California Science Center: Explore the Wonders of Science
Explore interactive science exhibits, see the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and discover the wonders of science at the California Science Center.
The California Science Center, located in Los Angeles' Exposition Park, is the West Coast's largest hands-on science center. With free admission to its permanent exhibits, it offers a wide array of interactive displays, covering diverse scientific fields, from the human body to space exploration.
A brief summary to California Science Center
- 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, South Figueroa Corridor, California, 90037, US
- +1323-724-3623
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- General admission to the Science Center's permanent exhibits is free, but there are separate fees for IMAX movies and special exhibitions.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can be challenging.
- Take the Metro Expo Line to the Expo Park/USC station for a convenient and traffic-free way to reach the Science Center.
- Visit the California Science Center's website to reserve timed-entry tickets for special exhibits and IMAX movies.
Getting There
-
Public Transport
The Metro Expo Line provides direct access to the California Science Center. From anywhere on the Expo Line, take the train to the Expo Park/USC Station. The Science Center is located directly across the street from the station. A one-way trip on Metro bus and rail is $1.75, which includes two hours of free transfers.
-
Driving
If driving, take the Harbor Freeway (110) and exit at 39th Street/Exposition Park Drive. Turn left onto 39th Street/Exposition Park Drive and proceed straight into Exposition Park. Follow the guest parking signs to the parking structure. Parking costs $20 until 5:00 p.m. and $24 after 5:00 p.m. for cars and regular-sized vehicles. Oversized vehicles, such as RVs and limousines, cost $42 to park.
-
Ride Sharing
When using a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft, set the drop-off location as Exposition Park Drive and Figueroa Street for the most convenient access to the California Science Center. From this location, it is a short walk to the Science Center entrance. Ride-sharing costs vary, but a short trip within the vicinity of Exposition Park typically ranges from $10 to $20.
Discover more about California Science Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic Palm Tree of Los Angeles
0.3 km
Discover the Historic Palm Tree of Los Angeles, a stunning landmark that embodies the city's rich history and natural beauty in Exposition Park.
The Olympics Sign
0.6 km
Discover the iconic Olympics Sign in Los Angeles, a historical landmark celebrating the city's Olympic spirit and athletic heritage.
Stimson House
1.8 km
Explore Stimson House, a historic landmark in Los Angeles, showcasing exquisite architecture and rich history for an unforgettable experience.
Central Avenue Historic District
3.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Los Angeles at Central Avenue Historic District, a cultural landmark steeped in history and vibrant artistic expression.
Ralph Bunche House
3.0 km
Discover the Ralph Bunche House, a historic landmark in Los Angeles honoring the legacy of Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche and his contributions to civil rights.
Historic Hobart House
3.3 km
Discover the Historic Hobart House, a captivating landmark in Los Angeles, rich in history and architectural beauty, perfect for all travelers.
Smallest street in Los Angeles
3.3 km
Explore the smallest street in Los Angeles, Powers Place, a hidden gem in Pico-Union that showcases the city's quirky charm and cultural richness.
Alvarado Terrace Historic District
3.3 km
Explore the Alvarado Terrace Historic District, a charming neighborhood in Los Angeles filled with stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for photography and leisurely walks.
Historic New Orleans Corridor - West End
4.0 km
Explore the Historic New Orleans Corridor in West End, a vibrant blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Conservancy
4.6 km
Explore Los Angeles’ rich history and architectural heritage at the Los Angeles Conservancy, a hub for preservation and education in the city.
City National Plaza Fountain
4.7 km
Discover the tranquility of City National Plaza Fountain, a stunning urban oasis in the heart of Los Angeles' Financial District, perfect for relaxation and photography.
World Peace Bell
4.8 km
Discover the World Peace Bell in Los Angeles' Financial District, a historic landmark symbolizing hope and unity amidst the city's vibrant culture.
Library Steps / Bunker Hill Steps
4.8 km
Explore the Library Steps in Los Angeles, a stunning cultural landmark that blends art and nature in the heart of the Financial District.
US Bank Tower
4.8 km
Experience the awe-inspiring U.S. Bank Tower, an architectural icon in downtown Los Angeles, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's vibrant business life.
