California Science Center
Explore science and space with free general admission to interactive exhibits, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
California Science Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore science and space with free general admission to interactive exhibits, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
"A fun and inspiring place where curiosity comes alive, perfect for families and science lovers!"
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy most exhibits for free! Special experiences like IMAX may have a fee.
🚗 Parking Tips
Museum parking is paid. Consider nearby cheaper options if available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
Witness the awe-inspiring NASA orbiter up close. A truly unforgettable experience for space enthusiasts.
Ecosystems Exhibit
Ecosystems Pavilion
Explore diverse living environments, from kelp forests to deserts. Interactive and educational for all ages.
Tess, the Human Body Simulator
Human Body Exhibit
A 50-foot animatronic that makes learning about anatomy fun and engaging, though some find her a bit intimidating!
Aquatic Life
Aquarium Section
Discover vibrant marine life, including starfish, urchins, and jellyfish. A refreshing and visually appealing exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, But Plan for Extras
Beat the Crowds & Renovations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy most exhibits for free! Special experiences like IMAX may have a fee. 
🚗 Parking Tips
Museum parking is paid. Consider nearby cheaper options if available.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring!
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
The food court can be pricey; bringing your own food is a good idea.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy most exhibits for free! Special experiences like IMAX may have a fee.
🚗 Parking Tips
Museum parking is paid. Consider nearby cheaper options if available.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring!
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
The food court can be pricey; bringing your own food is a good idea.
⏳ Check for Closures
Some exhibits might be under renovation. Check their website before you go.
📸 Capture the Memories
Plenty of photo ops, especially with the Endeavour and interactive displays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the California Science Center a fun and educational spot, especially for families, with free general admission being a major draw. While the Space Shuttle Endeavour and interactive exhibits are highly praised, some guests note that certain areas are undergoing renovation, and cleanliness in some dining spaces could be improved. The center is generally well-maintained and offers a great value, though extra costs for special exhibits and parking should be factored in.
"His birthday was a few days later. Thought to give him some scenery and relaxation 😌. We'll that lasted about 30 minutes. The middle schoolers that traveled for a field trip that day in their red Christian school shirts made the science museum trip even more worthwhile. They walked him through exhibits and it was just so cute. The family's we met were so kind and the staff was unbelievably awesome. Thank you to the staff, they're were like 11 people who helped us along the way!!"
Michel'le Bailey
"We recently visited the California Science Center with our family, and it was such a great experience. The center has made many updates since my last visit, which was probably over a decade ago, and it really shows. There is truly something for all ages to enjoy.
One of my favorite areas was the sports room, where there are several hands-on activities related to different sports. It was interactive, engaging, and fun for both kids and adults. I also loved seeing Science Center staff members doing short demonstrations for kids, explaining science experiments and concepts in a way that really brought science to life. My kids especially enjoyed this. Another highlight was the large aquarium — there’s so much to see, and the variety of fish was impressive.
While there are some experiences and exhibits you can pay for the majority of the center is still free to see, which isn’t something you find often in downtown LA. There are a variety of food options available; we didn’t try during this visit, but it was nice to know there are choices for future visits. Overall, the Science Center was clean, including the restrooms, and well organized. We had a great time and will definitely be coming back again."
Tabitha Ortiz
"The California Science Center is one of those museums that manages to feel genuinely hands on without ever dumbing anything down. There is a lot to see, from interactive exhibits that kids can throw themselves into to larger displays that reward slow reading and attention, so it works well for both quick visits and longer afternoons. Seeing the space shuttle exhibits up close gives the whole place a sense of scale and wonder that is hard to forget. I also appreciated that the staff were patient and helpful, even with crowds, which kept the whole experience energetic rather than chaotic."
Jonathan Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The California Science Center is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options like buses are available. Many visitors arrive via car, but be aware that parking is paid.
No, parking at the California Science Center is not free. The paid lot is shared with other museums in Exposition Park. Some Reddit users suggest looking for cheaper parking options nearby if you're on a budget.
The California Science Center is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, public transportation is a viable option. Several bus lines serve Exposition Park. Check local transit schedules for routes and times that best suit your travel plans.
The California Science Center is generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Most exhibits and facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to the permanent exhibits at the California Science Center is free! This makes it a very budget-friendly attraction.
