California Science Center: Dive into Los Angeles’s Hands-On STEM Playground & Home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour

Claim to Fame

The California Science Center is Southern California’s premier interactive science museum—anchored by the retired Space Shuttle Endeavour and featuring immersive exhibits on ecosystems, human biology, and cutting-edge technology in a dramatic Art Deco–inspired complex.

📌 Navigating California Science Center : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Washrooms are available throughout the facility, including family restrooms for convenience.
Hours of Operation: The center operates from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, with extended hours during certain holidays.
Important Information: It is advisable to check the website for any special events or temporary exhibit closures before visiting.
Admission Fee: Admission to the California Science Center is free, although some special exhibits may require a fee.
How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend about 3 to 4 hours exploring the exhibits and attractions.
Parking: The California Science Center offers a parking lot with paid parking options available nearby.
Family Friendly: The center is very family-friendly, featuring interactive exhibits and activities suitable for all ages.
Photography: Photography is permitted throughout the center, but flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
WIFI: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the California Science Center for visitors.
Picnic Area: There is no designated picnic area, but visitors are welcome to enjoy meals in the café.
Handicap Accessible: The facility is fully handicap accessible, with ramps and elevators for easy navigation.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the California Science Center, with the exception of service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for groups and can be arranged in advance for an enhanced experience.
Restaurant or Cafe: The Science Center has an on-site café offering a variety of meal and snack options.
Gift Shop: A gift shop is located within the center, featuring educational toys, books, and souvenirs.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of California Science Center

Located in Exposition Park beside the Natural History Museum and USC, the California Science Center invites visitors of all ages to explore science in action. Its landmark Samuel Oschin Pavilion houses the Space Shuttle Endeavour and Mission Control mock-up, while permanent galleries—from the Ecosystems Hall with a living kelp forest to the Creative World engineering zone—spark curiosity with hands-on experiments, live demonstrations, and rotating special exhibitions.

What to Expect

Begin your visit at the first-floor World of Life gallery to journey through the human body via interactive displays on DNA, genetics, and health. Next, head to the Ecosystems Hall’s floor-to-ceiling aquarium showcasing a living kelp forest and touch-tank tide pool. In the Creative World pavilion, experiment with mechanical levers, Rube Goldberg machines, and robotics demos. Finally, ascend to the Samuel Oschin Pavilion to marvel at the 65-ton Space Shuttle Endeavour, see its original Canadarm robotic arm, and relive shuttle missions in the Space Gallery’s multimedia theaters.

Background and Cultural Context

Opened in 1998 as the successor to the California State Exposition, the Science Center expanded in 2012 with the Samuel Oschin Pavilion to accommodate the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s arrival. Operated by the California Natural Resources Agency, it serves as both a museum and an active research and education campus, partnering with NASA, Caltech, and local schools to promote STEM learning, sustainability, and career pathways in science and engineering.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10 AM–12 PM) offer quieter galleries and shorter wait for the Endeavour exhibit. Late afternoons (2–4 PM) allow you to catch live science demonstrations in the Discovery Rooms and time your visit for the IMAX® theater’s afternoon show. Summer and school-holiday weekends fill quickly—arrive at opening or reserve IMAX® tickets online to secure seats for “Journey to Space” and other blockbuster films.

How to Get There

The Science Center is at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station places you steps away; DASH bus and Metro lines 37 and 81 stop nearby. Street parking is very limited; facility lots on Figueroa and Vermont serve both the Science and Natural History museums. The entire center, including the Endeavour Pavilion and IMAX® theater, is wheelchair-accessible with elevators, ramps, and companion seating.

Photo Opportunities

Wide-angle of the Space Shuttle Endeavour suspended in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion’s soaring hangar
Close-up of the living kelp forest’s swaying fronds and native fish in the Ecosystems Hall aquarium
Hands-on moment with robotic arms or engineering challenges in Creative World
Interior shot of the IMAX® theater screen with audience silhouettes before a show
Exterior of the Art Deco façade framed by palm trees and sunset light

Travel Tips

Reserve free general admission timed-entry tickets online to skip the lobby queue during peak times.
Purchase IMAX® film tickets in advance—popular shows sell out, especially weekends.
Allow at least three hours for exhibits and IMAX®; full-day visits welcome repeat demos and gallery deep dives.
Check the daily schedule for live science shows, robotics demonstrations, and astronaut Q&A sessions.
Bring a refillable water bottle—water stations are available in public areas; café seating offers quick bites.

FAQs

Is admission required?
General admission is free. IMAX® films and special ticketed exhibits incur additional fees.

Can I touch exhibits?
Yes—most galleries are hands-on. Please follow posted guidelines for delicate specimens and lab spaces.

Are guided tours available?
Docent-led tours depart daily at 11 AM and 2 PM; private group tours and school programs can be booked in advance.

