California Science Center

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

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Top Hotel Deals

USC Hotel

USC Hotel

3.5 out of 5
3540 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA
USC Hotel
Forty First Place - Boutique Hostel

Forty First Place - Boutique Hostel

2 out of 5
615 W 41st Pl, Los Angeles, CA
Forty First Place - Boutique Hostel
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
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles

Moxy Downtown Los Angeles

4 out of 5
1260 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles
Freehand Los Angeles

Freehand Los Angeles

4 out of 5
416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
Freehand Los Angeles
Urban Retreat USC

Urban Retreat USC

2 out of 5
1431 West 37th Street, Los Angeles, CA
Urban Retreat USC
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
AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, a Marriott Hotel

AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
1260 SOUTH FIGUEROA STREET, BUILDING B, Los Angeles, CA
AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, a Marriott Hotel
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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.

Things to do near California Science Center

At the California Science Center, visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including exploring fascinating outdoor exhibits and enjoying free tours. The centre is conveniently located near popular attractions in Los Angeles and Anaheim, offering an array of sports, entertainment, and art experiences. As one of the best outdoor museums, it provides an ideal setting for a fun-filled day without breaking the bank.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Grand Central Market, only 4.8km away, offering a delightful mix of local vendors and city vibes. The Grove, located 9.7km away, provides a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and diverse shopping options. If you're up for a drive, Hollywood and Vine is also 9.7km away, featuring unique stores.

Recreation

At the Crypto.com Arena, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live sports, just 3.2km from the California Science Center. Enjoy the cultural richness at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, 4.8km away, or rejuvenate at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, 6.4km away, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

The Porsche Experience Center offers thrilling motor racing experiences, located 17.7km from the California Science Center, perfect for adrenaline seekers. Marks Tennis Stadium, merely 966m away, invites you to engage in exhilarating tennis matches. For a refreshing outdoor adventure, explore the California Aqueduct Bikeway, 6.4km distant, ideal for cycling enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at the Peacock Theater, located 3.2km from the California Science Center, where culture meets romance. Alternatively, catch a film at the TCL Chinese Theatre, 11.3km away, or gaze at the stars at Griffith Observatory, also 11.3km away, for a night of entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near California Science Center

Within and around the California Science Center, visitors can enjoy a range of attractions including urban parks, entertainment arenas, and museums. These points of interest offer a delightful mix of culture, family experiences, and urban exploration, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles.

  • University of Southern California: Only 483m from the California Science Center, USC offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with stunning architecture and green spaces, perfect for leisurely strolls and absorbing the diverse student culture.
  • Los Angeles Convention Center: Situated 3.2km away, this major event venue buzzes with business energy. It hosts numerous conferences and exhibitions, making it an ideal spot for networking and exploring the latest industry trends.
  • L.A. Live: Also 3.2km from the Science Center, L.A. Live is a lively entertainment hub featuring restaurants, theatres, and concert venues, perfect for families looking for outdoor fun and vibrant nightlife.

Best time to go to California Science Center

The best time to visit California Science Center can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around California Science Center falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around California Science Center falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for California Science Center

To save money on your visit to the California Science Center, consider travelling during the off-peak months of November to January, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help you save, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by adjusting filters for eco-certified hotels and sorting by price. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for better savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to maximise your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around California Science Center are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around California Science Center is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around California Science Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options currently available. To discover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your hotel reservations at the California Science Center with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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