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Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston, Texas

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 8 Comments

If you are visiting Houston in Texas, one attraction we can highly recommend you spend some time at is the Space Center Houston.

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center, which is the home of NASA’s Mission Control and where U.S. astronauts are trained. It’s also a Smithsonian affiliate museum.

There are two main parts to a visit to the Space Center. There’s the large self-guided Space Center museum itself, which is home to numerous exhibits on space exploration and space in general.

Then there’s the tram tour, which takes you onto the grounds of the NASA Johnson Space Center facility itself, where you can see actual working government facilities, as well as historic locations like the original Mission Control room.

In this post, we’re going to share everything you need to know to make the most out of your visit to Space Center Houston, from getting there, to what to see and do, to how to save money on your ticket.

Let’s get started.

A Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston

Where is space center houston.

Space Center Houston is at 1601 E NASA Parkway. This is found around 26 miles southeast of the city center, or approximately a 30-minute drive in light traffic.

How To Get to Space Center Houston?

From Houston, the easiest way to get to Space Center Houston is to drive. You can just follow the I-45 out of the city centre, and then take exit 24, following signs for NASA. It should take around half an hour, although of course traffic can slow you down. There is a large car-parking lot on site, with a reasonable daily fee of $5 per vehicle.

During the week it is also possible to take public transport to Space Center Houston, using Bus service 249. This takes around an hour and costs $3. You can see schedules and timetables on the Houston Metro site . Public transport is not available on the weekends.

There is a Hop-on Hop-off bus service in Houston , but it does not go to the Space Center.

You can also take a taxi or ride share service like Uber. Prices will vary, but will be in the region of $30 – $60 each way depending on traffic and time of day. You can also get these back from the Space Center.

Finally, it’s also possible to take a guided tour from the city centre out to Space Center Houston. As an example, this tour includes a tour of Houston, transport to and from Space Center Houston, as well as entry to the Space Center.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Space Center Houston?

Standard entry to Space Center Houston for an adult (12+) is $29.95 – $34.95 depending on the day and time you visit. It’s $24.95 for children (aged 4-11) and $27.95 for seniors (65+). Prices are correct as of February 2023.

There are a variety of discounts available for active and retired military with I.D., AAA members with I.D., and groups. Children 3 and under are able to enter for free.

You can see all the details of the pricing and discount eligibility on the official site here . Note, tickets bought on the official site are non-refundable. You can also buy your ticket online in advance here for the same price , with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit.

You can also buy tickets in person. The price is the same, but if you print your ticket at home or download it to your mobile device, then you can skip the ticket line and go straight to the entry turnstile. This can save you a bit of time on busy days.

Space Center Houston is also included on the Houston City PASS . This can save you significant money if you plan on visiting some of the other attractions that the pass covers – up to 50% savings in fact! We found the pass very useful for our trip to Houston.

The Houston City PASS includes entry to five of Houston’s most popular attractions, but you only need to visit two or three of them for it to start saving you money.

See what it covers and buy yours in advance here . You can also buy it here with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before your trip if you need the flexibility.

Note – the CityPASS includes the standard tram tours but not the Mission Control tram tour, which is a paid extra. Last time we checked in 2023, you can upgrade on site for $15, subject to availability.

Are there different ticket types and experiences at the Space Center?

There are a number of different ticket options for Space Center. These are:

• the standard ticket
• the standard ticket with Mission Control Tour
• the Breakfast with an Astronaut Experience
• the VIP tour

The difference between these tours is reflected in the experience you have as well as the price you pay. See below for more on what each of these tickets includes and the difference between them, as well ar pricing.

Ticket types for Space Center Houston

The standard entry ticket gets you access to all the exhibits in the Space Center as well as the tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center. This is the ticket included on the Houston City PASS . This costs $29.95 – $34.95 for an adult.

The standard entry ticket with Mission control tour . This is the same as the standard entry ticket but it also includes the Mission control tram tour. This costs an extra $15 per ticket, so for adults it varies from $44.95 – $49.95.

The breakfast with an astronaut experience. This includes your standard entry, plus, as the name suggests, you get to have a meal with an astronaut. You’ll hear stories and anecdotes from an actual NASA astronaut, plus have the opportunity to take photos.

This is only available once or twice a week, and it depends on astronaut availability. This experience needs to be booked in advance, and you can find out more here about availability and what it includes. It currently costs $99.95.

Finally, the NASA VIP Space Center Houston tour is the ultimate VIP experience, for those who want a truly unique and special experience. The highlight of this experience is a 3 hour guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center, giving you much more access than the tram tour.

The VIP costs $199.95, and the includes your entry to Space Centre Houston, so you have plenty of time to see everything. The tour needs to be booked in advance, which you can do here . It is only available for those aged 14 and older. Tours run twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They actually visit different locations, so you could book both for the ultimate experience!

Experiences at Space Center Houston

As well as the different ticket options, Space Center Houston also offers a variety of educational programs geared to families and children’s organizations and groups (e.g., Boy Scouts, school groups).

For example, they offer a number of overnight experiences, including a family oriented overnight experience. This gives you the opportunity to actually stay overnight at the facility, either in your own tent outside, or inside amongst the artefacts.

You can see all the upcoming events and experiences on the events page here .

What can you do at Space Center Houston?

There is a lot to do at Space Center Houston, with over 400 space artifacts, a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions, learning experiences, theaters, and more!

Here’s a quick overview of the major attractions and activities you can enjoy at Space Center Houston. It’s not absolutely everything, but it should give you an idea of the scope of what’s on offer!

The NASA Tram Tour at Space Center Houston

This tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center takes you to some of the highlights of the Johnson Space Center, and is one of the most popular parts of a visit to the Space Center.

The tour may change depending on what’s happening at the facility and security considerations with active missions and programmes, but it normally has the option to visit one or more of the following, depending on the time of year and tram tour chosen:

• The Mission Operations Control Room 2, commonly known as Mission Control, which was where the Apollo missions were coordinated from.
• The Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, where astronauts train on replicas of space vehicles like the ISS.
• Rocket Park, home to a Saturn V rocket (the size has to be seen to be believed) as well as a number of other rockets from different stages of the space program.

We have more detail on the tram tour in the section dedicated to taking the tram tour elsewhere in this guide.

Independence Plaza

Independence Plaza is a large space outside the main Space Center building. It is home to an actual Boeing 747 aircraft, atop which is mounted a replica space shuttle.

The 747 in question was one of two Shuttle Carrier Aircraft developed by NASA to transport the space shuttle from it secondary landing site back to the main Shuttle Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center.

Often, bad weather would prevent the shuttle from landing at Kennedy, and so the 747 was developed to transport it back.

At Independence Plaza you can go all the way up into the replica shuttle, as well as through the length of the 747, where there are a variety of exhibits and interactive installations, telling the story of the vehicle.

Starship Gallery

Inside the main Space Center building, one of the most impressive galleries in our opinion is the Starship Gallery.

This is home to three actual spacecraft which have flown to space, the Mercury 9 capsule, the Gemini 5 capsule, and the Apollo 17 command module.

There’s also a lunar module test vehicle, a lunar rover test vehicle, a full-scale Skylab trainer and more.

Finally, the Starship Gallery is home to an actual piece of lunar rock, which is one of only eight in the world that you are allowed to touch. Yes, you can touch a piece of the moon in the Starship Gallery!

Mission Mars

One of the newest exhibits at the Space Center is Mission Mars. This exhibit focuses on NASA’s project to ultimately send manned space missions to Mars.

It covers the various challenges that need to be overcome for that to be successful, the vehicles that are being developed to take us there, and an overview of humanity’s relationship with the red planet.

There are also galleries explaining what life on Mars might be like when we finally send people there, including the habitats, clothing, and equipment that might be used.