Final Thoughts

The California Science Center offers a vibrant gateway into scientific discovery—where immersive exhibits, historic spacecraft, and interactive laboratories converge to inspire exploration and innovation. Whether you’re marveling at Endeavour, diving into marine ecosystems, or tinkering with tomorrow’s technologies, this dynamic center brings science to life for visitors of all ages.

Things To Do near California Science Center

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Distance from California Science Center to Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is 2.9 Kilometer(s) / 1.8 Mile(s)

Los Angeles Farmers Market

The Distance from California Science Center to Los Angeles Farmers Market is 8.9 Kilometer(s) / 5.5 Mile(s)

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Distance from California Science Center to Walt Disney Concert Hall is 9.3 Kilometer(s) / 5.8 Mile(s)

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Distance from California Science Center to Hollywood Walk of Fame is 16.6 Kilometer(s) / 10.3 Mile(s)

Griffith Observatory

The Distance from California Science Center to Griffith Observatory is 18.7 Kilometer(s) / 11.6 Mile(s)

Hollywood Sign

The Distance from California Science Center to Hollywood Sign is 22.1 Kilometer(s) / 13.7 Mile(s)

Universal Studios Hollywood

The Distance from California Science Center to Universal Studios Hollywood is 24.2 Kilometer(s) / 15 Mile(s)

Getty Center

The Distance from California Science Center to Getty Center is 29.8 Kilometer(s) / 18.5 Mile(s)

Santa Monica Pier

The Distance from California Science Center to Santa Monica Pier is 30.9 Kilometer(s) / 19.2 Mile(s)

📘 Los Angeles Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Los Angeles operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC -8. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC -7.

Weather: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures average 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), while winter temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Rainfall is scarce and mainly occurs between November and March.

Population: Los Angeles has a population of approximately 4 million people, making it the second-largest city in the United States. The Greater Los Angeles area has over 13 million residents and is one of the most diverse urban regions in the world.

Size: Los Angeles covers roughly 1,302 square kilometers (503 square miles). The city stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains and includes a wide range of neighborhoods, terrain, and microclimates.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in Los Angeles, but Spanish is widely spoken throughout the city. Dozens of other languages are commonly heard, reflecting its multicultural population.

Currency: The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets are accepted nearly everywhere.

Safety: Los Angeles is generally safe for visitors, especially in tourist areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown. However, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and petty theft can occur in busy places. Basic safety precautions are advised.

Tipping: Tipping is standard in Los Angeles. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. Tipping is also customary for rideshare drivers, hotel staff, bartenders, and other service workers.

Electricity and Plugs: The United States uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Visitors from other regions may need plug adapters and voltage converters.

Water: Tap water in Los Angeles is safe to drink. It meets federal and state safety standards, though some visitors prefer bottled water due to taste or sensitivity.

Annual Visitors: Los Angeles receives over 45 million visitors annually. Tourists are drawn to Hollywood, Universal Studios, Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, and its thriving arts, entertainment, and culinary scenes.

Visa Requirements: Most international visitors to Los Angeles require a valid passport and may need a visa or an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, depending on nationality.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required to visit Los Angeles. Routine vaccines such as measles, flu, and COVID-19 are recommended, especially for travelers attending crowded public events.

Transportation: Los Angeles is known for its car culture. While there is a metro and bus system, most visitors rent cars or use rideshare services. Traffic can be heavy, and distances between attractions are often large.

Food: Los Angeles offers a diverse food scene, from gourmet restaurants to street tacos and Korean BBQ. Notable local dishes include In-N-Out burgers, California-style sushi, and a fusion of Latin American, Asian, and classic American cuisines.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Los Angeles is casual and laid-back, with a strong emphasis on creativity, inclusivity, and cultural expression. Locals are typically friendly, and personal space and punctuality are appreciated in social settings.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. Mobile coverage is excellent throughout the city. SIM cards and prepaid data plans are easy to obtain at convenience stores and airports.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Los Angeles. While healthcare is high quality, it is expensive for non-residents. Insurance also helps cover trip cancellations, delays, and theft.

Did You Know? - Facts About California Science Center

Admission to the California Science Center is free, although some special exhibits and the IMAX theater require a ticket, making it an accessible destination for families and school groups.

The center features an immersive Ecosystems exhibit that showcases diverse environments, including a living kelp forest and an aquarium, highlighting the interconnectedness of Earth’s ecosystems.

With over 150 hands-on exhibits, the California Science Center encourages interactive learning, allowing visitors to explore topics from physics to biology through engaging activities.

The California Science Center is home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which was retired from active duty in 2011 and is displayed in a specially designed pavilion that allows visitors to see it up close.

The science center houses the 290-seat IMAX theater, which offers stunning film presentations on scientific topics, outer space, and nature, often accompanied by educational programs.