SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship, Tampa

Step aboard the SS American Victory in downtown Tampa and you’ll find yourself immersed in living history – without needing a time machine. This 1945-built "Victory" class cargo ship served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War before being rescued from scrap and transformed into a museum ship in 1999.

Today, it remains one of only three operational Victory-class ships in the United States that visitors can still explore. A self-guided tour takes you across nine decks, from the cargo holds and crew cabins to the engine room and gun turrets, offering a vivid glimpse into how 1940s sailors lived and worked at sea. The ship is docked in the vibrant Channelside District, right behind The Florida Aquarium, making it easy to combine both attractions into a single outing.

Practical tips: wear sturdy shoes, as the ship’s steep ladders and metal stairs can be challenging, and bring water—some enclosed areas can get warm in Florida’s subtropical climate.

In short: the SS American Victory is a hands-on piece of maritime heritage – expect to climb, explore and imagine convoys in wartime seas. If you’re visiting Tampa and want something off the usual tourist track yet deeply rooted in story and substance, this is it.