This is a very interactive exhibit, with lots of touchscreens and hands on opportunities. You can also touch a Mars meteorite here.

Astronaut Gallery

The astronaut gallery is a display of astronaut clothing and spacesuits that have been on real-life missions.

Some of the highlights of this gallery include Pete Conrad’s Apollo 12 suit, Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 garment, and Wally Schrira’s Apollo 7 suit.

However, there are a great many wonderful exhibits here, spanning all of NASA’s space flight programmes. There is also the crew wall, which features portraits of every NASA astronaut who has flown in space, from Alan Shepherd and Neil Armstrong up to those currently in orbit on the International Space Station.

International Space Station Gallery

The International Space Station (ISS) is one of mankind’s most impressive space achievements. This massive science laboratory, which orbits the earth at over 17,000 miles per hour, is the largest structure ever built in space. It is home to astronauts from all over the world.

The ISS gallery is designed to give you a sense of what life on the ISS is like, as well as to give an insight into the sort of research and experiments that take place on the ISS.

There’s also a live daily interactive show, Living in Space, which uses the latest projection mapping technology to explain what day to day life on the ISS is like. This usually takes place 3 – 4 times a day, and you can find out showtimes for the day of your visit from the Guest Services Desk on site.

There are two main theatres at the Space Center, the Destiny Theater and the Space Center Theatre.

The Destiny Theater shows the “Human Destiny” film, which uses NASA archival footage to tell the story of how NASA was formed, followed by the story of key NASA events and accomplishments. This is around 15 minutes in duration, and plays throughout the day continuously.

This theater is also home to the lectern used by US President John F. Kennedy when he gave his seminal speech announcing his intention to land an American on the moon.

The Space Center Theater is a state of the art 4K theater, and at time of writing, is the largest 4K theater in Texas. This plays a variety of space related films, documentaries, and animations.

The best way to see what is showing in the Space Center Theater when you visit is to download the official Space Center Houston app . You can also check with the Guest Services desk when you arrive for showtimes.

Entry to both theaters is included with your standard admission ticket.

Mission Briefing Center

If you want to know what’s happening in the world of space exploration right now, you’ll want to head to the Mission Briefing Center.

Here, there are daily presentations on current NASA missions, with real-time updates on progress and events, both in space and on earth.

This is a wonderful way to find out what’s happening right now in NASA, plus the live briefing finishes with a Q&A with the mission briefing officer, so you can ask your own questions and find out about the things that really interest you.

The content of the briefings changes, but they usually run three times a day and last for 30 minutes. Times for the briefings are displayed at the entrance to the Mission Briefing Center, as well as on the daily schedule in the map and guide you will receive. You can also ask at Guest Services for timings.

Ah yes, the gift shops! You definitely don’t want to leave the Space Center without picking up some sort of memorabilia of your trip, be that a t-shirt, a toy, or some astronaut ice cream.

There’s one major gift shop at the Space Center, as well as a smaller gift shop near the tram departure area. We noticed that these do carry slightly different items, so do check both of them.

One tip – don’t leave your shopping until the last minute. A lot of people do this, as we did, and there tends to be a mad rush for the tills right at the end of the day. So perhaps head over to the gift shop at least an hour before closing so you can browse and check out at a more leisurely pace.

That’s just some of what is on offer at the Space Center Houston. As well as all the above, there are also regularly changing and updated temporary exhibits. So you definitely won’t run out of fun things to see and do!

How Long do you Need at Space Center Houston?

As you can see from all the things to do at Space Center Houston, you could easily spend a full day here.

We would suggest spending a minimum of 3 – 4 hours here, which will give you time to see some of the highlights and take a tram tour.

However, ideally you would plan to spend the full day here so as to have time to see and do everything without feeling rushed.

There’s a huge amount to see and do, especially when you consider the tram tour,  films, interactive exhibits, and so on, and you should make the most of your ticket.

Do you Need to do the Tram Tour at Space Center Houston?

The tram tour at Space Center Houston is not mandatory and you can spend your time just exploring the museum.

However, if you have not visited the Space Center before and taken the tram tour, we would definitely recommend doing it as it is one of the highlights of the experience.

There are three options for the tram tour, depending on your interest. Two of these are included on your entry ticket whilst the third requires an additional fee payable when you book.

The tram tours are as follows:

• George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park Tour. Visits the Rocket Park where the Saturn V rocket can be found. Included on general admission, requires boarding pass (book on arrival with staff members at Guest Services Desk or with free app ).
• Astronaut Training Facility Tour. As well as Rocket Park, this tour also visits the Astronaut Training Facility to see where NASA astronauts train. Included on general admission, requires boarding pass (book on arrival with staff members at Guest Services Desk or with free app ).
• Historic Mission Control tour. This tour visit the actual mission control where NASA co-ordinated all the Apollo missions. It also includes Rocket Park. This tour has an additional fee and must be booked in advance when purchasing your general admission ticket. When you book you will choose a timeslot. If you are visiting with a CityPASS , you can pay $15 on site to upgrade to the Mission Control Tram Tour, subject to availability.

Of the tours, personally, I would pick the Mission Control tour as it’s such an iconic location. However, if you don’t want to pay the extra I would opt for the Astronaut Training Facility Tour as it includes Rocket Park.

Note that when we visited Mission Control it was being done up for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo landings, so this image isn’t representative of the experience you will have, however I did want to share it as I still though the consoles looked pretty cool – even in plastic wrap!

If you want, you can actually take multiple tram tours. However, as the tours last 90 minutes to 2 hours, this will use up a lot of the day.

Note also that the locations the trams visit can vary depending on operational schedules and other factors.

The Mission Control tour has pre-booked timed slots which you select when you book your admission ticket.

If you are not taking the Mission Control tram (or are visiting with a CityPASS and want to upgrade to the Mission Control tram), then we would suggest that you make booking your tram tour the first thing you do on arrival.

To take a tram tour, you need a timed boarding pass. You can either get this from the Guest Services desk at the entrance, or you can download the free Space Center Houston app and book that way.

Note that if you take the VIP tour, you have your own private minivan tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Tram tours normally run from fifteen minutes after the Space Center opens, and run every 20 minutes, until 2 hours before closing. For example. if the Space Center closes at 5pm, the last tram will depart at 3pm.

We highly recommend checking times and booking your boarding pass for the tram as soon as you arrive, so you can be sure not to miss out.

Once you have booked the tram tour, you can explore the remainder of the museum at your own leisure until it is time to board.

What are the Highlights of Space Center Houston?

If you are visiting the Space Center for a limited amount of time, you might be wondering what the best way to make the most of your time would be.

If it was me, my priority would be to take the tram tour over anything else. That’s because this is a really unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

The museum and all the exhibits are also excellent. However, if we had to pick some favourites for your visit, we’s suggest you visit:

• Independence Plaza, home to the world’s only shuttle replica, which is mounted on an actual shuttle carrying 747 aircraft
• The original Apollo 17 Command Module, which has flown to the moon. This is in the Starship Gallery
• The moon rock exhibit where you can actually touch a piece of moon rock. This is also in the Starship Gallery
• The gift shop, because it’s awesome!

Ideally though you will be able to see and do a lot more than the above.

Is Food Available at Space Center Houston?

Yes, food is available for purchase at the Space Center. The dining area is called the Zero-G diner, and it has a range of food options from sandwiches and vegetarian options through to grilled food, burgers, and pizzas.

Food is not included on your entry ticket unless you have the lunch with an astronaut tour pre-booked, in which case you will have lunch served in a different location.

The Zero G diner does offer a 10% discount to Space Center Houston members, members of the U.S. military, and senior citizens. Be sure to present your I.D. before ordering to claim any discounts.

Is there an Audio Tour of Space Center Houston?

Space Center Houston offers the Space Center App for smartphones. This includes an audio tour, GPS maps of the location, AR experiences, and more.

