Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles (logoboom/Shutterstock)
Do you ever feel like your wanderlust and curiosity go hand-in-hand? You crave adventure, but not just any adventure – you want to be wowed by the marvels of science and the wonders of the natural world. Well, pack your bags, science enthusiasts, because the world is your lab! Traveling isn’t just about relaxation on a beach (although there’s definitely room for that too). It’s about experiencing new cultures, broadening your horizons, and maybe even making some groundbreaking discoveries…of your own interests, that is.
StudyFinds scoured the web to find the best travel destinations for the science lover in you. From historical sites that mark giant leaps in scientific discovery to interactive museums brimming with knowledge, there’s sure to be a destination that will ignite your scientific passion. Have another recommendation that we should know about? Let us know in the comments!
StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus picks featured on credible review sites. We aim to lay out top consumer research finds for you by bringing expert rankings to one place.
1. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Ever dreamt of blasting off? At the Kennedy Space Center, you can practically feel the rocket fuel pumping through your veins. Explore iconic spacecraft like Atlantis, train like an astronaut, and witness the future of space exploration. It’s out-of-this-world inspiration for any space enthusiast!
According to Apple Rubber, this isn’t just any old bucket list stop – it’s a launchpad to your space dreams! Since 1968, this Florida hub has been NASA’s go-to spot for blasting off. Explore the massive visitor complex, packed with exhibits, giant movie screens, historic spacecraft, and even talks by real astronauts. Feeling adventurous? Take a tour of the Rocket Garden, a collection of real and replica rockets so impressive, you won’t believe your eyes.
Kennedy Space Center isn’t just where iconic missions like Apollo and Skylab launched from, it’s also a massive hub for space exploration attracting over 1.7 million visitors a year (Explore).
While the whole center spans a whopping 144,000 acres, the real draw for tourists is the Visitor Complex. Here, you’ll find five themed zones packed with exhibits, plus two IMAX theaters. Hop on a bus tour for an in-depth look at the spaceport, or get a taste of astronaut life with the Shuttle Launch and Astronaut Training Experiences. Daily presentations by real astronauts round out your chance to explore the wonders of space travel.
According to National Geographic, the Kennedy Space Center is a mere hour from Orlando. Engage in interactive exhibits, including the G-force simulating Shuttle Launch Experience. For an exclusive touch, share a meal with a veteran astronaut. Relive history through a captivating 3D film showcasing the moon landing with original footage and control room audio. You can also capture a photo with the awe-inspiring Atlantis space shuttle, a 30-year veteran of space exploration.
Plan your visit for a full day of discovery, and consider synchronizing it with a scheduled rocket launch for an unforgettable experience.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Witness earth-breathing fire at Yellowstone! This geothermal wonderland boasts geysers erupting skyward, technicolor hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. It’s a living laboratory of geological wonders, where you can see the raw power of our planet on full display.
Yellowstone National Park is a magnet for nature enthusiasts. Home to an astonishing 67 mammal species, including iconic grizzly bears and bison, the park offers a chance to see everything from wolverines and lynxes to endangered whooping cranes. Whether you explore by bike, boat, or on horseback, Yellowstone provides a spectacular glimpse into America’s rich biodiversity (MapQuest Travel). Just remember to stay cautious around bears and bison for a safe and unforgettable adventure.
Trips to Discover calls Yellowstone National Park a geothermal wonderland. This vast park boasts the most geysers of any place on Earth, including the iconic Old Faithful erupting every 90 minutes. Marvel at a kaleidoscope of colorful hot springs, like the Grand Prismatic, the largest hot spring in the U.S. known for its vibrant rainbow hues.
Encompassing a vast 2.2 million acres, this park, the first national park in the world, offers an unparalleled combination of geothermal wonders and wildlife viewing, adds Apple Rubber. Whether you’re a budding geologist or simply an adventurer at heart, Yellowstone National Park promises an unforgettable experience.
3. CERN Physics Facility, Geneva, Switzerland
Peer into the heart of the universe (well, almost) at CERN! This massive research facility houses the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a marvel of engineering that smashes particles together to unlock the secrets of our universe’s building blocks. It’s a mind-bending journey for any science buff curious about the fundamental forces of nature.
CERN, which stands for the European Council for Nuclear Research, is a global hub for scientific collaboration (Apple Rubber). A Small World says to witness the LHC from above and delve deeper with a guided tour of the ATLAS experiment, where the Higgs boson was discovered.
This physics facility offers a glimpse into groundbreaking discoveries through tours led by passionate researchers, says Hello Bio. Get up-close with CERN’s first accelerator and see recreated labs from the 1950s! Beyond the tours, the visitor center provides a fun and engaging environment with science shows, workshops, and hands-on exhibits to truly immerse yourself in the world of particle physics.
4. Space Center Houston, Houston, Texas
Train alongside astronauts, touch a moon rock, and explore the wonders of space travel at Space Center Houston. This interactive museum lets you relive historic missions, experience the thrill of a simulated launch, and get a glimpse into the future of space exploration. It’s a must-visit for anyone who dreams of reaching for the stars.
