California Science Center

California Science Center featuring aircraft
California Science Center featuring aircraft and interior views as well as children
California Science Center
California Science Center showing interior views and aircraft
California Science Center showing interior views


Discover an aquarium with a giant kelp forest, an actual space shuttle and numerous educational displays and exhibits inside this remarkable facility.

The California Science Center is one of the United States’ foremost museums. Watch a film on the center’s giant seven-story IMAX cinema screen. See historic spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour and several planetary probes.

The center features a tropical rainforest, teeming with wildlife. Watch a star show in the renowned planetarium. The California Science Center also hosts the annual California State Science Fair, typically held in May each year.

Admire the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the fifth and final operational space shuttle built. The Endeavour first launched in 1992 and was retired in 2012. Study this important piece of space exploration history and watch an educational film about the shuttle in the center’s IMAX cinema.

See other aspects of human and robotic space travel in the permanent Air & Space exhibit. Learn about the information gathered from telescopes on the ground and orbiting in space.

Marvel at the center’s giant kelp forest, a wonderful ecosystem typical of natural surroundings supporting over 800 wildlife species. This amazing underwater forest hosts leopard sharks, moray eels, rays, spiny lobsters, rockfish and more. Learn about kelp and other organisms inside this ecosystem.

See how earthquake-resistant buildings and solar cars work in the Creative World ongoing exhibit, which showcases feats in human innovation and creativity. Discover how technology influences transportation with interactive displays.

Check the official website for information on upcoming special exhibits, events, live shows and educational demonstrations. Find the California Science Center within Exposition Park, which features a number of other attractions, including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California African American Museum and the Exposition Park Rose Garden.

The center is located about 14 miles (23 kilometers) from Los Angeles International Airport. The center’s permanent galleries are free to view however, the IMAX theater and special exhibits charge admission fees.

The California Science Center is filled with unique scientific artifacts and many opportunities to learn about these fascinating items.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

USC Hotel
USC Hotel
3.5 out of 5
3540 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA
USC Hotel
Freehand Los Angeles
Freehand Los Angeles
4 out of 5
416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
Freehand Los Angeles
STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa
STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa
4 out of 5
929 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
4 out of 5
1020 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
4 out of 5
404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Hotel Figueroa, an Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hotel Figueroa, an Unbound Collection by Hyatt
4.5 out of 5
939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA
Hotel Figueroa, an Unbound Collection by Hyatt
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
4.5 out of 5
900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
The Hoxton Downtown LA
The Hoxton Downtown LA
4 out of 5
1060 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
The Hoxton Downtown LA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.