battleship uss iowa bb-61

See how our sailors of World War II lived and protected our country. Yes, there are sailors who served on this ship who give the tours. Thanks to all our veterans who served to protect our freedoms.

my husband just loved this ship and the volunteers were informative and friendly. It was great to be able to walk around at own pace and enjoy the ships essence. Thank you for those men and women who served our country!

This ship is just amazing. No tour, just wander around, loved it. Note it would be difficult for anyone with knee problems, lots of stairs and one has to watch their steps everywhere. Totally worth a visit!

The ship is awesome and having the chance of being aboard one of the most famous and powerful battleships ever made is a privilege that I've been very glad to have.The tour is very well arranged and the yellow arrows make it quite easy to go through it. Also the volunteers aboard are VERY friendly and eager to answer all the questions. I had the opportunity to talk with an retired Sub Captain that server during WW2 and we had a very interesting conversation about sub tactics in both pacific and Atlantic theaters!There are also some very good descriptions about the key places on the ship and about the weapon systems around the ship.This is all very good and perhaps more than enough for the everyday visitor but as a battleship fan I felt like a more technical tour would be very nice to have.For instance, I would love to be inside one of the turrets close to the breech of the 16 inch guns, and to see all the mechanisms on the lower decks that were used to hoist the 2700lbs shells and powder bags. Also to see the actual ballistic mechanical computers that were used until the late 80s and were made in the 30s!Also at least a quick pass through one of the magazines and machine rooms would be awesome. These are an engineer marvel that not only the military history fans would appreciate.I don't know if this would be possible but if some day more parts of the ship are open to be explored I'll definitively be there on the 1st line!

This mighty battleship is a wonder and worth every effort. Just get on your bicycle and take the Metro to Long Beach about 45 mins south of Union Station. Follow directions to the Iowa and you are in for a treat. The way they have restored this iconic battleship is a dream for any seafaring WW2 purist.

Having never served in the Navy, touring this WW 2, was a great thrill. And there was FDR's Wheelchair !! The Iowa reeks of history.

We toured the ship with three children (ages 4-7), but it was equally great for adults. There must have been 20 volunteer guides to answer questions. It has a challenging game for kids where they have to identify ten places on the ship on a form. They were totally engulfed in that exercise and won prizes at the end. The self-guided tour took two hours and covered four decks and many rooms & guns. If you have a problem climbing ship ladders, that will be an issue. There were two short movies at the end showing the Iowa in WWII battles. You can order tickets online at small discount. The Princess cruise ship is at the same pier, so you may want to schedule a date where the ship in not in port as then it will be crowded.

This is a must visit for anyone that is a history buff or interested in seeing naval warships. The tour is self-paced but very well planned out as you are guided by signs/arrows throughout the ship. Almost every area is available to be explored and there is a lot of good information along the way from signs, retired vets and other guides/volunteers throughout the ship.

I served in the Navy 1965-1970 and this is the first time boarding a battleship. The volunteers on board were veterans and very informative and friendly. The tour is self guided. If you have any walking difficulties it may not be for you. Many up and down ladder/steps to see the entire ship. If you stay on the main deck it will be ok. Don't miss it.

While staying in the LA area, planned on touring this battleship. I always throw history into our vacations. This was well worth the time and money. Our two kids, ages 17 and 14 even found it interesting. Even though it's a self guided tour, the officers on board were very helpful in answering questions we may have had.

I like ships so im a bit biased but a battleship is different and something rare to be savoured as part of history cos these type of ships will never be built again

We spent a approx. 1.5 hours touring around the ship. I think it was great to take the family too, and the yellow arrows make it easy to make it through the whole ship. Helpful guides along the way, gave great information about the ship.

Try to bring grandparents or older adults or history buffs with you -- it will make the experience more rewarding. That being said, the docents are well-informed and love to talk about their experiences. The word "awesome" is overused, but this ship truly is.

I have been to this amazing ship several times. To call the group that provides the tours and keeps this piece of history in shape passionate is an understatement. The knowledge and quality/condition of the ship is second to none. A great stop all around. One of the best qualities that they do everything to keep the ship unmodified as possible. So there are some steep stairs to keep in mind.

I visited there today. This is an amazing battleship which has so much historical nature of it. If you love ship and are interested in NAVY, you definitely should visit this ship.