Planning Your Visit to the USS New Jersey Battleship Museum
If you are exploring Philadelphia and want to add a unique piece of American history to your trip, plan a visit to the USS New Jersey (BB-62). This legendary battleship is docked on the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey, just across the Delaware River from downtown Philadelphia. It is the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history and now serves as a floating museum where families, history buffs, and curious travelers can step aboard and experience life at sea.
I enjoyed exploring the battleship on a guided tour and learning about the areas of the ship and the position responsibilities of the crew. Touring the USS New Jersey is a must-do activity when visiting the City of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia).
Buying Tickets for the USS New Jersey
The easiest way to secure your spot is to purchase tickets online through the official Battleship New Jersey website. Buying in advance saves time and ensures you can board on your preferred day. General admission includes information for a self-guided tour that you can take at your own pace.
I recommend booking the popular guided Fire Power Tour, which takes you through multiple decks of the ship. This particular 90-minute tour begins at noon (12 p.m.) daily. Other guided tours are also available daily and provide extra insight into the ship’s history and operations.
If you’re planning to explore other sites in Philadelphia, consider buying a Philadelphia CityPASS. Battleship New Jersey is included, along with other popular sites like Adventure Aquarium, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Zoo, National Constitution Center, Museum of the American Revolution, and several others.
Tickets are also sold at the Visitor Center on site, but lines can be long during weekends and holidays. If you are traveling with a group, I encourage you to check for discounts and special packages.
How to Get to the Battleship
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is located on the Camden Waterfront, directly across from Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. There are a few ways to get there.
- By Car: Parking is available near the Visitor Center. If you are driving from Philadelphia, cross the Ben Franklin Bridge and follow signs to the Camden Waterfront.
- By Rideshare: Grab an UBER or Lyft to drive you right to the drop-off point for the battleship. That worked great for me.
- By Public Transit: From Philadelphia, you can take the PATCO Speedline to Camden and then walk or take a short ride-share to the battleship.
- By RiverLink Ferry: During warmer months, the ferry runs between Penn’s Landing and Camden, dropping you off within walking distance of the ship. This is a scenic and fun way to arrive.
When you arrive, you’ll need to check in at the Visitor Center to show your tickets or purchase them. There are lockers available if you want to store any bags, since bags aren’t allowed on the ship. Those bags would make climbing the ladders and stairs more challenging, so I encourage you to leave them in the car or put them in a locker.
What You’ll See on Your Tour
Once aboard, you’ll quickly realize the scale of this 887-foot-long battleship. The self-guided tour covers five decks above and two decks below. There are multiple ladders or steep stairways to climb, and some smaller doors to step through.
Highlights of the guided tour include:
- Massive 16-inch gun turrets that could fire shells weighing as much as a small car. Those shells could be fired up to 23 miles away.
- Captain’s and Admiral’s cabins, where top naval leaders lived and worked.
- Crew berthing areas, giving you a glimpse of daily life for sailors.
- Engineering spaces, where the ship’s powerful engines once roared.
- Interactive exhibits, including opportunities to climb ladders, explore narrow passageways, and even simulate firing weapons.
Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are stationed throughout the ship to answer questions and share stories. Families with kids will appreciate the hands-on displays and scavenger hunt options.
A Brief History of the USS New Jersey
The USS New Jersey (BB-62) is an Iowa-class battleship launched in 1942. She served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even during conflicts in the Middle East in the 1980s. Over her 48 years of active duty, she earned 19 battle and campaign stars, making her the most decorated battleship in U.S. history.
Nicknamed “Big J,” the ship was decommissioned in 1991 and later opened to the public as a museum. Today, she stands as both a memorial and an educational experience, honoring the men and women who served aboard.
Visiting the USS New Jersey Battleship Museum is more than just a tour. It is a chance to walk through living history, stand on the decks where sailors once served, and gain a deeper appreciation for America’s naval legacy. Whether you are in Philadelphia for a weekend getaway or planning a family trip through the Mid-Atlantic, the USS New Jersey is a must-see attraction.
The Details
Address: 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103
How long to spend: Plan on at least two hours, because after the guided tour, you’re free to wander on a self-guided tour.
Cost: Self-guided tours are $30 for Adults, $25 for Seniors and Children age 12 and under, and $20 for Veterans. The guided tour, which starts daily at noon, is $40 per adult, $35 for Veterans, Children age 12 and under, and Seniors. Consider a Philadelphia CityPASS if you plan to visit other museums in the city.
Hours: 10am to 5:30pm with last boarding at 4:00pm. Guided tours are available daily at 12pm.
Website: https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/
Phone: (866) 877-6262
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