Unforgettable Day Trip to the USS Iowa Museum Battleship

The USS Iowa, a museum battleship, is located in San Pedro, California, at the Port of Los Angeles. Visitors can explore auditory and visual displays, interactive exhibits, and commemorative information to understand the battleship’s history and purpose better. The battleship is the main attraction at the National Museum of the Surface Navy. After decommissioning in October 1990, the USS Iowa found a new home at the Port of Los Angeles, California.

USS Iowa Tours

The USS Iowa welcomes the public for guided tours, special events such as reenactments, and educational programs. Visitors can explore almost every part of the ship, including the command center, top decks, and powder magazine rooms. Self-guided tours allow guests to wander through the seven decks of this huge ship. One of the main attractions is the massive 16-inch guns on the main deck. These guns could fire shells weighing up to 2700 pounds and hitting targets over 20 miles away.

Purchase Iowa Tickets: Save $3.00

Battleship USS Iowa History

The USS Iowa, launched in 1942 as the lead ship of the Iowa class of battleships, holds significant historical value. It was designed for speed and firepower played crucial roles in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. 1943, it transported President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Africa for the Casablanca Conference and saw action in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Despite being in service for only seven months during the Korean War, it fired more 16-inch and 5-inch rounds than during its two-plus years in World War II. This battleship is a living testament to the history it has witnessed and the impact it has made.

Getting to the USS Iowa

The Battleship USS Iowa, a major attraction, is conveniently located at the San Pedro waterfront in the Port of Los Angeles. It attracts thousands of visitors annually, who can also explore nearby attractions, such as the SS Lane Victory and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, within walking distance. The USS Iowa Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last guided tour ending at 4:00 p.m. It’s always a good idea to check the official website or contact the museum for the most up-to-date information. The address is Berth 87 in the Port of Los Angeles, making it easily accessible for all visitors.

Nearby Battleship Iowa Points of Interest

SS Lane Victory National Historic Landmark

The SS Lane Victory, a historic Victory-class cargo ship, played a crucial role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The SS Lane Victory is a museum ship at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California. It is a living monument to the service and sacrifices of all Merchant Marine sailors and Navy Armed Guardsmen. The ship is open to the public and offers a unique glimpse into these vessels’ history and role in various conflicts. For more information, visit the S.S. Lane Victory website.

Los Angeles Maritime Museum

The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is in the historic 1941 Municipal Ferry Terminal. During its heyday, from 1941-1963, the Municipal ferry system transported thousands of passengers to the local canneries, shipyards, and military bases on Terminal Island. The museum’s exhibits include a comprehensive display of San Pedro’s Fishing and Canning history, several large-scale ship models, and an Angels Gate tugboat. The museum location is 6th St Berthing, San Pedro, California. The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Website.

Go Hiking at Rancho Palos Verdes

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, remember to grab your hiking boots and discover over 1,600 acres of open space on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The area includes ten major preserves with rolling hills, steep canyons, and rocky outcrops, offering natural habitats and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island. Rancho Palos Verdes boasts numerous hiking trails, the Point Vicente Lighthouse, and the Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve, making it an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature.

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