This is available as a free download for both Android and Apple smartphones. You can find the correct link here .

We’d highly recommend getting this in advance of your visit, and remembering to bring a pair of headphones so you can take full advantage of it.

Up until 2018 there was a separate audio guide that was purchasable for a fee, however this is no longer offered as an option.

Is Space Center Houston Accessible?

Space Center Houston has made great efforts to provide a fully accessible experience across a range of accessibility needs.

In terms of general physical accessibility, all the exhibitions, theaters and tours are fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are also wheelchairs available on site on a first come first served basis.

Beyond physical accessibility, there are a number of other accessibility features, including events and programs for autism and sensory accessibility, deaf and hard of hearing accessibility and visual accessibility. Service animals, as defined by the ADA and Texas laws, are also permitted.

There’s an excellent page on the official Space Center website here , all about the various accessibility options and programmes available. We’d also recommend you reach our directly to the Space Center with any accessibility questions or needs you may have prior to your visit if you have any further queries.

Other Attractions near Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is around 30 – 40 minutes drive south east of Houston, so you might be wondering if there are other attractions in the area.

The closest attraction which is popular with visitors to Houston, which is also covered on the Houston City PASS , is the Kemah Boardwalk . This is a large boardwalk which is home to a number of amusement rides, games, restaurants, and attractions. A great place for families.

You can either visit here yourself with a car, or you can take a tour from Houston that includes both the  Space Center and Kemah Boardwalk like this .

For more inspiration on other things to do near the Space Center and in Houston in general, see our guide to things to do in Houston .

How Busy is Space Center Houston?

The Space Center is one of the most popular attractions in Houston, and as such it does get quite busy. The busiest times are on holidays, weekends, and during the summer.

If possible, we’d advise visiting outside of these times. During the busiest times, there can be long wait times for the tram tour in particular.

In addition, the Space Center is popular with school groups. These visit throughout the year, but the main months are March, April, and May.

These can definitely raise the volume level in the Space Center, and make it much busier, so bear this in mind if visiting during these months.

Opening Hours for Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is open year round except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Standard opening times are from 10am – 5pm, however during busy times they can open at 9am, and close at 6pm.

You can see a full day by day schedule of opening hours on the official website here . Note that opening hours are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, although this is rare.

Contact Information for Space Center Houston

If you want to contact the Space Center, you have a few options. First, most of your questions should be answered on their website, which you can see here .

If you still have questions about your visit, you can contact the Space Center by e-mail or phone.

Contact e-mail addresses are [email protected] or  [email protected] . The phone number is +1 281-244-2100.

In my experience, e-mail was the fastest way to reach them for specific queries. The phone line has a number of automated response options with ticketing information and prices, but I wasn’t personally able to reach a human. E-mail responses on the other hand were fast and accurate.

Our Experience Visiting Space Center Houston

We visited Space Center Houston mid-week in late September, which turned out to be a great option as it was not too busy. The first thing we did was visit the tram tour info point, where we learnt the tram schedule for the day.

It was obvious when we visited the info point that there weren’t going to be major lines for the tram on the day of our visit.

This isn’t always the case of course, and at busy times the lines for the tram can be much longer – we were just lucky!

In addition, as we were lucky to be visiting on a quieter day, the tram was scheduled to visit all the highlights, so we didn’t have to pick a tram route.

We decided to come back to around 15 minutes in advance of a departure and spend some time exploring some of the exhibits. We visited the ISS display, the Starship Gallery, and the Mission to Mars exhibit.

Then, it was time for the tram ride. As previously mentioned, there are usually different tram routes to choose from, but the day we visited it was less busy and so they were running a combined tour. This means we got to visit Mission Control, the astronaut training center, and the Rocket Park, which was pretty awesome.

The tram ride took just under two hours, and was the definite highlight of our experience. Seeing the historic Mission Control room, which was home to so many important moments in the space programme, was really something special. And this was despite much of it being covered in wrapping due to refurbishment!

We also enjoyed seeing the huge astronaut training center, but I have to say, the Rocket Park was something else. There’s nothing quite like being up close to a Saturn V rocket to give you an idea of the scale of these vehicles.

We were lucky enough to visit the US Space and Rocket Center  whilst attending Space Camp in Huntsville Alabama , which is home to two more Saturn V rockets, and they were just as impressive!

Finally, after the tram tour, we visited the remainder of the main sights we wanted to see. The Independence Plaza was definitely a highlight – being able to get up inside one of the actual 747 shuttle carrier aircraft was a real experience, and seeing the scale of the shuttle against the 747 was amazing.

Tours of Space Center Houston

If you are visiting Houston and would prefer to take a tour that includes the Space Center, we’ve found the following two options for you to consider. These both include entry to the Space Center, return transport, plus some time exploring Houston itself.

• The first option is this 6 hour tour of Houston which also includes transport to and from Space Center Houston, as well as entry and a tour of the city
• The second option is this longer full day tour  which includes a 1.5 hour tour of Houston, as well as time at the Space Centre and the Kemah Boardwalk.

Hopefully one of those tours might work for you!

Where to stay near Space Center Houston

If you plan on spending a full day at Space Center Houston, as we recommend that you do, then you might prefer to stay near the Space Center. This means you can be first in the door when it opens, and maximise your time.

We’ve found a number of accommodation options near the Space Center, at a variety of price points.

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – This well rated budget 2* hotel is the closest option to the Space Center – it’s less than ten minutes walk across to the Space Center. There’s free on-site parking, work desks in the rooms, private bathrooms, and continental breakfast is included.
• Super 8 by Wyndham  – Another well rated 2* property, this one is just a mile from Space Centre Houston. Rooms have private bathroom and coffee makers, there’s free parking, and continental breakfast is included.
• Best Western Webster – Another highly rated budget 2* property (there’s no shortage of choice in this area). Found 10 minutes drive from the Space Center. Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves, as well as work space. Parking is free and breakfast is also included.
• Springhill Suites Houston – A well rated 3* hotel around 6 minutes drive from the Space Center. Rooms are all suites with separate living areas as well as a refrigerator and microwave. Breakfast and parking are included, and laundry / gym services are offered.
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Found 2 miles from the Space Center, this well-rated 3* property offers self-catering suites which include a microwave, oven, stove and refrigerator. There’s also a gym, pool, and jacuzzi. Breakfast and parking are also available on site.
• Holiday Inn Kemah  – If you want a hotel near the Kemah Boardwalk, this well rated 3* option would be our pick. It’s within walking distance from the boardwalk, and rooms feature microwaves, fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities. Free parking is included, and breakfast is optional.

Between these options we hope you will find something to suit your needs and budget.

Further Reading

Well, that’s it for our guide to visiting the Space Center in Houston, Texas. Before you go, we wanted to share some other content that we think you’ll find useful in planning your trip.

• There’s lots more to do in Houston beyond the Space Center. See our guide to things to do in Houston for some inspiration.
• If you’re visiting a number of cities in Texas, we have guides to a number of those as well! We have a guide to things to do in Austin , things to do in San Antonio , as well as a guide to things to do in Dallas
• If you do visit San Antonio, we also have a detailed guide to visiting the Alamo , and the  San Antonio River Walk , which will help you plan your time visiting these two popular San Antonio attractions
• Love space? So do we, and the Space Center in Houston is far from the first space attraction we’ve written about! We have a guide to visiting the U.S. Space and Rocket Center , a guide to attending Space Camp , a  guide to  getting into space as a tourist , and a guide to New Mexico’s Space Trail , for more space related fun!
• We also have lots of resources to help you plan a trip to the USA. See our guides to  how much it costs to travel in the USA  and  driving in the USA  as starting points.
• If you want some road trip inspiration, see our itineraries for a  USA Deep South road trip ,  California Road Trip ,  Route 66 Road Trip  and  Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• We’ve visited a lot of other cities in the USA! See our guides to  Things to do in Huntsville ,  Things to do in Savannah ,  Things to do in Charleston ,  Things to do in Albuquerque ,  Visiting New Orleans During Mardi Gras ,  Things to do in Cambria  and  Things to do in Santa Fe  to get started!