While general admission is free, some special exhibits, like the IMAX Theater and the Space Shuttle Endeavour experience, require separate tickets. It's advisable to book these in advance, especially during peak times.
Tickets for the IMAX Theater are typically around $9-$10 for adults, with slightly cheaper prices for children. Prices can vary, so check the official website for current rates.
Yes, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets for special exhibits and the IMAX theater online in advance to secure your spot and potentially save time.
The center offers family memberships that can include benefits like free IMAX tickets and parking discounts. Group rates might also be available; contact the center directly for more information.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
The Space Shuttle Endeavour is a major highlight. Other popular exhibits include the Ecosystems Pavilion with its living kelp forest, and Tess, the giant human body simulator.
Absolutely! It's designed to be highly interactive and educational for children of all ages. There are even dedicated 'kids rooms' for younger visitors.
Most visitors recommend at least a few hours to explore the main exhibits. If you plan to see the IMAX movie or delve deeply into all areas, you could easily spend a full day.
Yes, interactivity is a key feature! Many exhibits allow you to touch, experiment, and engage directly with scientific principles, making learning fun.
While some areas might be under renovation, the center always has a wealth of other exhibits to explore. Check their website for the latest updates on closures and openings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a food court and cafe on-site offering snacks and meals. However, some reviews suggest it can be a bit pricey.
Bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea, especially if you're on a budget or have specific dietary needs. Many visitors recommend packing a picnic.
The food court typically offers standard cafe fare like sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Some visitors have found the quality to be surprisingly good, despite the setting.
While not explicitly mentioned, the surrounding Exposition Park often has outdoor areas suitable for picnics. It's worth checking if there are designated picnic spots within or near the Science Center.
Some reviews mention that the eating areas could use more attention and maintenance, with occasional mentions of cleanliness issues.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use in most areas of the California Science Center. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts or for visitor experience.
The Space Shuttle Endeavour is a spectacular subject. The Ecosystems exhibit, with its diverse environments, and the interactive displays also offer great photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The Space Shuttle Endeavour is a major attraction, and visitors are encouraged to take photos of this iconic spacecraft.
While personal photography is usually permitted, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any posted signs regarding photography restrictions, especially for professional shoots or commercial use.
A versatile camera that handles low light well is ideal, especially for indoor exhibits. A smartphone with a good camera is also perfectly adequate for capturing memories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2While the Space Shuttle Endeavour is awe-inspiring, exhibits like the Ecosystems Pavilion and Tess the human body simulator are particularly engaging for younger minds. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid the largest crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
+3 To keep costs even lower, consider packing your own lunch and snacks, as on-site food can be expensive. 🚀 Space Enthusiasts
Standing beneath this iconic orbiter is a profound experience, offering a tangible connection to human spaceflight history. The California Science Center provides context and educational information that complements the visual spectacle. Beyond the Endeavour, the center often features exhibits related to space exploration and physics, making it a rewarding visit for those with a passion for the cosmos. Check their schedule for any temporary exhibits that might further enhance your space-themed adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Endeavour: A Star Attraction
Seeing the Endeavour is often cited as a highlight by visitors, evoking a sense of wonder and national pride. The sheer scale of the shuttle is often described as breathtaking, and the surrounding displays enhance the understanding of its technological achievements. It's a powerful reminder of human ingenuity and our drive to explore the cosmos.
While general admission to the Science Center is free, there might be a separate ticket or timed entry required for the Endeavour exhibit, so it's wise to check the official website for the most current information on access and any associated fees.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
+2The Ecosystems Pavilion is a standout, allowing visitors to walk through recreated environments like kelp forests and deserts, offering a tangible connection to the natural world. The Human Body exhibit uses innovative displays, including Tess, to explain complex biological functions in an understandable and engaging way. These exhibits are designed to spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of science and the world around us.
+1Many visitors, especially families with children, praise the center's ability to keep kids entertained and educated simultaneously. The interactive nature of the exhibits ensures that learning is not passive but an active, memorable experience.
+1Navigating the California Science Center
+1Parking is available on-site but comes with a fee, which can add to the overall cost of your visit. Some visitors have explored cheaper parking alternatives in the vicinity, so it's worth researching if you're on a tight budget.
+1To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early, especially on weekends, as the center can become quite crowded as the day progresses. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help save money, as on-site food options can be pricey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit