Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, moored on the Camden waterfront of the Delaware River in New Jersey directly opposite Philadelphia, is the most decorated battleship in US Navy history. The USS New Jersey (BB-62) was commissioned in 1943 and served in four conflicts — World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Lebanon — earning 19 battle stars before decommissioning in 1991. The self-guided museum tour allows access to more than 100 exhibits spread across the ship's above-deck and below-deck spaces, including the turret room housing the ship's 16-inch guns capable of firing shells weighing up to 2,700 pounds, the combat engagement center, the captain's cabin, and communications rooms preserved in near-original condition. Ranger-led and volunteer-guided tours depart at scheduled intervals and provide deeper context on specific systems and battles. Unique overnight programs allow groups to sleep in the crew berthing spaces, and special access tours of restricted areas like the barbette and fire control rooms operate on select dates. The ship's 887-foot hull creates a dramatic riverside landmark visible from both the Camden and Philadelphia shores. A 90-minute self-guided tour covers the main visible decks; a guided tour takes 2–3 hours and reaches more spaces. The museum is open Thursday through Monday and tickets should be purchased in advance at battleshipnewjersey.org, especially for weekend visits. The PATCO Speedline from Philadelphia provides convenient rail access.
Good to know
- Hours
- Thu–Mon 9:30am–3pm (last tour); closed Tue–Wed
- Best time
- Year-round; weekday mornings for smaller groups
Location
100 Clinton St, Camden, NJ 08103
39.9406, -75.1234 View on map
Highlights
- USS New Jersey (BB-62): most decorated battleship in US Navy history, commissioned 1943
- 16-inch gun turret room with exhibits on the ship's primary armament system
- Below-decks access: captain's cabin, combat engagement center, and communications rooms
- 887-foot hull on the Delaware River, a dramatic landmark visible from the Philadelphia waterfront
- Overnight programs available for groups in original crew berthing spaces
Tips for visiting
- The museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday — visit Thursday through Monday only
- Buy tickets in advance at battleshipnewjersey.org; tours sell out during summer and holiday weekends
- Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes — the ship has steep ladders and metal deck grates throughout
- Arrive 30 minutes early to collect tickets and pick up the self-guided audio tour at the gangplank
- PATCO Speedline from Philadelphia (Walter Rand Transportation Center stop) is faster than driving on weekends
When to visit
Year-round; weekday mornings offer the quietest experience with smaller tour groups. Summer and fall weekends are busiest. Special events including fleet weeks, overnight programs, and holiday events are worth planning around but require advance booking.
Accessibility
The main gangplank and weather deck are accessible to wheelchairs. Many interior spaces involve steep ladders and low hatches that are not accessible to mobility-impaired visitors. An accessible tour route covering major above-deck exhibits is available; ask at the ticket desk for the accessibility map.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Battleship New Jersey take?
A self-guided tour of the main exhibits takes 1.5–2 hours. A ranger-guided tour covers more spaces and takes 2.5–3 hours. Special access tours of restricted areas add additional time.
Is Battleship New Jersey good for children?
Yes. The scale of the ship, the gun turrets, and the hands-on exhibits in the combat engagement center are highly engaging for children. Some below-deck spaces involve steep ladders that may challenge very young children.
Is photography allowed on Battleship New Jersey?
Yes, personal photography is permitted throughout the museum including the gun turrets and below-deck spaces. Flash photography may be restricted in specific exhibit areas.