battleship tours mobile alabama

Visiting the USS Alabama Battleship in Mobile, AL

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Until we visited the USS Alabama in Mobile, I had never been on a battleship before. And to be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to be all the interested in it. But on our way to Dauphin Island for Spring Break, we decided to make an afternoon stop at the USS Alabama, and I enjoyed it so much more than I expected. From marveling at the sheer giganticness of the ship and the close quarters men had to live in, to seeing planes and the submarine, we really had a great time!

If you are looking for things to do in Mobile, AL, visiting the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a great option! Even if you have minimal interest in military-related things, there are still so many interesting things to see here, and it’s a really great family friendly activity in Mobile.

So here’s everything you need to know about visiting the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park — from what you can see to a few tips for your trip.

Where is the USS Alabama?

The USS Alabama is located in Mobile, Alabama at 2703 Battleship Parkway. This is just east of downtown Mobile in Mobile Bay, making this battleship easy to get to. It’s also easy to see if you are crossing the bay on I-10, so you’ll definitely know where you are going!

And it’s not just the battleship! Really this is an entire complex, with the battleship being the main attraction.

USS Alabama Cost and Hours

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is open daily (except for Christmas) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last admission tickets being sold at 4:00 p.m.

General admission is $15 for adults and $6 for kids ages 6-11.

Check the USS Alabama website before you go of course, for possible updated hours or admission prices. (I certainly wouldn’t want to mislead you here if something changes and we don’t realize it!)

What to See at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park doesn’t just have the battleship — there are all kinds of other military vehicles and historical items to see, from a submarine (my favorite!) to airplanes to tanks.

When you are visiting the USS Alabama, you can plan to spend anywhere from two to four hours there, depending on your level of interest. We spent a little less than two hours touring, and definitely could have spent more time. There were huge chunks of the battleship we didn’t even get to! But we were there pretty close to closing time and needed to move a little more quickly than we might have otherwise. (Plus, in all honesty, our kiddo was ready to move on after what had already been a full day on the road; and if you have kids, you know how that goes!)

USS Alabama

The USS Alabama battleship is obviously the main attraction here. “Mighty A” (a nickname for the USS Alabama) began as a WWII battleship, and was an essential part of the Pacific theater. In 1962, it was announced the USS Alabama would be scrapped, but Alabamians worked to instead install it as the centerpiece of a Veterans Memorial Park, which is where it is now.

Tours at the USS Alabama are self-guided, and there are three routes you can follow: Yellow, Green, and Red.

The Yellow Tour will take you through the main exhibits, officer’s quarters, and the outdoor gun turrets.

The Red Tour will focus a lot on the every day work of the crew, including the bakery, carpenter’s shop, barber shop, clothing stores and more.

The Green Tour focuses more on the military operations of the ship, including offices, the radio room, and the engine room as well as the sick bay.

You can do all three tours or just pick one depending on how much time you have.

The USS Drum is a submarine located in the park, and it’s actually the oldest US submarine on public display. Like the USS Alabama, the USS Drum was an important player in WWII.

The USS Drum is significantly smaller than the USS Alabama, so there is only one long hallway to follow. You’ll see torpedoes, the kitchens, quarters, offices…basically everything it took to keep the submarine running.

I found the submarine so fascinating! And considering how tight the quarters were, it’s crazy to think about large groups of full-grown men living there full time.

One thing to note: the USS Drum was definitely on the warm and stuffy side, so if you visit in warmer weather be prepared.

Aircraft Pavilion

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park also has a big collection of wartime aircraft and other vehicles. A good number of them are housed inside, in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion.

The collection includes WWII planes, planes flown by the Tuskegee Airmen, a restored Marine One, and an interesting spy plane. They really are so fascinating, and I had no idea so many different kind of military planes existed with so many different designs. Plus, this is a great place to cool down from the heat.

Outside Artillery, Planes, and Memorials

The outside areas of the park are full of things to see, too (which also makes this a great area for kids to run around).

Outside you’ll find planes, tanks, artillery, and more ranging from WW11 to Vietnam and Desert Storm. There really are some absolutely amazing things out here — we especially enjoyed the planes — and there are plenty of places for good photo ops (like standing underneath the airplane wings).

There are also several memorials you can see outside, including a Korean War Memorial, a Vietnam War Memorial, and a Fallen Guardian Memorial.

