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Overview
The California Science Center is a state institution located in Exposition Park, just south of downtown Los Angeles. It is one of the most visited science museums in the United States and is notable for being free to enter for its permanent galleries — an uncommon feature among large-format science museums.
The museum spans multiple buildings and wings covering topics from ecosystems and the human body to air and space exploration. Its anchor attraction is Space Shuttle Endeavour, one of only four surviving orbiters from NASA's Space Shuttle program, which retired in 2011 and was transferred to the museum shortly after.
The California Science Center is part of a broader campus that includes the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, making Exposition Park a worthwhile half-day or full-day destination on its own. The museum is operated by the California Science Center Foundation in partnership with the State of California.
Before You Go
Admission
Permanent exhibit galleries are free of charge. However, special exhibitions, IMAX films at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, and Endeavour viewing experiences may carry separate ticketing fees. Verify current pricing and ticketing requirements on the official California Science Center website before your visit, as fee structures can change.
Reservations
Free timed-entry passes for Endeavour and certain special exhibitions may be required even if there is no admission cost. It is advisable to book passes in advance online, particularly on weekends, school holidays, and during summer months when attendance peaks.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes — the museum complex is large
- Water bottle (refill stations are available on-site)
- Any accessibility equipment you need; the museum is wheelchair accessible
- A plan for parking or public transit, as street parking in the area is limited
Visa and Entry to the US
For information on visas required to enter the United States, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website for guidance relevant to your nationality.
Getting There
By Public Transit
The museum is accessible via Los Angeles Metro. The Expo Line (E Line) stops at Expo Park/USC Station, which is a short walk from the museum entrance. Several Metro bus routes also serve Exposition Boulevard. Public transit is often the most practical option, particularly on busy event days when Exposition Park and the adjacent Coliseum may be hosting large gatherings.
By Car
The museum is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive. Paid parking lots are available within Exposition Park; verify current parking fees on the official site or with the Exposition Park parking operator. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) drop off conveniently along Exposition Boulevard.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is approximately 12–15 miles from Exposition Park. Travel time by car varies considerably depending on traffic, which in Los Angeles can extend a typical 30-minute drive to an hour or more during peak periods. The FlyAway bus, Metro connections, or rideshare are all viable options from the airport.
Things to See & Do
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Endeavour is the centerpiece of the museum and one of the most significant aerospace artifacts on public display in the world. The orbiter is housed in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center (verify whether the permanent Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display building is open, as construction phases have been ongoing). The shuttle is displayed in launch configuration — vertically, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters — a presentation no other museum offers.
Permanent Exhibit Wings
- World of Life — explores biological systems through large-scale displays including a live-animal ecosystem
- Ecosystems — contrasts environments from polar regions to deserts, featuring live animals
- Air and Space — aircraft, spacecraft, and exploration history leading up to the Endeavour display
- Science of Skateboarding — physics concepts explored through the lens of skateboarding culture, popular with younger visitors
IMAX Theater
The California Science Center operates an IMAX theater screening both documentary and commercial films. Check the current schedule and ticketing on the official site, as programming rotates regularly.
Special Exhibitions
Rotating special exhibitions occupy dedicated gallery space and typically carry a separate admission fee. Past exhibitions have covered topics from outer space to human biology. Confirm current offerings before your visit.
Exposition Park
After your museum visit, the surrounding park includes the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California African American Museum (free admission), and the Rose Garden, which is open seasonally.
Food & Drink
The museum has an on-site café that serves a range of casual food options including sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. Verify hours and current offerings on the official website, as food service availability may vary by season and day of the week.
Exposition Park itself has limited dining within the grounds. A broader range of restaurants — including casual Mexican, American, and fast-food options — can be found along Figueroa Street and in the University Park neighborhood adjacent to USC, a short walk or rideshare ride away.
Visitors planning a full day may wish to bring their own snacks or a packed lunch; outside food is generally permitted in designated areas of the museum grounds. Confirm the museum's current outside-food policy on their website.
Practical Information
Hours
Verify current opening hours directly on the California Science Center's official website (californiasciencecenter.org), as hours can differ by season and may be affected by special events at the adjacent Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout its permanent galleries. Wheelchairs and strollers may be available for loan; check availability in advance. Accessible parking spaces are available in Exposition Park lots.
Facilities
- Restrooms throughout the museum
- Lockers available for personal items (verify current availability)
- Gift shop near the main entrance
- Water refill stations on-site
Emergency & Key Contacts
- US emergency services: 911
- Museum general inquiries: Listed on californiasciencecenter.org
- Non-emergency LAPD: Verify the current non-emergency line locally or online
Photography
Personal photography is generally permitted in permanent exhibit galleries. Flash photography and tripods may be restricted in some areas. Confirm rules for any ticketed special exhibitions.
Safety
The California Science Center and Exposition Park are generally considered safe during operating hours. The park is well-staffed and frequently visited by families and school groups. As with any urban public space in a large city, remain aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secured, and avoid leaving items unattended.
The surrounding neighborhood is a mixed urban area. Exercise standard city awareness if walking several blocks from the museum, particularly after dark. Using Metro or rideshare for arrival and departure is a practical choice that avoids parking challenges and reduces exposure to unfamiliar streets.
On days when the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is hosting a major event (concerts, USC football games, soccer matches), Exposition Park can become significantly more crowded and traffic in the area may be heavily congested. Check the Coliseum's event calendar if your visit timing is flexible.