We hope you’ve found our guide to the Space Center in Houston useful! As always, we’re happy to hear your feedback and answer your questions. Just use the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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There are 8 comments on this post

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Maryam Boone says

25th February 2023 at 2:34 am

Your information was EXCELLENT! I’ve lived in Houston for 2 years now but haven’t had a chance to visit the Space Center -even though I’ve driven past it going to Galveston several times. My daughter and son-in-law are coming to visit and we are going this weekend. I had viewed the Space Center’s website last month but still had a few questions. Your information answered all of my questions and was much, much better than the Space Center’s site! Thank you so much for giving such detailed and informative information. If this is the type of information you provide about other attractions you visit, then these attractions should pay you for the excellent information you provide!

Laurence Norah says

25th February 2023 at 6:07 am

Hey Maryam,

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and let me know! It’s much appreciated 🙂 I hope you guys have an awesome visit to the Space Center! I’d love to hear how it goes, and if you notice anything there that isn’t quite right in my guide, feel free to let me know 🙂

Philip Baker says

12th March 2021 at 10:48 am

Hi, thinking of having a holiday in Texas march 22 if they let us fly from UK and was looking on Google maps for places to visit, two days later your site popped up on my phone, must say best travel site I have seen. Phil

12th March 2021 at 10:59 am

Thanks so much Phil, that’s very kind of you to take the time to let us know! I hope you are able to take advantage of our tips on a trip to Texas, and if you have any questions, just let me know 🙂

Kurt Peterson says

27th October 2019 at 1:24 am

Laurence and Jessica, Thank you for the great piece on The Space Center in Houston. My wife and I are looking forward to our visit in mid November. We have been privileged to have had the opportunity to visit both The Kennedy Space Center and the NASA facility in Huntsville. We are throughly excited about seeing the ‘real’ mission control room. Seeing the Saturn 5 rocket is always pretty amazing. Thanks again, Kurt and Veronica Peterson

27th October 2019 at 1:57 pm

Our pleasure Kurt! Have an amazing time, and do let us know how you enjoy it compared to the other locations you’ve visited 😀

Sesh Komanduri says

13th August 2019 at 11:43 am

Excellent write-up, Jessica and Laurence. I finally found the guide I was looking for!! One quick question. Is it easy to get a Uber/lyft on the way back from the Space Center to downtown? I want to use that option rather than a standard tour so that I have maximum time at the Center and return as per my convenience. But dont want to get stranded there without transport!!

13th August 2019 at 12:05 pm

So we’ve not personally done this ride with Uber or Lyft, but looking at what other travellers have said and checking the Uber app, it does look like it shouldn’t be a problem 🙂

Have a great time!

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Space Center Houston: What to Know Before You Go

Houston is known as the Space City, and there’s a good reason for it – here is where NASA’s Johnson Space Center is located. While in the city, you can explore the Space Center Houston, a museum and Visitor Center full of space artifacts and interactive exhibits where you can learn more about some of mankind’s major accomplishments.

Find here a guide with all you need to know to visit Space Center Houston, one of the top things to do in the city.

Table of contents

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There may be some confusion about the difference between the Space Center Houston and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In a nutshell, Space Center Houston is the official museum and Visitor Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which is where both the Mission Control and training facility for astronauts are.

Visitors can explore and wander through the many exhibits of the Space Center Houston as well as take the NASA Tram Tour to have a peek inside the actual NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

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The Space Center is located in the Southeast part of Houston, close to Clear Lake.

If you aren’t in Houston, the closest airport is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), less than 20 miles away. You can also fly into the international airport of the city, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which is located approximately 50 miles away. Once in the city, rent a car at the airport to make sure you can get around easily.

The Space Center address is 1601 E NASA Pkwy , and you can easily reach it by car or with a sightseeing tour .

If you’re not from Houston, you may need to find a hotel to stay in the city. If you choose to stay in Downtown Houston or Medical Center, you can be in the Space Center in around 30 minutes, and if you prefer to stay in the Galleria area, it’ll take you approximately 40 minutes to arrive. Additionally, you can find a few hotels near Clear Lake, where you can be very close to the complex.

• Marriot Marquis Houston – A great option of a hotel in Downtown Houston and a perfect place to stay near Minute Made Park, the Convention Center, and the Theater District – a few main places to see while in Houston.
• The Post Oak Hotel – This hotel is in the Galleria area where you’ll have access to a wide offer of malls and restaurants.
• Hotel Zaza Museum District – A perfect hotel if you’re planning on exploring the museums of Houston and walking around Herman Park, one of the best parks in the city.
• Hilton Nasa Clear Lake – if you want to have an early start, this hotel is located only 5 minutes away from the Space Center Houston, and you can come and go with flexibility.

The Space Center is usually open from 10 am until 5 pm, but operating hours can change during busy times. Be sure to check the Space Center website before going to learn about seasonal hours .

Besides, if possible, avoid visiting Space Center during weekends, holidays, and summer, since during these times it can be very busy inside. If you can only go on these periods, try arriving as soon as it opens.

Tickets can be bought online in advance on the Space Center website for US$ 29.95 per adult, US$ 27.95 for seniors, US$ 24.95 for kids ages between 4-11, and children ages 3 and younger are free. These prices include parking.

You can also purchase the Space Center Houston ticket at GetYourGuide , the website I use to buy most of my entry tickets, for US$ 23.49 per adult and pay an extra US$5 for parking.

Additionally, if you purchase the Houston CityPass , the ticket to Space Center Houston is already included, along with other 4 main attractions of the city: Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo OR Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Kemah Boardwalk OR Children’s Museum Houston. By purchasing the Houston CityPass for US$ 64, you can save up to 47% on some of Houston’s top attractions.

Lastly, on-site parking is available for US$ 5, which is already included when you buy your tickets on the Space Center Official website .

Things to do at Space Center Houston

There’s a lot to do in the Space Center Houston, and the suggested itinerary can last up to 7 hours – the entire day. Along with limited experiences, the exhibits you can find here include:

In the Independence Plaza, you’ll be able to enter and see the features of both the replica of Space Shuttle Independence as well as the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier airplane. This is one of the most unique experiences you can have at the Space Center.

Near Independence Plaza, in the outdoor area of the complex, you’ll see and walk underneath the unique SpaceX Falcon 9, a marvel of modern-day technology that is part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX reusable rocket program.

The NASA Tram Tour is your way to get a glimpse into NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s most fascinating features. In this tour, you’ll see up-close the astronaut training facilities, the Mission Control, and more!

Currently, a boarding pass is required to take the NASA Tram Tour. You can either get the pass by joining the Tram Virtual Line via the free Space Center Houston app (must be on-site to do so), or at the Guest Services Desk at the entrance of Space Center Houston, where a crewmember can help with the reservation.

The NASA Tram Tour is an open-air tram (no air conditioning), so keep this in mind when visiting during the summer. Also, the last train departs the Space Center Houston at 3 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

One of the best things to do at the Space Center is to visit the Mission Mars exhibit. In this display, you can learn more about NASA’s journey to Mars and have the unique chance to see and touch an actual piece of rock from Mars!

In the Starship Gallery at Space Center Houston, you can take in the amazing artifacts used to explore the space – the Apollo 17 Command Module, Lunar Roving Vehicle, a Moon rock you can touch, and other Space Center treasures.

There are many other things to do at Space Center Houston. Don’t miss the chance to walk around the Astronaut Gallery , where you can understand more about spacesuits and assorted astronaut gear used by men and women throughout their expeditions.

