The Battleship New Jersey has a long and storied history of maritime warfare. Launched on December 7, 1942, she took part in a total of 21 fierce battles over almost 50 years and is the most decorated battleship in America. Visitors eager to climb aboard this seasoned battleship and uncover her secrets will be delighted to take part in the Battleship New Jersey museum experience.
Battleship New Jersey Tours
When you make your way onto the massive vessel, prepare to be awed by the sheer size. At 887 feet long, she's almost as long as three full football fields – and yet she achieved a top speed of 33 knots (38 mph) when cruising along the choppy seas.
The Battleship New Jersey offers two tours for those interested in solely the battleship (the other tours include admission to nearby attractions like the Adventure Aquarium and other local decommissioned ships).
The Fire Power Tour
The Fire Power Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into American naval history. This 90-minute self-guided tour is a terrific opportunity for history buffs and military enthusiasts alike to wander along the navigational bridge, peek into the Wardroom, and peruse the berthing area of this astounding feat of military engineering. Examine the massive 16" gun turrets (which had the capacity to fire 2,700-pound shells to annihilate enemy ships 23 miles away) and other weapons systems, explore the Admiral and Captain's living quarters, and even take a photo sitting in the commander's chair! The Combat Engagement Center (CEC) is a tour highlight; it launched and tracked all weapons when the ship was in active duty. Visitors on the Fire Power Tour will get to see a short multimedia presentation of a tomahawk missile launch along with a C-Whiz defense gun shoot, and appreciate exhibits like "A Sailor's Life" and "New Jerseyans on the Big J."
The City at Sea Tour
If you're looking for a more in-depth tour that allows you to delve even further into the life of those stationed aboard the Battleship New Jersey, try the City at Sea Tour. Narrated by knowledgeable guides who explain the Battleship New Jersey's prominent role in several 20th-century wars, this 90-minute tour brings visitors into more crew-focused areas of the ship, such as the TV studio, dental and medical facilities, barbershop, brig, the post office, and more. Winding through snug companionways that link the lifestyle-focused areas, you'll feel like you're a real naval officer exploring the vessel in anticipation of an upcoming tour of duty.
Getting to the Battleship New Jersey
The location of the Battleship New Jersey was chosen out of both necessity and convenience (at 45,000 tons it's not easy to find a resting place for the "Black Dragon!") The Battleship New Jersey's berth is at the Camden Waterfront, which is easy to find and close to other local attractions like the Adventure Aquarium.
There's ample parking for the Battleship New Jersey, ranging from preferred spaces inside the gated Clinton Street lot (which are just steps from the ship itself) to the Waterfront Garage, which is three short blocks away.
Those interested in taking public transportation can use NJ Transit's River Line, the PATCO Hi-Speed Rail, or the seasonal Riverlink Ferry to get to the Battleship New Jersey.
Battleship New Jersey Tickets, Discounts, and Hours of Operation
Battleship New Jersey hours of operation are located on the official website. It's open every day save for major US holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Visitors can purchase full-price Battleship New Jersey tickets online through the official website, but savvy shoppers looking for Battleship New Jersey discount tickets should consider Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets. Not only will you get a substantial discount off Battleship New Jersey tickets, which include the Fire Power Tour, but you'll also save up to on Philly's top tourist attractions! Choose from fan favorites like the nearby Adventure Aquarium, the Philadelphia Zoo, National Constitution Center, and more. Whether you're a tourist with time to spare or a resident with a hankering to learn more about the local cultural gems this historic city has to offer, Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets are a great way to explore the city – for less!
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial offers a fascinating glimpse into naval warfare and the lives of the brave officers who called "Big J" home. It's an incredibly engaging way for visitors of all ages to learn about 20th-century maritime conflict, one that will surely evoke fond memories of the experience for years to come.
Explore the Battleship New Jersey Museum for Less With CityPASS® Tickets
With Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets, you can save up to on admission to such attractions in the City of Brotherly Love as the Philadelphia Zoo, the Barnes Foundation, and more. Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets also allow you to access discounts to Camden waterfront attractions, including Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey -- it's just a quick trip over the bridge! Get yours today and experience them for yourself!
Nearby Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Philadelphia, we recommend finding lodging near Philadelphia's top attractions like Battleship New Jersey. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
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