Tips for Visiting the USS Alabama

Here are a few tips to make your visit to the USS Alabama battleship go a little smoother:

• Where comfortable shoes. You’ll likely be doing a good amount of walking, so be prepared.
• Be prepared for stairs. If you want to go down into the ship, there are steep ladder-like stairs that must be climbed. There are good handrails, and even children will likely be able to do these with the help of a parent, but be prepared. Those with limited mobility, may be limited in what they can see. But there is always the top deck that is accessible for almost everyone (and there’s lots to see just there!)
• Wear seasonally appropriate clothing, especially in the summer. The ship, and especially the submarine, can get stuffy and warm.
• If you are traveling with your pet, they actually have on-site kennels that are free of charge where your pet can stay while you visit. A $10 deposit is required for the lock and key, but you will be refunded when you return them.

It you are traveling through Mobile, we definitely recommend visiting the USS Alabama Battleship. Whether you love military history or feel pretty lukewarm about (which, let’s be honest, is where I am), it is still such an interesting site. The scale of the ship and several of the other wartime vehicles is stunning, plus you get some great views of Mobile Bay. It’s definitely worth a stop!

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Set alongside Mobile Bay, the 175-acre Battleship Memorial Park lets you discover history that spans more than seven decades from World War II to Desert Storm. The Park is completely self-supported and serves as a memorial to all men and women, past and present, who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.

The highlight of the Park is the famed World War II Battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60) which was commissioned in 1942 and served 37 months in action. The USS ALABAMA has a length of 680 feet and when fully loaded weighed in excess of 40,000 tons. The battleship's armament includes nine (9) 16"/45 caliber guns (contained in 3 separate turrets), twenty (20) 5"/38 caliber guns (10 mounts), forty-eight (48) 40mm guns (12 mounts) and fifty-two (52) 20mm guns. During service, each of the 16" guns could deliver a 2,700-pound shell up to 21 miles, and still hit a dime, and could unload 58,000 pounds of ammunition a minute.

The average USS ALABAMA crew was comprised of over 120 Officers and more than 2,200 Enlisted Men, of which 140 men manned each of the big gun turrets. During its 4-½ years of active duty, a total of 6,200 men served aboard the warship and only five of the highly trained crewmen lost their lives in combat situations, none to enemy fire.

Another key feature of the Park is the submarine USS DRUM (SS-228) which was launched in 1941. The USS DRUM is 311 feet in length and could dive to 400 feet when necessary. The average crew consisted of 7 Officers and 65 Enlisted Men. It's armament, which varied during World War II, includes one (1) 5"/25 caliber gun, one (1) 40mm single mount gun, one (1) 20mm twin mount gun and ten (10) 21" torpedo tubes (6 forward, 4 aft), fourteen (14) reloads, and a total of 24 torpedoes. The USS DRUM sank 15 enemy ships, ranking it eighth among all American submarines.

In 1964, the USS ALABAMA was brought home to rest in Mobile Bay and was subsequently moored in a specially constructed facility. The first 75 acres of the Park were created from the channel that was dug in order to get the ship into the Bay. The submarine was later added to the Park and opened to the public on July 4, 1969.

Subsequent additions to the Park include a collection of various aircraft from World War II (some Pre-WWII), the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War. Among these are a B-52D Stratofortress and an A-12 Blackbird. Other military equipment included are an M4 Sherman Tank, an M26 Pershing Tank and a variety of other military vehicles and weaponry.

• Things to Do

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

The public is invited to tour the grounds and monuments, utilize the picnic area, fish from the fishing pier, and enjoy the bird observatory. The Gift Shop is open for retail sales. The Galley, our snack bar, is temporarily closed.

From the WWII Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 30 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well at Mobile’s USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park.

Spend less and do more by purchasing an All-in-One ticket. It’s your pass to experience a selection of the best attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, all on one money-saving ticket. Choose between 1-day , 2-day , and 5-day passes. 

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USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

Explore the mighty WWII battleship USS ALABAMA, winner of nine battle stars, and the submarine USS DRUM, both are National Historic Landmarks Our aircraft pavilion is filled with over 30 historic planes and military vehicles including the Mach 3 A-12 Blackbird supersecret spy plane and newly restored B-25 Mitchell Bomber and Grumman Goose Mk II . Our Galley is open with a full menu changing weekly. We also have a gift shop, kennels for pets, picnic tables and a fishing pier. 

Getting There

• 2703 Battleship Parkway
• Mobile, AL 36602

Where to Stay

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Find the sweetest Alabama vacation spot perfectly suited just for you. Customize your next Alabama vacation by the type of experience you are looking for, then filter by the region of Alabama you want to visit. Don't know what your Alabama destination should be? Let our interactive location map be your guide. Now, where is your next Alabama Sweet Spot?