And you can also visit the International Space Station Gallery and watch films and live presentations to have a glimpse of mission updates at Mission Briefing Center, learn about how astronauts live in the International Space Station (ISS), and more.

Additionally, you can also have exclusive experiences that can provide a deeper insight on NASA Johnson Space Center:

• Space Expert Tour – a guided tour through the Space Center Houston where you can learn with experts (US$ 69.95)
• Astronaut Experience – where you can interact with a real astronaut in two different ways: Breakfast with an Astronaut or Astronaut Mission Memories (adults’ tickets are $69.95 for members and $99.95 for the general public)
• Level 9 Tour – the most VIP experience you can have! On this approximately 5-hour guided tour of NASA Johnson Space Center, you can explore where and how astronauts train, learn how NASA Mission Control Center communicates with the International Space Station, and find out more about space exploration.

The Space Center Houston has 3 suggested itineraries to follow as you explore the site, depending on the amount of time you have. Here’s what they recommend if you have:

• 7 hours : NASA Tram Tour, Starship Gallery, Independence Plaza, The Food Lab, Mission Mars, Astronaut Gallery, Space Center Theater Film, International Space Station Gallery, New Perspectives Presentations, and Gift Shop.
• 4 hours : NASA Tram Tour, Starship Gallery, Independence Plaza, Mission Mars, New Perspectives Presentations, and Gift Shop.
• 2 hours: Starship Gallery, Independence Plaza, Mission Mars, New Perspectives Presentations, and Gift Shop.

You might also like to read: How to spend 3 perfect days in Houston – a complete itinerary

Tips for visiting Houston

To explore the best of Houston, you should purchase the Houston CityPass . By purchasing the pass for US$ 64, you can save up to 47% on some of Houston’s top attractions.

When you purchase the Houston CityPass , you can visit 5 of the top places to visit in Houston, including the Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo OR Museum of Fine Arts, and Houston Kemah Boardwalk OR Children’s Museum Houston.

Of the many attractions of Houston, Space Center is only one of the best. If you want to explore other top places to visit in the city, here are a few you should add to your itinerary:

• Houston Museum of Natural Science : one of the must-visit museums in Houston, especially for kids that want to see dinosaur fossils. You can also purchase the ticket at  GetYourGuide , along with other attractions of the city, or see it as one of the attractions of the  Houston CityPass .
• Buffalo Bayou Park and Hermann Park : they are two of the top parks in the city, and excellent places for a walk, running, or just for a picnic.
• Downtown Aquarium : very close to the POST Houston, the aquarium is within a 5-minute walk. You can go to Downtown Aquarium in the morning and then to the POST Market in the afternoon for a bite to eat. It’s also another place you can visit with your  Houston CityPass .
• Houston Zoo : a go-to place for family fun. Visit the zoo and then go for a walk at Hermann Park as a perfect way to finish your day. Use the  Houston CityPass  to visit this attraction.

You might also like to read: POST Houston – tips for planning your visit and Top things to do in Houston – the best attractions of the city

How long is the tram tour at Space Center Houston?

The NASA Tram Tour takes around 90 minutes.

How much does it cost to go to Houston Space Center Houston?

Admission tickets to Space Center Houston are US$ 29.95 per adult (parking included), US$ 27.95 for seniors, US$ 24.95 for kids ages 4-11, and children ages 3 and younger are free. You can also purchase the admission ticket at GetYourGuide for $23.49 without parking.

Is Houston Space Center still active?

Yes, NASA Johnson Space Center is still home to Mission Control and the current-day astronaut training facility.

Do spaceships launch from Houston?

No, spaceships aren’t launched from Houston. NASA in Houston operates as Mission Control Center and training hub for astronauts.

Is there food available at Space Center Houston?

Yes, there’s a food court in the Space Center Houston where you can purchase food and beverages.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, there are two gift shops inside Space Center Houston.

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I am Elen, and I help 9-5ers plan their next getaway. I curate travel experiences, from places to sip a coffee to stays in boutique hotels, so you can save time when planning your next vacation. Here you will find travel guides, tips, and the best itineraries for your next trip.

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NASA Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston: The Complete Guide

NASA is determined to get another man—and the first woman—on the moon by 2024, and Johnson Space Center (JSC) is one of the places that’s making it happen. For more than half a century, this sprawling, 100-building research and development complex just outside Houston has led the nation in scientific, engineering, medical, and technical advances that have shaped space-related travel—and is jettisoning it into the future. The only way the public can visit the complex—including the newly restored Mission Control Center, appearing exactly as it did on July 20, 1969, when the first lunar landing was monitored from here—is via Space Center Houston, the center’s official visitor center. Here you’ll enjoy a state-of-the-art museum , arrange a tram tour, visit the replica space shuttle Independence , plus purchase tickets for special experiences.

It all started when John F. Kennedy stated to Congress in 1961: “We choose to go to the moon.” The Manned Spacecraft Center opened in 1963 (it was renamed in 1973 to honor the 36th president), kicking off a four-decades-old-and-counting legacy of “design, development, and operation of human space flight.” 

JSC is where astronauts are selected and trained. This is where Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab were run, and where International Space Station missions are still being run. And this is where Orion—the new spacecraft to send humans to the moon and Mars—is operating. Today, the center remains one of NASA’s largest research and development facilities.

Space Center Houston opened in 1992 as the public arm of Johnson Space Center, a world-class, 250,000-square-foot space with exhibits, real-life space artifacts, and lunar models. Disney Imagineers helped design the concepts, ensuring an entertaining yet educational aspect. Since then, Space Center Houston has welcomed more than 20 million visitors.

What to See and Do

Space Center Houston is your starting point, where you’ll get your tickets, enjoy artifact-filled galleries, films, and live demonstrations, and hop on the popular NASA tram tour of the JSC complex. You could spend all day here—and should allocate at least six hours to do it justice. Your experience can be enhanced with add-ons, including a VIP NASA experience and lunch with an astronaut.

Your first stop at the museum should be Destiny Theater and the film, “Human Destiny,” which provides an overview of many of the artifacts that you’ll be seeing.

From here, seek out the Starship Gallery, where the chronology of U.S. space travel showcases the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo eras. Among the ships and vehicles on display are the Apollo 17 command module, the last Apollo mission to the moon; a lunar roving trainer, which astronauts used to practice driving a rover on the moon; and the lunar module LTA-8, which transported astronauts to and from the spacecraft to the lunar surface. Look for the Gene Kranz Apollo 17 Vest, worn by the iconic flight director known for wearing colorful vests handmade by his wife. Nearby in the Lunar Samples Vault, you can touch a real-life rock from the moon, one of only eight rocks in the world that are allowed to be touched.

Astronaut Gallery delves into the life of an astronaut, displaying different spacesuits and garments from the Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle eras, including Sally Ride’s inflight coveralls, Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 garment, and John Young’s STS-1 suit. A portrait gallery on the wall memorializes every NASA astronaut who has flown in space.

Mars is on the forefront of NASA’s goals, and the Mission Mars Gallery explores the work that’s going on to make travel there happen. Here you climb into a replica Orion capsule, the vehicle that which will transport astronauts to the moon and beyond, and learn about the intricacies of travel to the red planet—and living there. You can also touch a real-life Mars rock.

In the International Space Station Gallery, showcasing the largest structure built in space (as long as a football field!), you’ll see real-life artifacts and interactive robotic exhibits that bring the International Space Station to life. You’ll also learn about the day-to-day life on this giant space laboratory. 

