The USCGC Ingham is the most decorated cutter in U.S. Coast Guard history, permanently docked at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West, Florida, as a National Historic Landmark.
This guide was updated in August 2026. In 2026, the Ingham is marking its 90th anniversary, with a special sunset celebration event. Worth knowing before you book: the museum’s own site charges $20 for adult admission, and explicitly notes that third-party ticket sites often charge more — some list it closer to $23. You can still book your admission ticket in advance through Viator if you’d rather have it sorted ahead of time.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Truman Waterfront Park, end of Southard St, Key West, FL 33040 |
| Hours | Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm |
| Closed | Sundays and Mondays |
| Adult admission (13+), booked directly | $20.00 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Nearest transport | Walkable from downtown Key West and the cruise terminals |
| Typical visit duration | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
Why book USCGC Ingham tickets?
- 🏛️ The most decorated cutter in Coast Guard history: The only one ever awarded two Presidential Unit Citations.
- 🎟️ Celebrating 90 years in 2026: Built in 1936, the Ingham is marking its 90th anniversary with a special sunset event.
- 🌿 One of only two survivors of its class: A rare preserved Treasury-class Coast Guard cutter.
- 📜 A National Memorial: The ship honours 912 Coast Guardsmen killed in action during WWII and Vietnam.
- 💰 Book direct for the best price: The museum’s own site warns that third-party sellers often charge more than its $20 rate.
USCGC Ingham opening hours
The ship is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Plan to arrive by 3:30pm, since the self-guided tour takes at least half an hour. On Fridays, the Ingham also hosts a Sunset Happy Hour, beginning an hour before sunset — kids and pets are admitted free during this event.
USCGC Ingham ticket prices
These are the rates when booking directly at the ship or through the museum’s own website; third-party resellers, including some booking platforms, may charge more.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Adult (13+) | $20.00 |
| Child (7–12) | $5.00 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Active Duty U.S. Military (member only, valid ID) | $5.00 |
| Veterans | $10.00 |
| Seniors (65+) and Locals | $15.00 |
The official site is direct about this trade-off: booking through the museum itself gets you the best price, while third-party sites can add extra fees on top. If you’d still rather have your ticket sorted in advance, you can book through Viator.
5 great Key West experiences to book
- 🛶 Look for wildlife in the mangroves on a guided kayaking tour.
- 👻 Go on a ghosts and mysteries tour and discover Key West’s dark side at night.
- 🐬 Combine dolphin-watching and snorkelling on a half day adventure.
- 🍴 Take a cultural food tour and learn about Keys heritage as you eat and drink.
- 🍹 Explore lesser-known bars on a craft cocktail crawl.
How to get to the USCGC Ingham
The ship is docked in Truman Waterfront Park, at the end of Southard Street on the western edge of Key West. It’s an easy walk from downtown and Duval Street, and close to the island’s cruise terminals.
Why book the Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?
- 🚋 Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off: Explore Key West at your own pace with a ticket that allows you to board and depart at any of the 13 conveniently located stops across the island.
- 🎤 Live Narrated Commentary: Enjoy “transportainment” from expert local guides who share fascinating stories of pirates, wreckers, and the Civil War as you cruise.
- 🏝️ Comprehensive Island Views: See over 100 points of interest, including iconic landmarks like the Southernmost Point, Duval Street, and the Ernest Hemingway House.
- 🏛️ Sails to Rails Museum Included: Your ticket grants you free admission to this unique museum, offering a deep dive into the history of the Florida Keys and Henry Flagler’s railroad.
- 🚶 Bonus Walking Tours: Take advantage of included guided walking tours through the Historic Seaport and the downtown area to discover hidden gems on foot.
How long to spend at the USCGC Ingham
The museum recommends budgeting at least 30 minutes, though many visitors end up spending one to two hours exploring the ship in more depth.
Accessibility at the USCGC Ingham
As with many other US museum ships, such as the Battleship New Jersey near Philadelphia and the Intrepid Museum in New York City, the Ingham was not designed for wheelchairs.
The museum states it welcomes all visitors and is happy to assist guests with mobility limitations or other accessibility needs. Given the ship’s historic layout, it’s worth calling ahead at (305) 292-5072 to discuss your specific requirements before visiting.
What to see aboard the USCGC Ingham
The self-guided tour takes visitors through the ship’s below-deck quarters, the Captain’s stateroom, the radio station, and the crew mess, largely preserved as they were on the day of decommissioning.
The ship also serves as the National Memorial to 912 Coast Guardsmen killed in action during World War II and Vietnam, with their names honoured aboard.
Along the way, exhibits cover the Ingham’s extraordinary service record: it’s the only remaining American ship afloat to have fought in the Battle of the Atlantic, served as command ship for Philippines landings including General Douglas MacArthur’s return to Corregidor, was the first Allied vessel into Chinese waters at war’s end, earned two Presidential Unit Citations for Vietnam support missions, and took part in the 1980 Mariel Boatlift, helping rescue Cuban refugees.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book directly for the best price | The museum’s own site warns that third-party sites may charge more than its $20 rate. |
| Arrive by 3:30pm | The self-guided tour takes at least 30 minutes. |
| Come back Friday evening | Sunset Happy Hour begins an hour before sunset, with free entry for kids and pets. |
| Budget more than the minimum | Many visitors end up spending one to two hours exploring. |
| Call ahead with accessibility questions | Staff are glad to help plan your visit around mobility limitations. |
USCGC Ingham FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours? | Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm; closed Sundays and Mondays; Friday Sunset Happy Hour begins an hour before sunset. |
| How much does admission cost? | $20 for adults when booked directly; third-party sites may charge more. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | The museum welcomes visitors with mobility limitations and encourages calling ahead to plan your visit. |
| How long does a visit take? | At least 30 minutes; many visitors spend one to two hours. |
| Is there anything special in 2026? | Yes, the Ingham is marking its 90th anniversary this year with a sunset celebration event. |
Things to do near the USCGC Ingham
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, in Key West’s Old Town, displays treasure recovered from 17th-century Spanish shipwrecks alongside exhibits on the region’s slave trade history.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum, downtown, recreates the city’s 19th-century wrecking industry with actors, artifacts, and a 65-foot lookout tower.
The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, first lit in 1826, offers panoramic views after an 88-step climb.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, a short walk away, was the author’s home for a decade and is famous for its many resident cats.
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, one of the few free attractions in Key West, features a replicated Aquarius undersea research lab and exhibits on regional shipwrecks.
More Florida Keys travel
Other Florida Keys travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect at Key West Aquarium.
- Key West beach guides: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach.
- Key West mangrove kayaking guide.
- Florida Keys beach guides: Anne’s Beach in Islamorada, Sombrero Beach in Marathon and Bahia Honda State Park.
- Plan your visit to the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center in Marathon.
