California Science Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
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California Science Center
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California Science Center

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California Science Center
4.5
#7 of 231 Fun & Games in Los Angeles
Movie TheatersScience Museums
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
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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
Neighborhood: Exposition Park
How to get there
  • Expo Park/USC • 4 min walk
  • Expo/Vermont • 7 min walk
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Attractions
583 within 6 miles
Samuel Oschin Air & Space Center
63
179 ftScience Museums
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
1,357
0.1 miNatural History Museums
Exposition Park
96
0.1 miParks • Gardens
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
221
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Arenas & Stadiums
California African American Museum
62
0.2 miArt Museums • History Museums
Fisher Museum of Art
4
0.2 miArt Galleries
University of Southern California, Hertha and Walter Klinger Gallery
2
0.2 miArt Galleries
Hoose Library of Philosophy
1
0.2 miUniversities & Schools • Libraries
University of Southern California
339
0.5 miEducational sites
Banc of California Stadium
41
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See what travelers are saying
  • JMK
    Aberystwyth, United Kingdom11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow...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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 24, 2023
  • Lena K
    Fullerton, California443 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent venue for the whole family
    My 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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 5, 2023
  • Debbie P
    Glen Waverley, Australia272 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truly amazing museum
    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.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 18, 2023
  • Thefamilytraveller
    Whangarei, New Zealand159 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic Museum
    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
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 30, 2023
  • phvi2617
    Anaheim, California562 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Home of the Endeavour
    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.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written December 31, 2023
  • ccarlson2022
    Niles, Michigan95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Space shuttle Endeavor is a must see
    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.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,994 reviews
Excellent
2,746
Very good
969
Average
217
Poor
45
Terrible
17
HypnoWarrior
Porirua, New Zealand1,117 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
WOW... Even better than the last time
Dec 2019
We only spent 3 hours here today with 3 adults and 2 children (Aged 3 and 9).
We watched the IMAX 3D Superpower Dogs - Such a brilliant movie for all ages. The 3D effects are great but the story line is so powerful. Highly recommend it..

We spent another 2 hours odd in the museum (maybe 2 or 3 different areas) but there was so much to do there it kept everyone occupied for the entire duration..

The kids loved the kids area with the magnetic sliders / rollers. It kept them occupied for at least 30 minutes and probably longer if we hadn't dragged them away.

We did the Endeavour briefly (but we had done it before) so only spent a short time there (You get free entrance with any IMAX ticket)..

Will definitely come back here on our next visit but plan for much longer.

The only negative was the parking cost of $12 fixed price. Would have been nice if there were other parking options nearby..
Written January 9, 2020
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.
osimajorusaf
Ruston, LA566 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A Fantastic Experience For All
Jan 2020
We, 3 adults and 4 children between the ages of 1 and 12, drove up from the San Diego area to visit the California Science Center. The center is conveniently located in downtown Los Angeles with plenty of parking at $12 for the day. There is no entrance fee for the center. There are lots of exhibits and hands on opportunities for the children and adults. This is a great museum that I would highly recommend for all ages!
Written January 9, 2020
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.
Judpma012
Hermosa Beach, CA206 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Outstanding
Jan 2020 • Family
Dog Show.. Space ship... Aquarium... Star gazing... Climbing wall.. Flight Simulator. If you can't find something you like there is something seriously wrong with you. And it's free to walk into and around. Attractions inside are extras but very reasonably priced. Our 11 and 9 year old did everything and we only shelled out about $40.
Food court was good, food was good. The space stuff with the Endeavor Space ship was amazing, to say the least. Very large shop with Space ans animal stuff in it. Yoneed reservations so go online. They limit who can enter when so it doesn't get too crowded. All in all great place to spend time with family. Something for everyone.
Written January 30, 2020
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.
RaoulV445
Palm Springs, CA8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fantastic
Dec 2019 • Family
Our age ranged from 5 to 72, as we visited the center witnessing the Endeavor space shuttle and a myriad of other extremely interesting activities and exhibits.
Basically everything is free but any special exhibits are $3 per person and parking is $12. Can get tickets on line as some exhibits have to be reserved but they seem very flexible. Airplanes, rockets, aquarium, creativity rooms, space shuttle, human body works, fish, waves, deserts etc. Something for everyone. Easily say the most interesting place I have seen in a long time and they didn’t charge an arm and a leg. If you go on a Sunday during football season you may have to sit in traffic so plan an hour ahead and ensure you get into the lane for $12 parking and not the $65 for football fans. Parking complex is covered. Food court with tacos or pizzas. You can spend 2-3 hrs at the exhibit and even more. I would consider a must if you have kids 5 and up; use as an excuse to see yourself.
Written January 3, 2020
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.
elizabethlascheid
Los Angeles, CA4,894 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fantastic Space Museum.
Jan 2020 • Family
The California Science Museum located Los Angeles, for me at least, is more of a space museum. We absolutely love it. One of is the space shuttles is there and you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the space shuttle, it's astronauts and its history. This is my favorite part of the museum and my grandson absolutely loves it.