At Independence Plaza, a replica of the Independence Space Shuttle sits atop the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. And not only is it amazing to look at, but you can climb inside the shuttle, where exhibits delve into the history and future of space exploration. Here you’ll get a feel for what it was like to live in this very functional, gadget-filled space. Hint: It’s not very glamorous, but it’s technically astounding. You can also explore inside the original airplane.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the popular, one-hour NASA Tram Tour , which takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at the JSC campus. This is the actual working space of scientists, engineers, technicians, and astronauts who are imagining and striving for the next space journeys. You have two choices of tours, depending on what you want to see.

• The Astronaut Training Facility Tour includes a visit to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9, where astronauts train and scientists and engineers work and invent; you’ll see ISS replicas, the Orion capsule, and other new NASA projects.
• The Mission Control Center Tour takes you to the newly restored Apollo Mission Control Center, from which the Gemini and Apollo missions were managed—including the first famous moon walk. 

On some weekends and holidays, another option is to visit the current Mission Control, where the International Space Station activities are monitored.

How to Visit 

Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston are located about 30 minutes from downtown Houston . Space Center Houston, Johnson Space Center’s visitor center, is open daily except Christmas. For specific hours, visit the website . One-day passes are $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children (ages 4 to 11), and $27.95 for seniors (65+). There’s also a $5 fee for parking.  

An audio option, narrated by astronauts, is available at the Information Desk for $36 for adults and $31 for children.

When you purchase your ticket, you will be given time slots for the NASA tram tour of the JSC and to visit Independence Plaza, both of which are included in your ticket price. These are your hard stops, when you must visit at your appointed times. In between those visits, stroll through the museum’s spacious galleries, enjoy films, see what lectures are going on, dine at Zero-G Diner, and take it all in.

Additional ticket options include the Level 9 VIP Tour, which provides behind-the-scenes access to the Johnson Space Center ($179.95; must be at least 14 to participate); and Lunch with an Astronaut ($69.95 for adults, $35.95 for children ages 4 to 11; includes admission to Space Center Houston), in which an astronaut shares a catered lunch while telling his or her stories and answering questions.

Tips for Visiting

• You can skip the line by buying tickets online , ahead of your visit. 
• If you become a member, which costs just a few dollars more than the ticket price, you’ll get priority boarding on the NASA Tram Tour .
• Most visitors come on weekends, holidays, and summer. If you want a more relaxed experience, visit off-season or arrive as early as possible during high season.
• Space Center Houston is part of CityPass Houston ($59 for adults, $49 for children), which includes admission to four other city attractions.
• Seasonal exhibits are often offered in the Main Plaza, in front Space Center Houston, and live shows take place on the outdoor Stellar Science Stage.

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston with Kids

October 14, 2016

Space Center Houston 1601 NASA Parkway Houston, TX

I recently spent a day exploring Space Center Houston with our 3.5 year-old twins. We sat down to the “Meet an Astronaut” talk that afternoon, semi-exhausted. My daughter was squirming in my lap and our son was about to pass out, then Astronaut Colonel Brian Duffy said something that nearly made me cry. He welcomed everyone to his presentation and added, “I particularly want to thank all of the parents who came with little ones. It is important to bring them to educational centers. You never know what is going to spark them into pursuing a career in science…They are the Mars Generation. I firmly believe that in their lifetime we will see a person on Mars. Maybe it will be you,” and he points to a little girl in the front row. I choked up and looked at the kids in our arms and roll the words “Mars Generation” around in my head.

That’s sort of the point, right? We take our kids to these amazing places for them to learn about all of the possibilities in life. Walking around Space Center Houston , it's hard not to be inspired. It’s more than 250,000 square feet packed with 400 space artifacts, movies, photos, opportunities to see what is like to travel in space and more. The center averages a million visitors a year. Curious about going on your own space adventure? Here's everything you need to know.

Destiny Theater and Starship Gallery

We started our day off by watching a quick 15-minute movie on the history of the space program in the Destiny Theater and then continued on to the Star Ship Gallery . It's here that you will find a full-size Skylab Training module and the Apollo 17 Command Module. The Starship Gallery also features one of my favorite photo moments– a moon rock. Nothing beats the look on kids’ faces when you tell them the rock is from the moon and they can actually touch it.

NASA Tram Tour and Rocket Park

It is best if you plan your day around the tram tour. Currently, there are two stops on the NASA Tram Tour . One to Historic Mission Control and the other to the Building 9 Astronaut Training Facility. During busy times of the year, you are only able to pick one location for a 60-minute tour, but during slower seasons they do a combined 90-minute tour with stops at both locations. Either way, all tram tours end at Rocket Park where you will have unlimited time to check out the huge Saturn V  rocket, which is one of three left in existence and is more than 36 stories tall. If you know what tour you want to do, you can sign up online for free,  timed ticketing and save yourself some wait time on the day-of.

International Space Station

There are a ton of items to look through here, but my favorite is getting to listen to the Living In Space Show , that happens periodically throughout the day. This is where you learn what life is like for the astronauts in space living on the International Space Station —how they eat, exercise and generally handle daily tasks with an outer space twist. My daughter’s big take away was that they drink their pee. Okay, not until it is recycled and processed to be drinkable, but that was a major revelation to a six year old.

Astronaut Gallery

At the Astronaut Gallery you’ll find one of the world’s most complete collections of space suits. Along the back wall is a gallery of photos of all of the different crews with their mission dates. We had fun finding the missions from Colonel Brian Duffy , that day’s featured speaker for the Friday Meet An Astronaut talk .

Space Center Theater

If you are pressed for time and can’t walk to all of the different exhibits, consider taking in the 45-minute Journey To Space film. The documentary is a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program and the 355 astronauts who flew on 135 shuttle missions for NASA. You’ll get to see interviews with numerous crew members and an extensive overview of the Shuttle program’s last major project—The International Space Station.

Blast-Off Theater

The Blast-Off Theater features various presentations throughout the day where you can receive live mission updates on what is happening on the International Space Station and the Curiosity on Mars missions. They only last 30 minutes and are packed with current information on NASA’s ongoing programs. Check the daily schedule when you enter to figure out which talks you’re most interested in. This is also where you can catch the Meet the Astronaut talks on Fridays!

Space Center Plaza

Three times a year, the Space Center Houston changes out its Main Plaza with new exhibits. They are diverse in nature, but always tie back to science and space exploration. In the fall of 2016, they are unveiling Astronaut . This interactive exhibit will offer 26 immersive experiences where guests will have the opportunity to be an astronaut for the day—solving problems, overcoming challenges and performing tasks like a real astronaut. 

Independence Plaza

Independence Plaza is fairly new to Space Center Houston and was the big highlight of our day. It consists of a shuttle replica Independence mounted on the original NASA 905 Boeing 747 shuttle carrier. The entire exhibit is an eight-story multiple-exhibit complex. You start at the top on the flight deck. Here you’ll see how astronauts piloted the shuttle with a look out below to the tight quarters where the astronauts lived. On the last level, guests enter inside the NASA 905 to find an extensive exhibit on the shuttle era of space travel and touch screens highlighting upcoming preparations for Mars. Our kids also really enjoyed trying to dock the model shuttle onto the carrier. Independence Plaza is another area that you can reserve free timed entry tickets. You're also able to walk on an actual orbiter access arm and pretend you are a astronaut taking your last steps on earth before entering the “clean room” and stepping aboard a shuttle.

Know before you go:

• To get the best deals, be sure to follow Space Center on social media and sign up for their newsletter.

• You can bring in outside food, but they do offer the Zero–G Diner  food court with deli sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, burgers, nuggets and even veggie options. Don’t forget the space ice cream, too!

• Strollers are welcome, but you will need to park them for things like the tram tour.

• If you have older kids between the ages of 14 and 18, look into their Space Center U program for information on weeklong space camps.

• The  Visitor Information page on their website also provides useful tips and suggested itineraries You can also pick up daily schedules when you arrive to help plan out your day.