INDIAN ALLEY
5.0 km
Explore Indian Alley, a vibrant historical landmark in Los Angeles that showcases Indigenous art and culture in a captivating outdoor gallery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Exposition Park Rose Garden
0.2 km
Discover the serene beauty of Exposition Park Rose Garden in Los Angeles, a vibrant floral oasis perfect for relaxation and exploration.
California African American Museum
0.2 km
Discover the rich heritage of African Americans through art and history at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
0.3 km
Discover the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where science meets adventure in an unforgettable journey through time and nature.
LA Memorial Coliseum
0.3 km
Discover the historic LA Memorial Coliseum, a legendary stadium in Los Angeles that has hosted iconic events and remains a vibrant cultural hub.
University of Southern California
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant campus life and rich history of the University of Southern California, a top private university in Los Angeles.
Doheny Mansion
1.8 km
Discover the allure of Doheny Mansion in Los Angeles, a historic site showcasing exquisite architecture and rich stories from the past.
Crypto.com Arena
3.5 km
Discover the excitement of sports and entertainment at Crypto.com Arena, a premier venue in downtown Los Angeles hosting unforgettable events year-round.
Peacock Theater
3.6 km
Discover the vibrant world of live performances at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where every show promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live
3.8 km
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of music at the GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live, a must-see destination for every music lover.
Grand Hope Park
3.9 km
Discover the tranquility of Grand Hope Park, a lush urban oasis perfect for relaxation, picnics, and community events in downtown Los Angeles.
Golden Gopher
4.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Golden Gopher, a charming bar in Downtown Los Angeles known for craft cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere.
Essential places to dine
Rossoblu
3.7 km
Experience authentic Bolognese cuisine at Rossoblu in Los Angeles—where traditional Italian flavors meet contemporary California flair.
DAMA Fashion District - Downtown LA Restaurant & Bar
3.7 km
Discover DAMA Fashion District: where vibrant Latin cuisine meets creative cocktails in Downtown LA's lively atmosphere.
Sparrow Italia Los Angeles
3.9 km
Experience authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine at Sparrow Italia, where elegant dining meets vibrant ambiance in South Park, Los Angeles.
The Exchange Restaurant
4.2 km
Experience modern Californian cuisine at The Exchange Restaurant in Los Angeles – where fresh ingredients meet innovative flavors.
Poppy + Rose
4.3 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at Poppy + Rose in LA's Fashion District - perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Le Grand Restaurant
4.4 km
Experience culinary excellence at Le Grand Restaurant in Los Angeles' Financial District with exquisite American cuisine and exceptional service.
Bottega Louie
4.4 km
Experience the culinary artistry of Bottega Louie in downtown LA – where Italian flavors meet vibrant ambiance.
Cicada Restaurant and Lounge
4.6 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Cicada Restaurant and Lounge in LA's Financial District, where modern European cuisine meets live music in an elegant setting.
Water Grill
4.7 km
Discover Water Grill: An upscale seafood restaurant in Los Angeles offering fresh catches and exquisite flavors in an elegant setting.
Drago Centro
4.7 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant setting at Drago Centro, Los Angeles' premier dining destination for food enthusiasts.
Perch
4.9 km
Experience the elegance of French dining at Perch in Los Angeles—where culinary artistry meets breathtaking views.
71Above
4.9 km
Experience exquisite dining at 71Above with stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles from the 71st floor.
Le Petit Paris
5.0 km
Indulge in exquisite French cuisine at Le Petit Paris, where elegance meets culinary artistry in downtown Los Angeles.
Orsa & Winston
5.0 km
Experience culinary excellence at Orsa & Winston, where Asian flavors meet modern innovation in a historic setting.
Maccheroni Republic
5.1 km
Discover the heart of Italy in Los Angeles at Maccheroni Republic - where fresh pasta and authentic flavors come alive.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Explorastore
0.0 km
Explore unique science-themed gifts at the Explorastore in Los Angeles, a delightful shop within the California Science Center.
ONE OFF ECLECTIC
3.5 km
Explore unique vintage treasures at ONE OFF ECLECTIC, a thrift store in Los Angeles' Fashion District offering eclectic clothing and accessories.
Souvenirs Los Angeles
3.7 km
Discover the essence of Los Angeles at Souvenirs Los Angeles, your one-stop shop for unique keepsakes and local treasures.