A Small World says Space Center Houston is your gateway to space exploration. This NASA visitor center boasts over 400 artifacts, letting you get up close to moon rocks and even explore a replica Space Shuttle on Independence Plaza. Step inside and imagine astronaut life! Mission Mars takes you on an immersive journey, showcasing the Martian landscape with real-time weather and VR simulations. Get a glimpse of the future with a next-generation Mars Rover on display. From moonwalks to the red planet, Space Center Houston brings space exploration to life.
This Smithsonian Affiliate boasts the world’s largest collection of moon rocks, alongside a treasure trove of space artifacts like spacesuits. Embark on the NASA tram tour for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of training grounds (Explore).
Live Science says this museum ignites your passion with science shows, exhibits, and the chance to touch a real moon rock! Get hands-on with space history through incredible artifacts, including spacesuits worn on the moon and a fragment of the Skylab space station.
The future promises even more – a new complex is underway to house a real Shuttle Carrier Aircraft! Upgrade your experience to potentially visit NASA facilities or even meet astronauts – just like at Kennedy Space Center.
5. Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado-Utah Border
Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Colorado-Utah border, and is a top dino destination. This park is a paleontologist’s paradise, housing some of the world’s most renowned fossils, including Stegosaurus and Diplodocus. Beyond the impressive bone finds, Dinosaur National Monument caters to outdoor enthusiasts with scenic hiking trails and thrilling rafting adventures. Whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast or an adventurer at heart, this park promises something for everyone (Oyster).
According to National Geographic, the history follows you wherever you go! Discover ancient petroglyphs carved by the Fremont people along the trails. You also get the chance to unearth hidden gems on a guided fossil discovery walk to really feel like a real paleontologist. For an adrenaline rush, whitewater raft the Green River amidst colorful canyons. Keep in mind, the monument’s peak months are May to September.
Is accessibility necessary for you or someone in your family? Live Science suggests Dinosaur Ridge, near Denver, as an accessible alternative to Dinosaur National Monument. Hike this fossil-rich hill for free or take a cheap shuttle tour. See exposed bones, fossilized ripples, and over 300 dinosaur tracks! The nearby museum lets you touch real fossils and chat with paleontology enthusiasts. Dinosaur Ridge offers a dino adventure for all.
6. Montana Dinosaur Center, Bynum, Montana
Get your hands dirty (on replicas, of course!) at the Montana Dinosaur Center. This interactive museum lets you dig for dinosaur bones, learn about paleontology through hands-on exhibits, and come face-to-face with life-sized dinosaur models.
The center is made up of a network of 15 museums and exhibits across the state (MapQuest Travel). Each location offers unique insights into the prehistoric world through dinosaur fossils and engaging displays. Fuel your dino-curiosity with a $5 Prehistoric Passport, which grants you a rundown of all 15 sites and a commemorative T-shirt upon completion (with a stamp from each location).
Highlights include the life-sized T-Rex model at Fort Peck Interpretive Center and the Museum of the Rockies’ collection, featuring the biggest T-Rex skull ever discovered. Explore Triceratops and Stegosaurus fossils at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, or even join a paleontologist on a real fossil dig! Explore says this fascinating museum even showcases a Guinness World Record-holding 137-foot-long Seismosaurus model, too.
Uncover the secrets of the region’s prehistory through interactive exhibits featuring dinosaur fossils, from towering giants to baby dinos. Want to become a paleontologist for a day? Book a dig expedition (offered mid-June to September) and participate in real fossil digs alongside experts. Adventurers of all ages will enjoy this trip!
7. The Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California
Gaze at the stars above the City of Angels at the Griffith Observatory. Perched atop a hill overlooking Los Angeles, this iconic observatory offers breathtaking views of the cityscape and the cosmos beyond. Peer through telescopes, explore astronomy exhibits, and experience the magic of the night sky under the guidance of experts.
Beyond the breathtaking views, Griffith Observatory boasts captivating exhibits. Explore the Wilder Hall of the Eye, delve into astronomy at the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky, and journey through the cosmos at the Gunther Depths of Space (Buzzfeed). This iconic landmark, envisioned by Griffith J. Griffith, offers public telescope viewing at nightfall, with expert guidance to help you explore the moon, planets, and beyond, adds National Geographic.
For a blend of Hollywood magic and science, look no further than Griffith Observatory, says Oyster. Featured in films like “Rebel Without a Cause,” the observatory boasts stunning city views. Get your stargazing fix at a free monthly public star party, where you can peek through telescopes with expert guidance.
You can also catch a daily show at the Samuel Oshin Planetarium for an even deeper dive into space. Also, you can hike or bike the scenic trails leading to the observatory for a complete experience to take in panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign.
Griffith Observatory offers the perfect combination of Hollywood glamour, breathtaking city views, and the chance to explore the cosmos. It’s a must-visit for any Los Angeles adventure.
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