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USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

• 2703 Battleship Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36602
• (251) 433-2703
• Toll-free: (800) 426-4929

Visit USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park and you will take a step back in time, embarking on an incredible journey into America's military past. Each step brings you closer to understanding how our veterans lived and worked. It's a unique experience never to be forgotten.

Easter Sunrise Service

Boat Show on the Bay

Kites Over Mobile

Kites Over Mobile 2024

Living History Crew Drill

Please note there may be changes to the regular tour schedule    

View Schedule Changes

City of Mobile Trolley Tour

Hear our history, experience our culture, see our natural beauty, feel our soul, and enjoy the heart of our beautiful city.

Tours depart from two convenient locations

Visit Mobile Welcome Center

USS Alabama Battleship

Regular Tour Schedule

Tour Pricing

20 / Person

• Kids 12 and under are free
• For parties of 10 or more, please call our office for prices. Special pricing and times can be accommodated for your group.
• Reservations are not required

Route Highlights

Colonial Fort Condé

Church Street Cemetery

Callaghan's Irish Bar / Washington Square

Oakleigh Historic Complex

Carnival Museum

Gulf Quest / AL Cruise Terminal

Battle House Hotel

Richard's DAR House

African American Museum

Bienville Square

USS Alabama

Have questions?

Wheelchair lift available

(by request only).

We are dog friendly

Ask about our other available trips.

• BID HOTLINE: 251.327.SAFE

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

(251) 433-2703

See two naval vessels used in World War II: the USS Alabama battleship and the USS Drum submarine. The park also features retired military equipment used by every branch of the military.

Nearby Lodging

Nearby entertainment, nearby retail.

These are the last remaining US battleships, now serving as floating museums after modern warfare made them obsolete

• Touting large-caliber guns and torpedos, battleships carried intense firepower and heavy armor.
• With the advancement of military technology, the need for battleships dwindled.
• There are only eight US battleships still afloat, now converted into museum ships.

Having large, heavily armored warships was a tactical advantage in the 20th Century.

But as military technology and weaponry advanced, battleships became obsolete. Battleships were the apex of power in the era when gun battles dominated naval fights, and they still proved useful for decades in firing retrofitted missiles and hammering enemy coasts with guns. Each 16-inch gun could fire a round that weighed around 2,000 pounds.

Less than a dozen battleships are still afloat in the world — eight of which once belonged to the US Navy — now serving as museum ships honoring the historic battles they served in.

USS New Jersey

First launched in December 1942, USS New Jersey , an Iowa-class battleship, earned more battle stars than any other US battleship in history.

Nicknamed "Big J," the New Jersey served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, during which it was the only battleship to be reactivated.

The warship was decommissioned for the last time in 1991, entering the reserve fleet while the details of converting it into a museum ship were being ironed out. In 1999, Congress allowed Big J, under the management of nonprofit Home Port Alliance, to be turned into a museum ship.

Since 2000, Big J has been moored across the channel from USS Olympia, but the museum ship is back on the move for the first time in decades.

On March 20, the New Jersey was moved from its dock in Camden, New Jersey, heading for the Philadelphia Navy Yard for maintenance work.

First launched in May 1912, USS Texas was the oldest battleship afloat in the United States and the last surviving dreadnought in the world.

The New York-class battleship served in both World Wars, undergoing a major overhaul during the interwar period. It was fitted with 14-inch guns and could strike targets up to 13 miles away.

The Texas was decommissioned in 1947 and became the first permanent museum battleship in the US, owned by the people of Texas and administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In August 2022, the ship was towed to Gulf Copper Dry Dock and Rig Repair in Galveston, Texas, to undergo extensive repairs costing more than $20 million.

Earlier this month, the museum ship moved from the dry dock to a nearby wet berth , but more work on the ship's topside is still underway. The ship is set to reopen to the public by the end of next year, the Battleship Texas Foundation said.

USS Massachusetts

The sixth ship to bear the name of the state, USS Massachusetts was known for firing the first and last 16-inch shells of World War II. At 680 feet long, the warship was powered by four steam turbines, giving it a top speed of nearly 28 knots, and could carry three Kingfisher floatplanes.

First launched in September 1941, the South Dakota-class battleship, affectionately dubbed "Big Mamie" by its crew, was armed with nine 16-inch 45-caliber guns, 20 5-inch, 38-caliber dual-purpose guns, and an antiaircraft battery of Bofors guns and Oerlikon autocannon.