Love & Shop
3.7 km
Explore trendy women's fashion at Love & Shop in LA's Fashion District, where style meets quality in an inviting boutique atmosphere.
Quirk
4.0 km
Explore Quirk, a vintage clothing store in Los Angeles, where unique fashion meets custom tailoring and timeless style.
NICO & BULLITT
4.1 km
Discover the unique charm of NICO & BULLITT in LA's Fashion District - a boutique offering curated fashion and exclusive gifts for every style.
Arcade Vintage
4.6 km
Arcade Vintage: Your ultimate destination for unique, retro fashion treasures in Los Angeles' Fashion District.
The Library Store
4.7 km
Explore The Library Store in Los Angeles for unique gifts and books that celebrate literature and creativity in a charming atmosphere.
Alvarado Clothing
4.9 km
Discover your unique style at Alvarado Clothing in LA's Historic Core, where fashion meets the vibrant culture of the city.
LA Phil Store
5.5 km
Explore the LA Phil Store in Downtown Los Angeles for unique music-inspired gifts and art that celebrate the city's vibrant cultural heritage.
Raggedy Threads
5.5 km
Explore the charm of vintage fashion at Raggedy Threads in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, where unique treasures await every fashion enthusiast.
SOUVENIR
5.6 km
Discover unique women's clothing in Los Angeles' Arts District, where style meets creativity and every piece tells a story.
Ginza-USA Gifts & Music
5.7 km
Explore a unique blend of Japanese collectibles, musical instruments, and vintage records at Ginza-USA Gifts & Music in Little Tokyo.
Bunkado
5.7 km
Discover unique gifts and traditional Japanese crafts at Bunkado in the heart of Little Tokyo, a perfect stop for every traveler seeking a cultural experience.
Lovestitch Los Angeles Retail Store
5.7 km
Explore Lovestitch in Los Angeles' Arts District—your destination for unique women's fashion and vibrant style that captures the essence of the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pattern Bar
4.0 km
Discover the eclectic atmosphere of Pattern Bar, a unique cocktail bar and breakfast spot in Los Angeles' Historic Core.
Good Clean Fun
4.1 km
Discover the vibrant wine culture of Los Angeles at Good Clean Fun, where every sip tells a story and every visit feels like home.
Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
4.2 km
Discover Broken Shaker in Los Angeles, a rooftop cocktail bar offering creative drinks, stunning skyline views, and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Crane's Bar Downtown
4.2 km
Discover Crane's Bar Downtown, where vibrant sports culture meets a casual dive bar experience in the heart of Los Angeles.
Seven Grand
4.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Los Angeles at Seven Grand, a premier bar with an extensive whiskey selection and live music events.
Bar Jackalope
4.4 km
Discover Bar Jackalope: A hidden gem in Los Angeles offering an exquisite selection of whiskey and cocktails in a cozy, upscale atmosphere.
Library Bar
4.6 km
Experience the chic ambiance of Library Bar in Los Angeles, where unique drinks and delightful dining converge in a stylish lounge setting.
The Varnish
4.7 km
Discover The Varnish, a cocktail bar in Los Angeles blending classic drinks, live music, and a vintage ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
The Love Song Bar
4.9 km
Experience the enchanting vibes of The Love Song Bar in Los Angeles, where creative cocktails and live music intertwine for an unforgettable night.
Bar Franca
4.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Bar Franca in Los Angeles, where expertly crafted cocktails meet an intimate and stylish atmosphere.
The Slipper Clutch
5.1 km
Experience the vibrant live music scene at The Slipper Clutch, a unique bar in the Historic Core of Los Angeles, perfect for music lovers and night owls.
Everson Royce Bar
5.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Everson Royce Bar in Los Angeles' Fashion District, where creative cocktails meet an electric atmosphere.
Wolf & Crane Bar
5.6 km
Experience the vibrant cocktail culture at Wolf & Crane Bar in Little Tokyo, where traditional Japanese flavors meet modern mixology.
Death & Co Los Angeles
5.7 km
Discover innovative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere at Death & Co Los Angeles, a must-visit cocktail bar in the Arts District.
Lock & Key
6.0 km
Discover Lock & Key in Koreatown, a lively cocktail bar and gastropub offering a unique speakeasy experience with live music and delicious cuisine.
