterans, history lovers, and anyone looking for something meaningful and memorable to do near Long Beach and Los Angeles.

📍 Approx. 2-hour experience
🎟️ Admission helps preserve the museum
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for all ages, top-rated LA attraction

Important Information

What's included?

Entry or admission fee
Wifi

Vicky's Scavenger Hunt
Self-Guided Life of a Sailor Experience
Brochures Available

Exclusions

Parking fees
Food and drinks

Please Note

Limited mobility accessible
Stroller or pram accessible
Wheelchair accessible

Battleship IOWA is a real Navy ship with indoor and outdoor spaces, historic decks, passageways, exhibits, and shipboard areas to explore. Some areas include steep stairs, also known aboard ship as ladders, narrow passageways, uneven surfaces, and outdoor decks. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. The main deck is wheelchair accessible, and chair lifts provide access to three decks when available.

Boarding ramps and gangways may be steep, especially during high tide. For safety, guests using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility devices are strongly encouraged to board under their own power when able and transfer to a wheelchair once on deck.

Because this is a historic ship, many spaces may not be accessible to all guests. Guests board and visit Battleship IOWA at their own risk and are responsible for determining whether they can safely board, move through the ship, and follow posted signs and crew instructions.. Recommend that infants are carried in a front facing infant carrier.