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! While Endeavour is off exhibit, we remain one of the largest science centers in the nation, with multiple hands-on galleries, unforgettable special exhibitions, and immersive IMAX movies. General admission to our permanent exhibits is FREE. ( Excludes special paid exhibits and IMAX Theater.) The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring IMAX movies. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
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
- ThefamilytravellerWhangarei, New Zealand191 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 September 30, 2023
- phvi2617Anaheim, California647 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 December 31, 2023
- ccarlson2022Niles, Michigan194 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 January 21, 2024
- JemlnlxBronx, New York5,608 contributionsSo much to see...hard to believe it is free!Lovely free Science Center/Museum in Exposition Park southwest of Los Angeles near the University of Southern California. Parking was $15 and paid by ticketed machine at entrance and exit. Science Center was surprisingly big given the free price tag. Lots of interesting exhibits throughout...thoughtfully organized by region/category. I particularly enjoyed the space area which had a space shuttle simulator ($6). There is a wonderful children's area with lots of puzzles and activities for younger ones. This includes an outdoor area with a play area. Really appreicated having this available for our 4-year old. Great way to spend a few hours. (Estimate about 2-3 hours to see and read everything they have to offer)Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 27, 2024
- kum28Bengaluru, India298 contributionsNOT JUST ANOTHER SCIENCE CENTERFirst assumed it will be like many other Ok place having been to Smithsonians and National museums in DC. Were proved wrong We saw the blue whales in IMAX which was good but can get better, Guess try out the Deep Sky should be more impressive. The place has the Space shuttle Endeavour displayed which we saw from dar. They have a lot in their space Section to see and admire. There was an amazing display of crazy, ahead of time models of Leonardo Da Vinci on display which shows an amazing versatility of the Artist, Creator, Scientist and what not. Their Food court can get better though for long visits. Worth a visit.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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RaoulV445
Palm Springs, CA8 contributions
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.
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, CA5,107 contributions
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.
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
36 contributions
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, UK22 contributions
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
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, CA53 contributions
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.
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, CA7,815 contributions
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.
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.
SuperDuper Coach
Mitcham, Australia185 contributions
Mar 2022
This is mainly a hands-on science center for kids and teenagers, however it also houses the space shuttle endeavour, which is why we went. Though one can’t go inside the shuttle it is fabulous to be able to walk all around it, and it is presented authentically. There is great information presented audio visually around the shuttle and a good gift shop too. We spent probably an hour in the shuttle hangar (we didn’t visit any of the rest of the science center). It is free to enter unless you want to watch an imax show or see the current special exhibition.
Written March 30, 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.
LoveTravel695165
6 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Interesting traveling exhibits that usually have a cost and have timed entrances.rest of the museum has very interesting exhibits, but since it's free and is a hands on museum, bring plenty of hand sanitizer. Lots of kids. Avoid weekends. IMAX theater is a great experience.
Written February 11, 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.
Vinny C
86 contributions
Feb 2020
The highlight for me was see the Space Shuttle Endeavour. If you have not seen this up close, it's amazing. They have it located in it's own dedicated building with lot's of other interesting space items to view. The variety of different things to see and do is what surprised me the most about our visit. They even had an outdoor aquatic sea life area where you could touch sea anemone's, star fish, and so much more. They have a large sea life exhibit in a huge aquarium filled with interesting fish and an occasional diver swimming with all the fish as well! So much fun. This center really has so much to offer for the entire family! You need to go and plus it was FREE to get it. Donations gladly excepted.
Written March 7, 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.
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!
Written February 5, 2023
I did not require storage locker for the visit. Sorry.
Written February 6, 2023
A Tripadvisor member
Fort Myers, Florida
2 contributions
I am not sure what you mean about pick up drop off.
Written July 28, 2021
Can you see the Science Center and Natural History Museum all in one day? We will only be using Uber and will be coming from Universal City area late February.
Written February 13, 2020
luisreyesa2003
Punta Arenas, Chile
Sabe alguien si para las peliculas IMAX del science center de los angeles tienen audifonos con traduccion al español.
Written January 19, 2020
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.
Written September 3, 2019
Se saca la entrada en taquilla o hay que sacarla por Internet. Es decir, hay entradas para el mismo dĂa??
Written July 31, 2019
Ma per accedere alla zona degli shuttle è necessario munirsi di biglietto?
Written July 13, 2019
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!
Written May 1, 2019
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!
Written May 1, 2019
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?
Written January 8, 2019
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.
Written January 9, 2019
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.
Written December 3, 2018
I would suggest booking ahead to make sure the time you want is available.
Written February 24, 2019
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