Los Angeles: Battleship IOWA Self-Guided Tour & Mobile App

Summary

Walk historic decks in LA hear veterans stories and watch ships

You’ll walk real steel decks where sailors once stood, listen to their voices through your phone as you look out over today’s bustling port, and maybe catch yourself imagining life aboard this massive ship. Includes self-guided entry, free award-winning mobile app content on your own device, and easy access for all ages.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped up onto the Battleship IOWA’s gangway just as a salty breeze came off the Port of Los Angeles — you could smell the tang of metal and sea. The ship’s gray sides looked almost blue in the morning light. There was a volunteer near the entrance, older guy named Mike, who nodded at us and said something about “walking in history.” I didn’t really know what to expect, but holding my phone with the app loaded up, we started wandering.

The decks felt solid underfoot, scuffed from decades of boots. You hear gulls overhead and somewhere below, a muffled clang. The mobile app played these old recordings — one was a sailor talking about sleeping under the big guns during WWII. It’s weirdly personal. At one point my friend tried to pronounce “Iowa” like a local (Ay-oh-wuh?) and this woman passing by grinned — “You’ll get it by the end.” We peeked over the railings to see giant cargo ships sliding past in the harbor, cranes moving like slow insects. It’s busy but there’s this quiet too, especially when you stand by those huge turrets and think about what they’ve seen.

I kept touching things — cold metal rails, rough paint on hatches — probably not supposed to but it made it feel more real somehow. There were families with strollers, some kids pretending to steer at the helm. The sun warmed up fast so we found shade near a plaque listing all the conflicts IOWA served in: WWII, Korea, Cold War. Made me pause longer than I thought I would. Sometimes you just stand there listening to old voices on your headphones and forget for a second that you’re right in downtown LA.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-guided Battleship IOWA tour

• Arrive at Battleship IOWA Museum
• Use mobile app for guided tour
• Walk the decks of the ship
• Hear veterans' stories from three eras
• Observe Port of Los Angeles operations

Top questions

Is Battleship IOWA wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Battleship IOWA is wheelchair accessible for visitors.

Does the tour include a guide or is it self-guided?

The tour is self-guided using an included free mobile app.

Are strollers or prams allowed onboard?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during your visit.

Can service animals come aboard Battleship IOWA?

Yes, service animals are allowed on Battleship IOWA.

Where is Battleship IOWA located?

Battleship IOWA is docked at the Port of Los Angeles.

What does the mobile app provide during the tour?

The free mobile app offers video, audio stories from veterans, and images for your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes general access admission to Battleship IOWA Museum at the Port of Los Angeles along with use of their award-winning free mobile app full of audio stories and images on your own device—no extra fees or special equipment needed.