• Tickets are $24.94 for adults and $19.95 for kids ages four to 11 years old, but for roughly $5 more dollars per person, you can become a member . This is a great option for locals as you'll get invited to member-only events with astronauts and have opportunities to see exhibits before they open to the general public.

Photo credit: Space Center Houston, Amanda Sorena

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Visiting NASA Space Center Houston with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Y ou don’t need to be a budding astronaut to enjoy a day out at NASA Space Center Houston. Kids love the tram rides and interactive exhibits that provide visitors with a glimpse into the history, present, and future of space exploration. With over a million visitors a year, NASA Houston includes the control room of the first Moon landing and exciting developments around upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars.

NASA Houston is huge, with frequent updates, and with so much to see it can be a bit overwhelming. However, we are regular visitors, and our guide will help you make the most of your visit so the whole family has a great time.

Read lots more about Houston-area cultural institutions in our Guide to Children's Museums and Exhibits in Houston . 

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox. 

Best Things to Do at NASA Space Center Houston

1. nasa tram tour.

Three tours give you access to astronaut training facilities, historic Mission Control, and the Rocket Park. All tours include the fun of riding the tram past longhorn cattle and around the many campus buildings. The rocket park tour is the shortest and most fun for younger kids, with the chance to run about freely and see a jaw-dropping massive Saturn 5 rocket, which is over 300 feet long.

2. Independence Plaza

Go inside the shuttle replica Independence, mounted on top of the historic and original NASA shuttle carrier aircraft, and then explore the giant plane. It is the world’s only shuttle mounted on an aircraft.

3. Starship Gallery

Give your kids a chance to touch an actual moon rock in the Starship Gallery. This exhibit is home to multiple flown spacecraft and national treasures. Get an up-close look at some of the most amazing artifacts tracing the progression of human space exploration, including the Apollo 17 Command Module and a full-size Skylab Training Module.

4. Mission Mars

Discover what it takes to travel to Mars and how humans may live on the red planet in the next few decades in the new interactive exhibit, Mission Mars. 

5. Artemis Exhibit

NASA is planning to land more people on the moon in the next few years! Find out more at this interactive exhibit that highlights NASA’s Artemis program.

6. Space Center Theater

Enjoy a well-earned rest in the largest 4K theater in Texas. The towering 5-story-tall Space Center Theater has comfortable seats and a range of programs related to space exploration that you can watch on a come-and-go basis.

7. Real-Life Astronauts

Every Friday and Saturday, a NASA astronaut shares some of their mission memories with guests at Space Center Houston at 11:30am and 1:20pm.

Events at NASA Space Center Houston

Galaxy lights.

NASA Houston hosts a fabulous light show every holiday from mid-November to early January called Galaxy Lights . Walk through an illuminated Rocket Park Experience with 3-D projections. Enjoy a high-tech light show where dozens of suspended lights move in choreographed sequences above the Main Plaza. On the tram tour, you can travel through an LED light tunnel of more than 250,000 lights synchronized to festive holiday music. Kids age 3 and younger are free.

Overnight Camping

Did you know you can camp out at NASA Space Center Houston? Around 6 times a year, families can stay overnight, and the $79.95 cost Includes camping, meals, a tram tour, and activities.

NASA Space Center Houston: Know Before You Go

• NASA Houston is a hugely popular attraction. Even on a weekday, there are often long lines before opening time, so arrive early if you can.
• Buy your tickets in advance. If you plan to go on the Mission to Mars tram tour, book online when you buy your general admission ticket. The tour involves a sit-down presentation in the mission control room of the first landing on the Moon, which may not suit active kids.
• Book your other tram tour(s) for free at the guest services desk as soon as you arrive, as they fill up early. You can plan to visit the exhibits around your tram tour schedule. 
• Strollers are allowed at NASA Houston but must be left in the stroller parking before embarking on a tram tour.
• NASA Houston can be a busy environment. Sensory backpacks, including sound-reduction headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, books, and guides are available at the Guest Services Desk. The center also runs sensory-friendly events with reduced lights, sounds, and crowds.
• Before or after your visit, check out NASA’s home crafts and activities . 

Eating at NASA Space Center Houston

The "Food Lab" inside NASA Houston is a large food court with ample seating and a variety of food and drink options, ranging from pizza to sandwiches and salads. There is also a coffee bar for those needing a caffeine boost. While bringing your food into NASA Houston is not allowed unless you have a dietary or medical need, there is an outdoor picnic area located near the front entrance. If you aren't staying the whole day, another option is to head 15 minutes down the road to Kemah , where there are many restaurants and other kid-friendly attractions.

Visiting NASA Space Center Houston

• Children aged 3 and younger are free.
• Kids age 4-11 are $24.95. Ages 12+ cost $29.95.
• There is a large car park, and parking at NASA Houston costs $10.
• Current hours are 10am-5pm. Hours vary depending on time of year, and Galaxy Lights is in the evening from 6pm-10pm.

All information is correct at the time of writing, but please check the NASA Houston website  before visiting.

If you're visiting multiple attractions in Houston in addition to the Space Center, it’s worth it to look into a Go City - Houston Pass , which includes entry to the Space Center, children's museum, zoo, aquarium, and more—all for one ticket price.

NASA Centers to Visit for an Out of This World Vacation

Wondering what to do for summer vacation? Why not visit NASA?

NASA has multiple centers located across the United States, many of which provide tours or host visitor centers that are open to the public. Most of these visitor centers have space-injected science museums, and they can make fantastic vacation stops.

Click through this countdown to learn about opportunities to visit a NASA center or visitor center. Our list includes details about visiting Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, Langley Research Center, Stennis Space Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility, Glenn Research Center (and Plum Brook Station), Ames Research Center and Armstrong Flight Research Center. We've also included three facilities that serve as NASA visitor centers but that are not close to NASA facilities.

We've included a brief description of each NASA center, and details about what visitors can expect, including what you can see at the visitor center, and whether or not tours of the facility are available.

We've included details about each center's operational hours and cost of admission, but please check the center's website before planning your trip. Most NASA centers are closed on major holidays.

For more summer vacation ideas, see our list of great summer vacation ideas for space lovers and great summer vacation ideas for science fiction fans . Or find out how to see a rocket launch this summer .

NEXT: Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston

Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston

NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston is home to mission control, the contact point for astronauts in space. (Hence the phrase, "Houston, we have a problem.") 

Space Center Houston is the visitor center associated with Johnson, and is located right next door to the NASA facility. It's a massive science museum with tons of artifacts, interactive exhibits and live events. In June 2018, the science and space exploration learning center also became the first of its kind to be designated as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, according to their website. The museum recently opened a new exhibit about aerospace innovations, called " Above and Beyond ," which runs this summer until Sept. 9.

Space Center Houston is a great day-trip location for space fans, but there's enough going on there to fill multiple trips. [ Space Center Houston: A Tour in Photos ]

In addition, there are tram tours from the center through Johnson. Visitors get to see the current mission-control room, which is responsible for operations on the International Space Station. They'll also see the historic mission-control room, where NASA monitored its Apollo missions, as well as nine Gemini missions. Also on the tour are the Saturn V Rocket Park, home to a real "mighty and massive" Saturn V rocket, as the tour web page notes. Finally, the tour stops at Building 9, which provides a glimpse into some of the science and tech being developed for human spaceflight.

Tram tours run year-round but can be canceled due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. You can buy timed tickets ahead of time. The Space Center Houston is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. all summer long, and closes at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday after Sept. 4. Entry tickets are $29.95 for adults, and $24.95 for children ages 4-11. Children ages 3 and under are free.

NEXT: Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center and Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Titusville, Florida (just outside Orlando), is NASA's human spaceflight launch facility. From Gemini through the space shuttle, Kennedy was the place where all of NASA's astronauts would bid a (temporary) farewell to Earth.

To take a tour of KSC, head over to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex , a massive, amusement-park-like area.

