California Science Center
California Science Center
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcome to the California Science Center! Please note that advance timed-entry reservations are required for all guests and can be booked online. Upon arrival, all guests are required to verify that they have self-screened and are free of COVID symptoms. Space Shuttle Endeavour on display in the California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Pavilion. Explore over 100 permanent interactive science exhibits spanning several galleries. Admission to permanent exhibit galleries is free! (excludes IMAX and special paid exhibits) Visit Ecosystems -- a hands-on exhibit home to nearly 400 plant and animal species. Come discover amazing environments from the familiar to the fantastic, and find out how the physical and living worlds affect each other.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Exposition Park
How to get there
- Expo Park/USC • 4 min walk
- Expo/Vermont • 7 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- JMKAberystwyth, United Kingdom11 contributionsWow...a real space shuttle!Fantastic to see one of the Space Shuttles close up, and see how they go to toilet in space. Spent must of our time in the space area but considering this was free, you could easily spend most of the day here. Some exhibits are just to look at, but there were also interactive exhibits which will entertain and educate all ages.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 July 2023
- Lena KFullerton, California442 contributionsExcellent venue for the whole familyMy granddaughter and I wanted to see the Endeavour space shuttle before it is moved into its currently-being-constructed building. Once moved, it will no longer be displayed horizontally, but in a vertical position, as it would have looked before its initial launch. We also watched a 3-D movie on Blue Whales in the Center’s IMAX theater. There is a large gift shop and a variety of places to get a meal, snack and beverages.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 August 2023
- Debbie PGlen Waverley, Australia272 contributionsTruly amazing museumWe went to look at the endeavour space shuttle and we were very surprised at the quality and quantity of space exhibits. We did the shuttle simulator which was $6 each and the imax movie about space travel which was $9 each. We spent a lot longer than we had intended in the museum as it was just so good. We have increased our knowledge and had a truly great time. Entry to the space museum area was free. Highly recommend if you like space.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 September 2023
- ThefamilytravellerWhangarei, New Zealand157 contributionsFantastic MuseumThis is a must see in LA. We went to see the space shuttle and there was so much more to look through and keep young minds engaged. There is a lot to do in Los Angeles and this is worth spending a morning or afternoonVisited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 September 2023
- phvi2617Anaheim, California553 contributionsHome of the EndeavourThis is a great science museum in Exposition Park. Most of the exhibits are geared toward kids, but the real star is the Space Shuttle Endeavour. It's incredible to see it up close and in person, and there are a number of artifacts related to the shuttle's assembly in Southern California. Also on display are several aircraft and capsules from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. Unfortunately, the Endeavour will be off display for several years as the new shuttle pavilion is being constructed, but when it is finished it promises to be even more amazing. Aside from the IMAX films, all exhibits are completely free. There is a large food court and a really nice gift shop. Even though it was busy, it never felt crowded.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 31 December 2023
- ccarlson2022Niles, Michigan92 contributionsSpace shuttle Endeavor is a must seeWas in the area with my 17 year old daughter and stopped to see the Endeavor. We visited on December 31 and learned the shuttle was going off display after that day for a few years while they move to a new facility. Our timing couldn’t have been better! This is the third shuttle I have seen out of the 4 on display in the US. Atlantis in Florida is by far the best but this one was cool. It was housed in a building by itself with plenty of room for many people and to take photos. It was elevated so you could walk around and under the entire shuttle. The walk to the shuttle was a bit far but I do get they want you to look at other things as well. We really didn’t stop at many other exhibits, with the exception of a few space exhibits like Mattingly’s Apollo 16 lunar space suit. Gift shop has plenty to purchase and there are a few diners on site as well. Entry was free but we did pay $20 to park next door in the parking garage. The Collosium football stadium that USC plays in is next door so you can take photos of the stadium during the trip if that interests you as well.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,994 reviews
Excellent
2,746
Very good
969
Average
217
Poor
45
Terrible
17
TeamTallis
17 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This museum may be free but it's very tired now. Maybe worth popping in if you have gone to the Natural History Museum but I wouldn't make a special journey. There is a major new space and flight centre being built so maybe the refresh is coming in a year or so.... For now, many of the exhibits are old and attempts to make them interactive are broken. Signs are faded and illegible in places. The space stuff was interesting, the aquarium was good (maybe overstocked). The imax show on blue whales was okay. But much of the rest was showing its age. And whats the deal with the poor fennec fox on its own in an enclosure? ? Time for a major refit.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jure
Mozirje, Slovenia22 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Museum is a great experience. I recommend to see a movie deep space to.