They're also many other things to see at the California Science Museum. An IMAX theater is located there and they usually show natural geographic type movies and things of that nature. There is an extra fee for the IMAX theater.

They also have a wonderful science section that is fascinating.

The museum does charge a fee but it is reasonable and there is ample parking, including handicap parking, and accessible sites for everyone.
Written May 12, 2020
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.
david
31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Art of the Brick (Legos) featured exhibit is very interesting
Jun 2021
The California Science Center is well worth visiting. Plan on spending 3-4 hours. There is no charge for admission but there is a charge for the special traveling exhibits. Currently the featured traveling exhibit is titled "The Art of the Block" and features various works of art constructed with Legos blocks. Some are full size animals, others recreated works of art (such as Mona Lisa and ancient sculptures). Free exhibits include a section on dogs which is very interesting. A new exhibit on reproduction is worth visiting. I believe you need to make reservations for the Legos exhibit so you should to verify if this is still the case. The space shuttle Endeavor is also on display. As mentioned most of the exhibits are free to visit. The Science Center is adjacent to the Natural History Museum, Rose Garden and near the USC campus. One could certainly spend the day at the various sites.
Written July 15, 2021
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.
queenr0ck
Manchester, UK23 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Seeing Endeavour was breath taking, but special exhibit needed better organisation
May 2019
The main reason for the trip was the see Endeavour. The exhibition was very interesting and seeing Endeavour was amazing. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer size of it, it was just breath taking. We also saw the special travelling King Tutankhamen exhibit. The tickets were timed but the entry to it was poorly organised so we had to rush round the exhibit before the museum closed.
Written April 30, 2020
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 Brown
Phoenix, AZ92 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great fun!
Feb 2020 • Friends
Lovely way to spend an afternoon. It's great admission is free, except for special exhibits. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Space Shuttle Endeavour up close! Highly recommend for all ages!
Written February 24, 2020
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.
Holly M
Marina del Rey, CA54 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
For a free venue it was very nice
Mar 2021 • Couples
This is free to get into to. I enjoyed the exhibits. I wouldn’t say there was anything overly spectacular but this is a great
place for families with young kids and very affordable for those on a budget. They have done an excellent job with the social distancing and keeping their patrons safe.
Written April 1, 2021
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.
Shanelle
Santa Monica, CA2,826 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Free admission extensive science museum
Jul 2022 • Friends
Free admission science museum in DTLA. Came here on a Sunday afternoon and spent a couple of hours exploring the exhibits. It’s much larger than you’d think, and you can easily spend a whole day. Garage parking is $15 (cash and card accepted). No food or drinks allowed inside the museum, but we were able to carry our water bottles. It’s a kid-friendly space.

I love the ecosystem exhibits, especially the aquariums. Head outside for the touch tank! There are paid exhibits as well, and you get the timed entry tickets at the front kiosk. There’s the rose garden right outside and there’s plenty of food vendors (some will take Zelle/Venmo) if you’re feeling hungry.
Written July 20, 2022
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.
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California Science Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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