Explore the Wonders of the California Science Center
Discover the wonders of science and space at the California Science Center, a premier museum in Los Angeles with interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
The California Science Center is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles for tourists of all ages. This engaging science museum offers a wealth of interactive exhibits, an impressive IMAX theater, and a unique focus on space exploration, making it an ideal spot for families and science enthusiasts alike.
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
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
- Check the schedule for IMAX movie screenings and plan your visit around them.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll spend a lot of time walking and exploring.
- Consider bringing a packed lunch or snacks, as there are limited dining options inside.
- Don't miss the opportunity to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour up close; it's a highlight of the museum.
Getting There
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Public Transit
From Santa Monica Pier, walk to the Santa Monica Metro Expo Line station, which is about a 10-minute walk. Once there, board the light rail train heading towards Downtown Los Angeles. Stay on the train for approximately 30 minutes, and get off at the Expo Park/USC station. From the station, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the California Science Center located at 700 Exposition Park Dr. Just head northeast on Exposition Blvd, and you will see the entrance to the Science Center on your right.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from one of the many bike rental shops in Santa Monica. Start at the Santa Monica Boardwalk and head east towards Main Street. Once you reach Main Street, turn left and continue until you reach the intersection with Pico Blvd. Turn right onto Pico Blvd and continue straight. After about 6 miles, turn left onto S Broadway, then right onto Exposition Park Dr. The California Science Center will be on your left after a short distance.
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Walking
If you’re up for a longer walk, you can take a scenic route. Start at the Santa Monica Pier and walk east along Ocean Ave. Continue onto California Ave, which leads you through residential areas and parks. After about 2.5 miles, turn left onto S Broadway and continue walking for another mile until you reach Exposition Park Dr. The California Science Center will be on your right. This route will take approximately 1 hour to walk.
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 captivating blend of Victorian and Craftsman architecture in the heart of Los Angeles.
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
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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 legacy of the LA Memorial Coliseum, an iconic stadium hosting historic sports events and cultural celebrations in the heart of Los Angeles.
University of Southern California
0.7 km
Explore the historic and dynamic campus of the University of Southern California, a leading private university in Los Angeles, rich in culture and student life.
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
Experience the thrill of sports and the magic of concerts at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles' premier entertainment destination in the heart of South Park.
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
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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
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Ginza-USA Gifts & Music
5.7 km
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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
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pattern Bar
4.0 km
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Good Clean Fun
4.1 km
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Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
4.2 km
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Crane's Bar Downtown
4.2 km
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Seven Grand
4.4 km
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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
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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.
