Since the 1950s, humanity has turned its eyes upwards to the exploration of the cosmos. Astronauts and the teams of scientists behind them have stepped foot on the Moon, sent probes to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, and even established a continuing presence in space through the International Space Station.

Although space might be the final frontier — to coin a phrase — the truth is there are countless places right here on Earth where visitors can explore the history of space exploration. The following space travel destinations represent the best spots for those with a passion for the cosmos to enjoy their hobby in person — and not through the lens of a documentary film or dusty history book.

National Air and Space Museum — Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. contains plenty of space artifacts, including many from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). These treasures will surely delight space travel enthusiasts. The Air and Space Museum actually houses the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world.

Among its biggest attractions you’ll find relics associated with Apollo 11, the first manned mission to the Moon. Launched on July 16, 1969, the Apollo 11 mission features astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Both the Apollo 11 Command Module — nicknamed Columbia — and the spacesuit worn by Neil Armstrong on the lunar surface — an A7L model specifically designed for lunar surface operations — are on display. Another highlight of this amazing collection is the Walking on Other Worlds interactive exhibit, which allows visitors to experience simulated environments of celestial bodies such as the Moon and Mars, potentially through virtual reality or interactive displays.

Many NASA engineers claim to have been inspired to start their careers by science fiction franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars. To that end, the National Air and Space Museum exhibits a full-size X-Wing starfighter from The Rise of Skywalker and a production model of the USS Enterprise from Star Trek: The Original Series.

Kennedy Space Center — Cape Canaveral, Florida

Kennedy Space Center is one of the most exciting destinations for your next adventure if you’re headed to Florida and are passionate about space travel. Operated by NASA since the early days of manned spaceflight, the center rose to national prominence starting in 1962 as the launchpad for the Apollo lunar missions. Today, exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center focus on the site’s great history and contributions to NASA.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Rocket Garden, a showcase of rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, including the Redstone, Atlas, and Titan II. Other popular displays include the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Established in 1990, it contains personal artifacts and stories of the astronauts. The center also boasts the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which is shown as it would have appeared in mid-flight. Atlantis flew 33 missions from 1985 to 2011 and it was crucial in performing tasks such as deploying satellites and interplanetary probes, as well as servicing the Hubble Space Telescope.

Even more exciting for space buffs is that, if you time your visit to Kennedy Space Center right, you could have the chance to run into a real astronaut and even witness a live rocket launch. Indeed, KSC is one of the few places where visitors can view launches of not only NASA missions but also commercial rockets from SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.

The Space Needle — Seattle, Washington

With 605 feet tall, the Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most iconic sights.

Built for the Century 21 Exposition in 1962 — the theme of which was “The Age of Space” — the Space Needle cuts a stylish figure against the Seattle skyline and provides a 360-degree viewing experience. On a clear day, you can see Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and Lake Union from the flying-saucer shaped observatory. And on a clear night, it’s the perfect spot to reach for the Moon.

The Space Needle symbolizes the mid-20th century fascination with space and technological progress. Its iconic design, resembling a flying saucer, represents the era’s aspirations for innovation and exploration.

In 2017, the Space Needle completed a complete remodeling — or “Spacelift” — in which most of its 1960s concrete and metal were ripped out and replaced with the Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor, as well as new glass barriers and benches for unobstructed views. Go at sunset to see if you can see the moonrise from this incredible icon of Seattle.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum — New York City

New York City is more than just fancy department stores and pricey restaurants. Anchored along the Hudson River is the USS Intrepid, a retired aircraft carrier that now houses a wealth of information for those interested in space travel. The Intrepid was commissioned in 1943 and served in World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and as a recovery aircraft vessel for NASA missions before being decommissioned in 1974.

The museum’s chief space-related exhibit is the Space Shuttle Pavilion, home to the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Although never flown in space, the Enterprise was the test vehicle for NASA’s Space Shuttle program, providing valuable data for engineers that would spearhead the decades-long program. Visitors of the Space Shuttle Pavilion can also see a decommissioned Soyuz space capsule, known to space buffs as a true cornerstone of Russian space exploration since the 1960s.

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Space Center Houston — Houston, Texas

Saturn V moon rocket on display at Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston in Houston is the beating heart of NASA, home to both the astronaut corps training center and the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center — aptly named after NASA’s first Flight Director and key figure in the development of mission control operations. Space Center Houston has been the location for training hundreds of astronauts and has served as mission control for every manned spaceflight since Gemini 4 in 1965. Thus, the spot has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most important places in the history of spaceflight.

Among the key exhibits is Starship Gallery, a collection of some of the most amazing spacecraft that have propelled NASA astronauts into the wild blue yonder. The gallery includes spacecraft such as the Mercury 9 capsule, Gemini 5 capsule, and Apollo 17 command module, which flew the last mission to the Moon in 1972. Another popular attraction is the Astronaut Gallery, which preserves spacesuits from every era of NASA missions and honors the men and women who wore them in space. Guests of Space Center Houston can also check out Mission Mars, a fully interactive exhibit that allows visitors to explore NASA’s planned mission to the Red Planet.

FAQs:

Q: What are the operating hours of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.?
A: The National Air and Space Museum typically operates from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily, though hours can vary on holidays and during special events. It’s best to check the museum’s official website for current hours before planning your visit.

Q: Is advance reservation required for visiting the Kennedy Space Center?
A: While advance reservations are not required, they are highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Purchasing tickets online in advance can help you avoid long lines and ensure availability for special tours and experiences.

Q: Are there any dining options available at the Space Needle in Seattle?
A: Yes, the Space Needle has dining options, including the Atmos Café and the Loupe Lounge. Visitors can enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the stunning views of Seattle. Reservations for dining are recommended, especially for the Loupe Lounge.

Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum?
A: Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum. However, there are on-site dining options where visitors can purchase meals and snacks. The museum also has picnic areas available outside if you prefer to bring your own food.

Q: Are there any height restrictions for exhibits or rides at Space Center Houston?
A: Yes, some interactive exhibits and rides at Space Center Houston may have height restrictions for safety reasons. It’s advisable to check the specific guidelines for each attraction on the Space Center Houston website or inquire at the visitor center upon arrival.

Q: Is there public transportation available to reach the Space Needle in Seattle?
A: Yes, the Space Needle is accessible by various public transportation options, including buses and the Seattle Center Monorail, which connects to downtown Seattle. Using public transportation can be a convenient and eco-friendly way to visit the Space Needle.

Can you think of any other cool destination in the U.S. for space exploration buffs? Let us know in our comments section below!