Astronomy museums in California

The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts in San Francisco, United States. It is characterized as a 'mad scientist's playground, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory, all in one.' The participatory nature of its exhibits and its self-identification as a center for informal learning has led it to be cited as the prototype for participatory museums worldwide.

The California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, is a unique blend of a science academy and a natural history museum. It features a planetarium, an artificial rainforest, and a large aquatic area. This combination of features offers visitors a diverse and comprehensive experience, allowing them to explore various aspects of natural history and science in one place.

The NASA Ames Visitor Center, located at the entrance of NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, serves as the gateway to the world of space exploration. It provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about NASA's research and development activities, and the role they play in advancing our understanding of the universe.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a hub for nature enthusiasts. Each year, it reconnects more than 150,000 people to nature, both indoors and outdoors. The museum is a great place for tourists who are interested in natural history and want to learn more about the natural world.

The Ames Research Center plays a crucial role in space exploration, being involved in virtually all space probe projects either as a designer or a subcontractor for equipment or tests. The center also contributes to the space program for the search for life in the universe, the development of survival systems for future missions, and studying the effects of space on humans. This wide range of activities offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the ongoing efforts and advancements in space exploration.

The USS Hornet Museum is a unique museum ship situated on the southernmost pier of the former Naval Air Station Alameda in Alameda, California. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a significant piece of naval history while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Alameda waterfront.

The Griffith Observatory is a renowned planetarium and observatory located on Hollywood Mountain in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. This iconic location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos and learn about the universe. The observatory is a significant part of Los Angeles' cultural and scientific heritage, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in astronomy and space exploration.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is situated on a vast 72-hectare area on the city border of La Cañada Flintridge and Pasadena, California. Its location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the region.

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a renowned science museum situated in the heart of Balboa Park in San Diego, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX dome theater, all in one place. The museum is known for setting the standard for major science museums worldwide, being the first to combine these elements.

The Palomar Observatory is situated atop a 1,706-meter high mountain, approximately 80 kilometers north of San Diego in California. This location offers a unique vantage point for astronomical observations, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in astronomy and the natural sciences.

The Discovery Cube Orange County, located in Santa Ana, California, is a science museum that was previously known as the Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center. The museum is home to over 100 hands-on science exhibits that are designed to ignite the natural curiosity of children. These interactive exhibits provide an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

The Tech Interactive, located in downtown San Jose, California, is a science and technology center that provides a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education resources. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities, participate in labs, and take on design challenges. The center's focus on interactive learning makes it a unique destination for those interested in exploring the world of science and technology.

The Discovery Cube Orange County, previously known as the Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, is a science museum located in Santa Ana, California. The museum is home to over 100 interactive science exhibits that are designed to ignite the natural curiosity of children. These exhibits provide a hands-on learning experience, making science fun and engaging for all ages.

Lick Observatory is an astronomical observatory that belongs to the University of California. It is situated at the summit of Mount Hamilton, to the east of San Jose in the United States. This location offers excellent conditions for astronomical observation, thanks to the absence of light pollution and the fact that the summit of Mount Hamilton is almost always above the fog that is often present in the San Francisco Bay area.

The Chabot Space and Science Center, situated in Oakland, California, is a hub for science learning. It offers a variety of interactive exhibits, planetariums, a large screen theater, hands-on activities, and three powerful telescopes. This makes it an ideal destination for tourists interested in science and astronomy.

Fresno's very own planetarium will help you discover and wonder at the solar system, stars, comets and space phenomena.

Fresno Discovery Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit family science center open to the public in Fresno, California since 1954. Our property has 5.5 acres of outdoor exhibits, play structures, gardens, and animals to visit in a park setting. Our indoor Science Center provides science exploration through e

The Lawrence Hall of Science, located in Berkeley, California, is a public science center that provides a variety of services and resources. It offers hands-on science exhibits that allow visitors to engage directly with scientific concepts and phenomena. The center also designs curriculum and provides professional development resources, as well as after-school science resources for students of all ages.

The Museum of Creation and Earth History, located in Santee, California, is a facility that promotes young earth creationist views. It was opened by the Institute for Creation Research in 1992 at its original headquarters.