Naval Museum Ships To Visit this Memorial Day
Looking for Memorial Day plans? What better way to spend the holiday weekend than honoring those who have served our country? Here’s a roadmap to some of our favorite Naval Museum Ships across the US.
As gentle waves caress the sun-kissed shores and seagulls dance in the salty breeze, the anticipation in the air is palpable. It's that time of the year again when the boating season unfurls its playful sails across the nation, coinciding with the cherished arrival of Memorial Day. This year, Memorial Day lands on Mon, May 26, 2025, and while the holiday represents a great time to enjoy extra play and sunshine, it also gives us the space to honor those men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life.
From towering battleships to resilient aircraft carriers, these historic vessels now serve as living museums, carefully preserved across the country. Each ship tells a powerful story—not just of war, but of innovation, courage, and resilience. And what better way to honor the legacy of those who served than by stepping aboard a warship that helped shape our nation’s history? Here are some of the most storied U.S. Navy vessels you can visit this Memorial Day Weekend:
USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Commissioned: 1944 / Retired: 2006
One of the largest battleships ever built, the USS Wisconsin served in World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm. Visitors can walk her teak decks and stand on the bridge where officers once commanded missions across the globe. Her massive 16-inch guns remain a sight to behold, a powerful reminder of naval strength and strategy.
USS Arizona (BB-39)
Location: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Commissioned: 1916 / Decommissioned: 1941
Resting peacefully beneath the waters of Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona is a tomb for 1,177 sailors lost during the surprise attack on December 7, 1941. Accessible only by boat, the memorial spans the wreckage and offers a moving, contemplative space to pay respects. An eternal flame of memory, it stands as one of the most hallowed sites in U.S. military history.
USS Missouri (BB-63)
Location: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Commissioned: 1944 / Retired: 1995
Just a short walk from the Arizona lies the “Mighty Mo,” where history came full circle. It was aboard the USS Missouri that Japan formally surrendered in 1945, marking the end of World War II. The ship’s sheer size, storied past, and preserved interiors make her a must-see in Pearl Harbor’s powerful narrative.
USS Constitution
Location: Charlestown, Massachusetts
Launched: 1797
Affectionately known as Old Ironsides, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world. She earned her nickname when cannonballs reportedly bounced off her hull during the War of 1812. Visitors can tour the ship and the adjacent museum to learn about life at sea in the 18th and 19th centuries and the frigate’s ongoing role as a symbol of American resilience.
USS Lexington (CV-16)
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Commissioned: 1943 / Retired: 1991
Nicknamed “The Blue Ghost” for her uncanny ability to keep returning to battle despite being declared sunk multiple times, this Essex-class aircraft carrier now hosts a museum with restored flight decks, combat simulators, and historic exhibits. She also made history as the first aircraft carrier to include women in her crew.
USS Hornet (CV-12)
Location: San Francisco, California
Commissioned: 1943 / Retired: 1989
The Hornet played a vital role in World War II, surviving 59 enemy attacks without significant damage. Later, she recovered the astronauts from the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 missions, making her an enduring link between sea and space. Today, she offers both maritime and aerospace exhibits with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay.
USS Intrepid (CV-11)
Location: New York City, New York
Commissioned: 1943 / Retired: 1982
Now permanently docked on Manhattan’s west side, the Intrepid is a floating museum that brings together military and aviation history. Home to the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a British Airways Concorde, and dozens of aircraft, it’s a place where science, courage, and innovation come to life.
USS Monitor
Location: Newport News, Virginia
Commissioned: 1862 / Decommissioned: 1862
A Civil War-era marvel, the USS Monitor was the Union’s first ironclad warship, famous for its battle with the Confederate CSS Virginia. Though it sank shortly after entering service, its recovered turret and artifacts are now housed at The Mariners' Museum, offering rare insight into a turning point in naval engineering.
USS Yorktown (CV-10)
Location: Patriots Point, South Carolina
Commissioned: 1943 / Retired: 1973
Known for launching air raids that helped sink the Japanese battleship Yamato, the Yorktown is also remembered for her role in recovering Apollo spacecraft. Visitors can walk her vast hangar deck, explore interactive exhibits, and even sleep overnight aboard through special programs. The USS Yorktown was also featured in the 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora!
Memorial Day isn’t just about the past—it’s about how we carry history forward. These ships stand as reminders not only of wartime bravery but of human endurance, technical triumphs, and the cost of freedom. Whether you’re strolling the decks with family, attending a remembrance ceremony, or simply taking a moment to look out across the harbor, each visit offers a powerful connection to the stories that shaped our nation.
So whether you celebrate on land, sea, or ship, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and memorable Memorial Day Weekend in 2025.
Editor Note: This article was originally published in 2023, but rewritten and updated on May 19th, 2025.
