Rare Chance: Spend the Night on the USS Iowa

Join a "sleepover excursion" with the LA chapter of Atlas Obscura.

FAMOUS DESTINATIONS... that offer the occasional sleepover opportunity? They definitely exist, with many aquariums and museums occasionally offering offbeat overnights, complete with educational seminars and fun dinners (and breakfasts). But finding a place of historical importance, one with stories aplenty, is rather harder to find, as is finding a place that's rarely stayed in one place for long. The USS Iowa, sometimes called "Battleship of Presidents," was on the move for much of its existence, serving in World War II in addition to the Korean War (as well as the Cold War as well). It's now at home in San Pedro, where tours and special events, such as Independence Day and Veterans Day, round out its bustling calendar. Quirky happenings also pop up, from time to time, such as when the ship's barbershop returned for a single day. Now Atlas Obscura, those urban explorers of history and meaning, is hosting an...

OVERNIGHT ON THE USS IOWA: No doubt about it: This is not an everyday occurrence, or even every week or every year. The sleepover is on Saturday, April 1, a deep-dive tour is in the works, and a "hot breakfast" is part of the $125 (plus a fee) ticket, as is dinner. Note that you won't be out on the ocean, for the USS Iowa is now permanently home in San Pedro. And note that you'll encounter "several flights of narrow, steep stairs" while visiting the battleship. There are a number of crucial must-knows, as you might imagine, so study up on everything (such as the asterisk that kids must be 16 or over and with an adult). Even if you've taken a fantastic tour of the USS Iowa, and there are many, think how sleeping on the ship might add layers to your experience of it. Reservations are definitely limited, so check it all out, and book if you're interested, now.

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