I rated 3 stars because I can't hide my disappointment that they didn't mention anywhere that Endeavour is closed for public because of moving until the end of the year.
I still recommend visiting museum.
I rated 3 stars because I can't hide my disappointment that they didn't mention anywhere that Endeavour is closed for public because of moving until the end of the year.
I still recommend visiting museum.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccarlson2022
Niles, MI92 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Was in the area with my 17 year old daughter and stopped to see the Endeavor. We visited on December 31 and learned the shuttle was going off display after that day for a few years while they move to a new facility. Our timing couldn’t have been better!
This is the third shuttle I have seen out of the 4 on display in the US. Atlantis in Florida is by far the best but this one was cool. It was housed in a building by itself with plenty of room for many people and to take photos. It was elevated so you could walk around and under the entire shuttle.
The walk to the shuttle was a bit far but I do get they want you to look at other things as well.
We really didn’t stop at many other exhibits, with the exception of a few space exhibits like Mattingly’s Apollo 16 lunar space suit.
Gift shop has plenty to purchase and there are a few diners on site as well.
Entry was free but we did pay $20 to park next door in the parking garage.
The Collosium football stadium that USC plays in is next door so you can take photos of the stadium during the trip if that interests you as well.
This is the third shuttle I have seen out of the 4 on display in the US. Atlantis in Florida is by far the best but this one was cool. It was housed in a building by itself with plenty of room for many people and to take photos. It was elevated so you could walk around and under the entire shuttle.
The walk to the shuttle was a bit far but I do get they want you to look at other things as well.
We really didn’t stop at many other exhibits, with the exception of a few space exhibits like Mattingly’s Apollo 16 lunar space suit.
Gift shop has plenty to purchase and there are a few diners on site as well.
Entry was free but we did pay $20 to park next door in the parking garage.
The Collosium football stadium that USC plays in is next door so you can take photos of the stadium during the trip if that interests you as well.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA553 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
This is a great science museum in Exposition Park. Most of the exhibits are geared toward kids, but the real star is the Space Shuttle Endeavour. It's incredible to see it up close and in person, and there are a number of artifacts related to the shuttle's assembly in Southern California. Also on display are several aircraft and capsules from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
Unfortunately, the Endeavour will be off display for several years as the new shuttle pavilion is being constructed, but when it is finished it promises to be even more amazing. Aside from the IMAX films, all exhibits are completely free. There is a large food court and a really nice gift shop. Even though it was busy, it never felt crowded.
Unfortunately, the Endeavour will be off display for several years as the new shuttle pavilion is being constructed, but when it is finished it promises to be even more amazing. Aside from the IMAX films, all exhibits are completely free. There is a large food court and a really nice gift shop. Even though it was busy, it never felt crowded.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer798663
Tea Green, UK23 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We visited for the endeavour spaceship which ends in 4 days time but there was so much more to the science museum… I honestly believe this science museum is one of the best in the world, better than the London science museum. It did get busy but I’d rather be here than spend $700 on Disney
Written 27 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hung Hoang
Garden Grove, CA2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We spent a half day visiting this place and our kids loved it. It’s worth to spend an hour on the road to get here and experience the shows.
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise K
Wellington, New Zealand482 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We started our day with a trip to the California Science Centre to see the space shuttle Endeavor. It was a surprisingly moving experience for me, and i was completely awestruck. As a teenager in the 80s, I watched the launches on tv with my dad, and i remember vividly hearing the news of the destruction of the Challenger. Despite the cold war thst raged at the time, it did feel like anything was possible back then, and the shuttles were a great example of that. Amazing - 20/10
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brooke In The Air
Cleveland, OH51 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Fantastic center for scientific excellence and learning, I loved it, especially seeing the Space Shuttle and the smaller capsules such as Apollo
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thefamilytraveller
Whangarei, New Zealand157 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
This is a must see in LA. We went to see the space shuttle and there was so much more to look through and keep young minds engaged. There is a lot to do in Los Angeles and this is worth spending a morning or afternoon
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie P
Glen Waverley, Australia272 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We went to look at the endeavour space shuttle and we were very surprised at the quality and quantity of space exhibits. We did the shuttle simulator which was $6 each and the imax movie about space travel which was $9 each. We spent a lot longer than we had intended in the museum as it was just so good. We have increased our knowledge and had a truly great time.