The Massachusetts made one of the longest-range gunfire hits against a moving enemy target at a range of 28,000 yards. During the Battle of Casablanca, Big Mamie fired at the French destroyer Milan serving with the naval forces of Vichy — the government that collaborated with Nazi Germany after France's fall — which was fighting to defend French territory near north Africa.

The ship was decommissioned in 1947 and stripped of 5,000 tons of equipment to be used for other naval vessels. At the request of Massachusetts citizens, Big Mamie was donated to the state in 1965 instead of heading to a scrapyard.

Located in Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts, the warship is considered the most unaltered battleship in the world.

USS Alabama

USS Alabama, a South Dakota-class battleship, was launched in 1942 after the US entered World War II. At the height of WWII, the 680-foot warship had a crew of 2,500 members and was the only American ship to be honored by the Soviet Union.

The Alabama's active service was short-lived after the US Navy found it had a surplus of ships following the end of the war, and it entered the Navy's reserve fleet just five years after launching.

Twenty years later, the vessel was struck from the roster in 1962 and destined for the scrapyard until Alabama residents began a campaign to save the ship. The battleship was awarded to the state and preserved by the nonprofit organization, the USS Alabama Battleship Foundation. The ship is permanently moored in Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.

USS Wisconsin

USS Wisconsin , an Iowa-class battleship, was the second-to-last battleship built by the US and the last battleship to ever fire in combat.

Called "the Wisky" by its crew, the warship served in the Pacific during World War II, later spending a year as a training ship after Japan formally surrendered. It was one of the first ships to be reactivated for the Korean War.

In 1958, the Wisky reentered the reserves for three decades before being recommissioned to participate in the Persian Gulf War. As part of Reagan's naval initiative, the ship was refitted with Tomahawk cruise missiles and drone-based technology.

It was officially decommissioned in 1991 but was chosen to remain battle-ready for emergency situations. In 2006, the Wisky was determined to be too old to modernize and is now permanently moored as a museum battleship in Norfolk, Virginia, which officially owns the vessel since 2010.

USS Missouri

Commissioned in 1944, USS Missouri , nicknamed "Mighty Mo," was the last — and the largest — battleship built for the US Navy.

Might Mo survived the downsizing of the Navy's fleet in the late 1940s, remaining in active service as the only commissioned battleship from 1947 to 1950 at the order of President Harry S. Truman.

In 1955, the Missouri entered the "mothball fleet" and was moored in the naval yard in Bremerton, Washington, open to the public until being reactivated with the rest of the Iowa class in the 1980s.

It was finally decommissioned in 1992 and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association. The ship was towed to Pearl Harbor in 1998, moored less than 500 yards behind the sunken battleship, USS Arizona.

USS North Carolina

The lead ship in its class, USS North Carolina was the first battleship built by the US in nearly two decades — and one of the last battleships ever created.

First launching on June 13, 1940, it was the newest battleship in the US Navy by the time the US entered World War II. The ship measured 728 feet. Its sleek design at the time gave the North Carolina an edge over dreadnought-era warships, making it faster and more maneuverable, reaching speeds of 28 knots.

The North Carolina was fitted with 29 large-caliber guns and several 40 mm and 20 mm antiaircraft guns.

In the 1960s, the ship was placed on the chopping block after the Navy decided only to keep Iowa-class ships in its fleet. The North Carolina was donated to the state and towed to its final resting spot on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, North Carolina, where it remains open to the public.

USS Iowa, the lead ship in its class , was the last battleship to leave the US Navy. First launched in 1943, the 887-foot battleship was one of four battleships built by the US and was the longest-serving battleship in the Navy's history.

After World War II, the Iowa was briefly decommissioned and added to the reserve fleet before being reactivated during the Korean War. Following the end of the war, the ship reentered the reserves for 24 years.

In the 1980s, the ship was selected for an extensive refitting under President Ronald Reagan's Naval Expansion Initiative. The vessel's antiaircraft guns and secondary batteries were removed and refitted with ballistic missiles.

But in 1989, a massive explosion occurred inside one of the Iowa's turrets, killing 47 crewmen and severely damaging the ship. The blast led to its final decommissioning in 1990.

The ship was officially struck from the roster in 2006, remaining in cold layup until it was donated as a museum ship in 2011. The Iowa left the Navy in 2012. Now operated by the nonprofit, Pacific Battleship Center, the vessel is permanently moored at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California.

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