Forty-five years ago today, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin of the Apollo 11 space flight landed on the moon. Since then, humanity’s obsession with the final frontier has grown, with Virgin Galactic due to take its first tourists into zero-gravity by the end of this year. For those who can’t afford the airfare, travel website TripAdvisor has gathered the US’s top 10 space-themed attractions.
1. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly, Virginia (5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 1,328 reviews)
Located 25 miles west of Washington, DC, this museum features two hangars that display thousands of aviation and space artefacts including the retired Discovery space shuttle.
Travellers can view a film at the Airbus IMAX Theatre, visit the observation tower or take an educational tour of the facility.
A TripAdvisor reviewer said: “I was in aviation heaven. Standing next to the space shuttle was exciting and humbling.”
2. Pima Air & Space Museum
Tucson, Arizona (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 1,226 reviews)
Known as one of the world’s largest aerospace museums, this desert attraction features more than 300 aircraft, a space gallery, an Aviation Hall of Fame, and hosts Soarin’ Saturdays, where children can build model airplanes, experiment with rockets and more.
A TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “This large museum has it all from the beginning of flight to the space programme.”
3. Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
McMinnville, Oregon (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 487 reviews)
Located 40 miles southwest of Portland, the Space Flight exhibit takes travellers on a journey through the history of extra-terrestrial exploration, giving them an up-close look at boosters, spacecraft, rockets and beyond.
“This is a first-class aviation and space museum with excellent exhibits and one of the best collections of aircraft, space vehicles and hardware,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world.4. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington, DC (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 4,924 reviews)
Featuring 21 exhibits, this attraction has nearly 60,000 objects ranging from Saturn V rockets and jetliners to gliders, space helmets and microchips.
Also on display is an extensive collection of aviation and space images, boasting more than 1.7 million photographs and 14,000 film and video titles.
“This is an amazing museum with something for everyone. Be sure to touch the moon rock just inside the door facing the mall,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.
The Zeiss telescope at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.5. Griffith Observatory
Los Angeles, California (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 3,524 reviews)
Situated 1,134 feet above sea level on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, this iconic observatory strives to inspire guests to ponder and understand the sky.
Travellers can observe the cosmos through the Zeiss telescope and attend a star party where they’ll have the chance to mix and mingle with amateur astronomers.
A TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Great at night, very special. Had telescopes set up so you could see planets and stars.”
6. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Cape Canaveral, Florida (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 3,082 reviews)
Travellers visiting this Cape Canaveral complex can experience the excitement of the moon landing at the Apollo/Saturn V Centre where they can touch a real moon rock and stand under the largest rocket ever made.
“If you like science, history and rockets, this is a great visit. The mere size and scope of these rockets is amazing,” recommended a TripAdvisor reviewer.
7. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
New York City, New York (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 1,807 reviews)
Seated on Pier 86 along the Hudson River, this museum allows travellers to immerse themselves in history by exploring 17 awe-inspiring exhibits that feature original artefacts, photographs and films.
Astronomy aficionados can also marvel at the Enterprise space shuttle, built for Nasa to perform test flights.
“Standing under the space shuttle and being so close is truly breathtaking,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.
8. McDonald Observatory
Fort Davis, Texas (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 372 reviews)
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2014, the McDonald Observatory is one of the world’s leading centres for astronomical research.
Guests are invited to attend the Twilight Program and Star Party where they will enjoy sky constellation tours and view celestial objects via telescope.
A TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “Excellent exposure to the world of astronomical observation. Star Party is a must.”
9. US Space and Rocket Center
Huntsville, Alabama (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 687 reviews)
Since 1970, this facility has showcased the past, present and future of human spaceflight.
On display, travellers can view the US’s first satellite, Explorer I, the Apollo 12 moon rock, and the Apollo 16 command module.
A TripAdvisor reviewer said: “This is a must-see if you travel to Huntsville. It’s educational, interactive and fun.”
A long exposure photograph captures a view of stars rotating around Bell Rock, Sedona, Arizona.10. Sedona Star Gazing
Sedona, Arizona (4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor, 302 reviews)
Using some of the largest custom-built tele-scopes, travellers visiting Sedona can marvel at the starry night sky.
“Tours are restricted to a maximum of 12 guests to ensure a personal experience that allows stargazers to ask questions and learn about the heavenly bodies above.
A TripAdvisor reviewer enthused: “Through the telescope we viewed Jupiter, Mars, nebulas and star clusters and had an unbelievable view of Saturn!”