
USS Turner Joy
Explore a historic Vietnam War destroyer, the USS Turner Joy, offering an immersive journey into naval life and history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more exploration

USS Turner Joy
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic Vietnam War destroyer, the USS Turner Joy, offering an immersive journey into naval life and history.
"An immense and majestic ship, a brilliant testament to naval history and artistry."

👟 Watch your step!
Steep, narrow stairs and tight spaces mean this tour isn't for everyone. Be mindful of mobility.
⏳ Allow ample time
While an hour is quick, give yourself a full day to truly absorb everything.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Weapons Director Control
Bridge
Kids love this interactive station, offering a glimpse into the ship's command center. A hands-on experience that brings history to life.

Vietnam War History
Throughout the ship
Explore the decks of a destroyer that played a key role in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Understand its significance in escalating U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Ship's Scale and Artistry
Engine Room, Crew Quarters
Experience the immense scale of this naval colossus, a floating city. Appreciate the engineering and artistry that went into its construction.

Gift Shop Treasures
Near the entrance
Find unique naval history mementos and gifts. Reasonably priced and comprehensive, perfect for finding something special for history enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Decks
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Watch your step!
Steep, narrow stairs and tight spaces mean this tour isn't for everyone. Be mindful of mobility.
⏳ Allow ample time
While an hour is quick, give yourself a full day to truly absorb everything.
❓ Ask the docents
Knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and enrich your visit.
🎁 Great gift shop finds
Perfect for naval history buffs, with reasonably priced and unique mementos.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Watch your step!
Steep, narrow stairs and tight spaces mean this tour isn't for everyone. Be mindful of mobility.
⏳ Allow ample time
While an hour is quick, give yourself a full day to truly absorb everything.
❓ Ask the docents
Knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and enrich your visit.
🎁 Great gift shop finds
Perfect for naval history buffs, with reasonably priced and unique mementos.
☔ Perfect rainy day activity
An engaging indoor option when the weather isn't cooperating.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the USS Turner Joy for its immersive self-guided tours and the wealth of historical information available. The ship's scale and the dedication of the staff are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some note that the tight spaces and steep stairs can be a challenge for those with mobility issues.
"I thought the self guided tour was great. There are docents available to answer any questions. The displays were helpful and much of the ship was open to tour."
Jim
"An immense and majestic ship. Sadly, the Missouri is no longer here, as many people in Bremerton complained about 30 years ago, when it moved back to Hawaii, but this is nonetheless a brilliant ship to have here, attachment to the legacy of the United States Navy and the sheer artistry of building a grand colossus for the water. Spend enough time here to get a sense of scale. It is obvious without needing to be stated on a ship like this is big, but only by truly exploring it does one get a sense of how immense it truly is, how it operates like a little city, a beacon of movement and life amidst the vast dark seas. I also greatly appreciate the gift shop, which is reasonably priced and quite comprehensive. I always have trouble buying the right gifts for my dad, but I found the perfect Father's Day mementos for him here, as he adores naval history and is the one who first got me interested in the power and the beauty of ships like this."
Joshua Fagan
"Such a nice ship and easy to self tour. The employees on the ship are great and have so much information to share. Highly recommend."
Melonie Thompson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The USS Turner Joy is located on the Bremerton waterfront, easily accessible from Seattle via a scenic ferry ride. Many visitors find this ferry trip a quintessential part of their Seattle day trip. Parking is generally available near the ship.
Yes, the Bremerton ferry terminal is located just feet from the USS Turner Joy, making it very accessible for those traveling from Seattle or other areas served by public transit.
Taking the ferry from Seattle is a popular and enjoyable option for a day trip to Bremerton and the USS Turner Joy. It offers great views and a unique travel experience.
Parking is generally available near the ship, but it's always a good idea to check local parking regulations or consider public transport options, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Absolutely! Many visitors combine their trip to the USS Turner Joy with exploring the Bremerton waterfront or taking a tour of the Port of Poulsbo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's always best to check the official USS Turner Joy website for the most current admission fees. Groupon deals have been available in the past, making it a cost-effective visit.
While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Checking their website or calling ahead is advisable.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official USS Turner Joy website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Keep an eye out for potential discounts like those offered on Groupon. Special event days might also have unique pricing or packages.
Refund policies typically depend on the ticket vendor and the specific terms and conditions at the time of purchase. It's best to review these details when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The USS Turner Joy offers a self-guided tour, which many visitors find great and thorough. Docents are available throughout the ship to answer questions and provide additional information.
A self-guided tour can take about an hour, but some visitors suggest dedicating an entire day to fully explore all the displays, stories, and instruments.
The ship has tight spaces and steep, narrow stairs, making it challenging for individuals with mobility issues, bad knees, or backs. It's not considered highly accessible for those with significant physical limitations.
You can explore much of the ship, including crew quarters, the weapons director control, and various exhibits featuring knot artwork, stories, and letters. It's a hands-on, educational experience.
While self-guided tours are the primary option, knowledgeable guides are often available to enhance your experience and answer questions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed on the USS Turner Joy, allowing you to capture the impressive naval architecture and historical exhibits. Be sure to check for any specific restrictions in certain areas.
The bridge, the weapons director control, and the exterior shots of the destroyer against the waterfront backdrop are popular for photography. The sheer scale of the ship also makes for dramatic shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted around historical sites and naval vessels. It's essential to check with the USS Turner Joy administration and local aviation regulations before attempting any drone photography.
While not always explicitly stated, it's good practice to avoid using flash photography in enclosed historical spaces to protect delicate exhibits and for the comfort of other visitors. Check for signage on board.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the ship's impressive scale and interior spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
⚓ History Buffs & Naval Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Naval History
Visitors can explore the ship through a self-guided tour, which many find to be comprehensive and informative. Docents are stationed throughout the vessel, ready to share their knowledge and answer questions, enriching the historical context of the exhibits. The ship itself is a testament to naval engineering, designed to be a powerful and resilient warship. Walking its decks provides a unique perspective on the daily lives of sailors and the operational capabilities of such a vessel.
While the Missouri is no longer docked here, the USS Turner Joy remains a brilliant ship to have in Bremerton, embodying the legacy of the United States Navy. The sheer artistry of building such a grand colossus for the water is evident as you explore. It's a place where you can truly get a sense of scale and understand how a ship like this operates like a little city, a beacon of movement and life amidst the vast, dark seas.
Navigating the Ship: Accessibility and Experience
This means the tour may not be suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues, bad knees, or back problems. The experience is best suited for those who are comfortable navigating such environments. Despite these challenges, the ship is described as one of the most accessible they've ever been on by some visitors, highlighting that the accessibility is relative to other historical naval vessels. The weapons director control is often cited as a favorite spot, especially for children, offering an interactive element.
Beyond the physical navigation, the educational aspect is a major draw. Displays of knot artwork, personal stories, letters, and detailed instrument studies provide a deep dive into naval life and history. The gift shop is also a highlight, offering reasonably priced and comprehensive mementos for naval history enthusiasts.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit