Los Angeles Harbor Cruise & USS Iowa Museum Tour Options

Cruise the harbor or hunt for whales, then walk a historic battleship's decks

This Los Angeles tour bundles a narrated harbor or whale watching cruise departing from San Pedro with self-guided admission to the USS Iowa Museum. You choose between a 45-minute sightseeing cruise or a 2.5-hour whale watching adventure, then explore the battleship on your own schedule (same day or another) with access to the main galley, crew's mess hall and museum exhibits. Live guide narration, luggage storage and family-friendly timing make it flexible for all ages.

The experience

Start by picking your cruise: the 45-minute harbor tour takes in the working waterfront and iconic landmarks with live narration, or go for the 2.5-hour whale watching run if you want a deeper dive into what moves through these waters. Both depart from San Pedro on a comfortable vessel, and the guide talks you through what you're seeing. The timing is yours. Book the cruise for the morning or afternoon, and hit the USS Iowa whenever the museum is open, whether that's the same day or later.

The USS Iowa is the only battleship museum open to the public on the West Coast, and you walk it yourself. The self-guided route takes you through the main galley, the crew's mess hall and the museum on the second deck, where interactive exhibits tell the naval history. Because it's a historic ship, many areas below deck (narrow passageways, ladders, steep stairs), aren't accessible to wheelchairs or mobility devices, but the upper decks and main spaces are open. Luggage storage is available if you need it.

The whole experience runs about five hours from start to finish, though you control the pace. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the cruise and at the USS Iowa, so you're not locked into a set meal. If you're coming by public transit, transportation options run near San Pedro. If you're driving between the cruise and the museum, that's on you to arrange.

What’s included

• Your choice of a 45-minute narrated harbor cruise or a 2.5-hour whale watching adventure departing from San Pedro.
• general admission to the USS Iowa Museum with self-guided access to the main galley, crew's mess hall and museum exhibits.
• luggage storage at the USS Iowa if you need it.
• live guide narration on the cruise.

Options for this experience

2 options

Harbor Cruise plus USS IowaGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 11:30, the last at 18:1545-minute cruise plus USS Iowa: This option covers a 45-minute harbor breeze cruise of the bay and a general admission ticket to the battleship USS Iowa. USS Iowa: Visit USS Iowa at any time between 10 am and 4 pm.

Whale watching plus USS IowaGuide in English · 12:30, 15:00 and 17:30Whale watching plus USS Iowa: Includes a whale watching cruise and a general admission ticket to the USS Iowa. Visit the USS Iowa at any time between 10 am and 4 pm. Duration: 5 hours.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 11:30, the last at 18:15

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 200

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Harbor Breeze Cruises

Is this one for you?Pick the harbor cruise if you want a quick scenic overview of the waterfront and landmarks. Choose whale watching if you're willing to spend more time on the water and want the best chance at spotting marine life. Either way, the self-guided museum pace means you can spend as long as you want exploring the battleship, or come back another day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

Can I do the harbor cruise and USS Iowa on different days?

Yes. Your ticket to the USS Iowa Museum is valid during opening hours, so you can take the cruise one day and explore the battleship another. The timing is entirely flexible.

What's the difference between the 45-minute harbor cruise and the 2.5-hour whale watching option?

The harbor cruise is a shorter narrated tour of the working waterfront and local landmarks. The whale watching cruise is longer and focuses on spotting marine life and the ocean environment, with live guide commentary on both.

Is the USS Iowa accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

The upper decks and main spaces are accessible, but many below-deck sections, narrow passageways, ladders and steep stairs are not. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the accessible areas, and luggage storage is available if needed.

What's included in the price?

General admission to the USS Iowa Museum, self-guided exploration of the battleship with interactive exhibits, and your choice of either the 45-minute harbor cruise or the 2.5-hour whale watching cruise with live narration. Food, beverages and gratuities are not included.

Do I need to arrange transportation between the cruise and the USS Iowa?

Yes, you'll need to get from San Pedro (where the cruise departs) to the USS Iowa Museum yourself. Public transportation options are available nearby, or you can drive or take a taxi between the two locations.