Entry to the space museum area was free.
Highly recommend if you like space.
Entry to the space museum area was free.
Highly recommend if you like space.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel C
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada16 contributions
On the website it says there are "family sized" storage lockers. Does anyone know if they are big enough to store a car seat? Thanks!
AlexWoo153uk
Taunton, UK284 contributions
I did not require storage locker for the visit. Sorry.
luisreyesa2003
Punta Arenas, Chile
Sabe alguien si para las peliculas IMAX del science center de los angeles tienen audifonos con traduccion al español.
brenda19640913
Los Angeles, CA29 contributions
No sólo en inglés
JCB9999
Los Angeles, CA
Are there electric wheelchairs to rent?
Kathy D
Saint Louis, MO371 contributions
Here is what the website says about wheelchairs:
"Standard manual wheelchairs are available for free at the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis for use inside the California Science Center.
"All spaces in the California Science Center are wheelchair accessible. All levels are accessible by elevator or stairs.
"Parking and Public Transportation
Accessible parking spaces are available on levels 1, 2 and 3 of the Science Center parking lot, entered from 39th Street and Figueroa. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is $12 per vehicle, cash only.
"The Science Center is about 0.2 miles across the beautiful Rose Garden from the Expo Park/USC Station Metro Line.
"Restrooms
All California Science Center restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Private family style restrooms are available upon request—please see any Guest Services Host.
"IMAX Shows
The IMAX Theater offers wheelchair accessible seating at the top of the theater. The theater has an elevator for your convenience. Seats are unassigned. Please speak to an IMAX Usher prior to your designated showtime to inform them of your accessibility needs.
LUIS
10 contributions
Se saca la entrada en taquilla o hay que sacarla por Internet. Es decir, hay entradas para el mismo dÃa??
samujose
Taranto, Italy393 contributions
Ma per accedere alla zona degli shuttle è necessario munirsi di biglietto?
John M
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia179 contributions
Hi there
I would like to visit the endeavour, and also will be joining some additional activities:
Flying club simulator
Endeavour Together Simulator
Can I know how long should I be spending there? I would like to plan my itinerary accordingly
Much thanks!
Leanne H
Regina, Canada167 contributions
You could easily spend a couple hours there exploring all the exhibits! Get your free tickets for endeavour for the first entrance and you’ll have the whole place to your self for a few minutes!
Nicole L
52 contributions
I see that the Science Center's hours are 10-5, but the last entrance times are at 5 pm...how does that work? Also, how long is the IMAX movie?
George Vreeland Hill
Beverly Hills, CA1,618 contributions
They close at 5:00 pm, so get there three hours at least ahead of time to see everything.
The IMAX movies last about an hour.
hfdad
Hoosick Falls, NY558 contributions
Is it necessary to buy imax tickets way ahead. I plan on visiting on a weekday when kids should be in school. Any problems buying the day I get there.
billpW1998QX
Oklahoma City, OK38 contributions
I would suggest booking ahead to make sure the time you want is available.
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Claim your listingCalifornia Science Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about California Science Center
- Hotels near California Science Center:
- (0.59 km) USC Hotel
- (3.23 km) AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
- (3.23 km) Moxy Downtown Los Angeles
- (3.61 km) Downtown Los Angeles Proper
- (3.66 km) The Hoxton, Downtown LA
- Restaurants near California Science Center:
- (0.41 km) Figueroa Philly Cheesesteak
- (0.36 km) Chick-fil-A
- (0.37 km) Chipotle Mexican Grill
- (0.40 km) The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- (0.38 km) California Teriyaki Grill
- Attractions near California Science Center:
- (0.05 km) Samuel Oschin Air & Space Center
- (0.20 km) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- (0.16 km) Exposition Park
- (0.26 km) Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- (0.27 km) California African American Museum