Highly recommend. Make sure you time it so that you can do the submarine tour as well. The cruiser will take about an hour and the submarine will take about 45 minutes. As a general note on the submarine you will need to be able to lift yourself up to go through some of the passageways but it wasn't claustrophobic or anything. Cruiser was easy to navigate and there is a ton of posted information in addition to guides to ask. Our submarine guide was extremely knowledgeable but also make sure to tell us if he didnt know the answer, which I appreciated. Definitely stop in.

My husband's ancestor was on the USS Olympia...so we had to check it out. Very cool cruiser. Self guided tour. Would recommend for a fun experience. Tickets also included a trip to the seaport museum. Very interesting, fun for all ages! The walk over was cool got to see the Hope fence. Would do again!

Great ship, submarine, & museum for those Naval enthusiasts as well as Spanish-American War thru WWII. I recommend giving yourself 3+ hours to visit all three. The museum is a 5 (or 10 with a meandering kid) minute walk up the pier from the Olympia. The pier looks like it has a lot of fun things in spring/summer.
Only negative was $25 for parking and it didn’t look like there were any other options nearby. So it was $91 total for just me & my son.

Step Into Naval History – A Must-See Experience at Independence Seaport Museum!

We visited the Independence Seaport Museum on July 13, 2025, and one of the highlights of our trip was touring the historic Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna. This was a truly memorable and educational experience for the whole family.

The Cruiser Olympia, once an active warship, is now beautifully preserved as a floating museum. Walking through its decks felt like stepping back in time — from the elegant officer quarters to the gritty engine room, every part of the ship tells a story. It’s incredible to see how this mighty vessel has been transformed into a living piece of history.

The Submarine Becuna offered a very different but equally fascinating glimpse into life under the sea. Tight quarters, detailed control panels, and torpedo rooms really gave us a feel for what it was like for the crew who served aboard during World War II. It’s interactive and engaging, especially for kids who love exploring and discovering new things.

Both vessels are well maintained and accompanied by informative displays and signage. The museum staff were helpful and knowledgeable, adding even more value to the experience.

If you’re in Philadelphia, make sure to add this to your bucket list. It’s a unique and hands-on way to learn about American naval history and perfect for visitors of all ages!

I have been here several times and it is a nice place to visit and recount history of the countries past. No rush to see everything. Exhibits are marked. So you can learn about the ship.