There are two types of tours. The KSC Bus Tour gives a "drive-by view of a launch pad" and other sites on the KSC campus, including the Apollo 8 launch site. The tours are 45 minutes long, but allow an additional 2 hours to view the Apollo/Saturn V Center and to allow for the return ride, which lasts about 20 minutes, according to their website. Tours leave from the visitor center every 15 minutes, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The tour is included in the cost of admission to the center, which is $50 for adults, and $40 for children ages 3-11. [ Photos: The Kennedy Space Center, NASA's Historic Spaceport ]

But visitors who want a closer view of KSC should consider the " Explore Tour or the Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour . These tours go beyond the regular bus tour and allow guests to learn about specific aspects of KSC. Keep in mind that rocket launches are once again taking place from Launch Complex 39A, and therefore, "safety protocols require an alternate tour bus route during days leading up to a launch," according to the website. To learn more about each tour, go to the ticket section of the KSC website , and scroll down to see a description of each tour. The "Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour" is only available Thursday through Sunday. To find out if a tour is available on a particular day, select the number of tickets you'd like for the tour, and click "Next." You'll be taken to a page that will show you the dates and times that are available for the tour.

The KSC Bus Tour is the only one included in the admission ticket; the other tours cost an additional $25 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-11. KSC recommends buying tickets ahead of time.   

In addition to the KSC tour, the visitor center has plenty to offer. The Rocket Garden is home to multiple NASA rockets, some of which tower more than 100 feet high. There are also replicas of the tiny capsules that flew the first humans to space during the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo eras. There's also the Saturn V rocket center, a tribute to the largest rocket ever made. Kennedy is also home to the space shuttle Atlantis, and we challenge space fans not to get a little teary-eyed during the video that plays at the entrance of the shuttle exhibit. 

NEXT: Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech

Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, is one of NASAs most active facilities when it comes to building and operating unmanned space probes. It's the home base of a swarm of NASA's scientific missions, including the completed Cassini mission to Saturn, the Dawn mission to Ceres, the Juno mission to Jupiter, the InSight mission to Mars and the OCO-2 mission studying Earth's climate change.

JPL offers free tours of its facilities to members of the public, which includes a stop by the visitor center, home to a beautiful display tracing the history of NASA's exploration of the various planets, moons and other major bodies in the solar system. Visitors may also see the Space Flight Operations Facility and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility.

Keep in mind that tours must be reserved at least three weeks in advance, and that tours fill up two to three months in advance. The JPL tour website advises guests to check back in early August for tour availability in January 2019. Tours can be booked for individuals and small groups, large groups over 20 people, and school groups. Tours are generally held at 1 p.m. and last between 2 and 2.5 hours. JPL also opens its doors to the public for special events .

You might also consider stopping in on one of JPL's free lecture series , which bring "the excitement of the space program's missions, instruments and other technologies" to JPL employees and the public. These free lectures are open to the public and no reservations are required, but seating is limited, so arrive early. Each talk is delivered twice — once on Thursday night and once on Friday night, typically at 7 p.m. The talks take place at different locations, so be sure to check the website.

Visitors can also stop by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), which founded JPL. The two institutions work closely together on NASA missions, and Caltech is home to five NASA facilities, including those that manage the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR). 

Check the Caltech tours page for information about self-guided campus tours, as well as architectural tours, and high school student and prospective student tours. The school also hosts public events. Check the public events calendar to find out about other events.

JPL is about an hour outside Los Angeles, which is home to the California Science Center, a massive science museum with lots of hands-on exhibits and space-related attractions, including the space shuttle Endeavour. To find out more about seeing a space shuttle this summer, check out our list of best summer vacation destinations for space fans .

JPL is also three hours away from Vandenberg Air Force Base, where you can see a rocket launch this summer .

NEXT: Langley Research Center and the Virginia Air and Space Center

Langley Research Center and the Virginia Air and Space Center

The Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, was the first civilian spaceflight laboratory in the U.S. The lab played a crucial role in the Mercury and space shuttle programs.

The Virginia Air and Space Center serves as Langley's visitor center, and this interactive museum puts an emphasis on flight. In addition to NASA artifacts, there are multiple aircraft on display. There are lots of NASA-related exhibits, including a solarium that surrounds visitors in images taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. There's also "Engineer it! an Imagination Playground" that "allows families to have fun creating and learning together."

The center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $19.50 for adults, and $16.00 for children ages 3-18. Admission includes an IMAX movie.

Unfortunately, there are no regular public tours of the Langley facility. Occasionally, NASA will open the facility for special events, but none are planned for 2018, according to Langley representatives.

NEXT: Stennis Space Center and Infinity Science Center

Stennis Space Center and the Infinity Science Center

The John C. Stennis Space Center is in Hancock County, Mississippi, near the state border with Louisiana. Upon its construction in the 1960s, "the center's primary mission was to flight-certify all first and second stages of the Saturn V rocket for the Apollo program," according to NASA. In 1975, the space shuttle main engine was tested at Stennis, and testing on shuttle engines continued there until 2009. Stennis is now a "multidisciplinary facility comprised of NASA and more than 40 other resident agencies."

To see the Stennis Space Center, you'll first go to the Infinity Science Center in Pearlington, Mississippi, where every admission ticket includes a "behind-the-scenes tour" of Stennis.

Forty-minute bus tours of the Stennis Space Center happen Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tours fill up on a first-come first-served basis.

The Infinity Science Center is an interactive science center that features exhibits and attractions from which visitors can learn about spaceflight, aviation, ocean exploration and more. Check the center's website to learn about special events and programs .

In addition to the indoor attractions, visitors can stroll down Possum Walk Trail. From the center's website: "Markers along the way present the history of Possum Walk, a now deserted African-American community, as well as Logtown, an old logging community relocated in the wake of the 1960's Space Program. Interpretive signs along the trail point out some of the plants and animals native to this part of Hancock County." The trail is closed between Oct. 15 and Feb. 15. During the rest of the year, the trams run Tuesday through Saturday at 10 p.m., 11 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

The Infinity Science Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18 for adults, and $11 for children ages 4 to 13, and includes a bus tour of Stennis. The Possum Walk Tram is an additional $3.

NEXT: Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space and Rocket Center

Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space and Rocket Center

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, has a spaceflight history that precedes the formation of NASA. Early rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun and a group of German scientists worked at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville in the 1950s, before the agency's formation. The work contributed to the first launch of a U.S. satellite into space, and since then, Marshall has performed a variety of functions for NASA's human spaceflight program. The facility has tested rocket hardware, as well as scientific hardware and instruments.

Marshall's official visitor center is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center , home to Space Camp. (For more information about attending Space Camp, check out our recommendations for the best summer vacations for space lovers.)

The Rocket Center "has one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world," according to the center's website . That includes a display of a Saturn V rocket and the world's only fully stacked Space Transportation System (a space shuttle stacked on top of a rocket in the configuration that would be assembled for a real launch). Check the website for information about featured exhibits .

The Rocket Center offers bus tours of the Marshall Space Flight Center that includes multiple stops in the facility. Tickets for the tour are $20 for visitors ages 5 and up. Tour buses depart the Rocket Center daily at 12:30 p.m. The tour takes between 2 and 2.5 hours.

Admission to the Space and Rocket center is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $17 for kids ages 5-12. Tickets to the center's IMAX or National Geographic movies are an additional $5 with the price of admission; without admission, the movies are $8 for adults and $7 for kids.

NEXT: Wallops Flight Facility and Visitor Center

Wallops Flight Facility and Visitor Center

NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia, is one of three large rocket launch locations in the contiguous U.S. In addition, Wallops is "NASA's principal facility for management and implementation of suborbital research programs," according to NASAs website .

The Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center "features exhibits about aeronautics, orbital and sub-orbital rockets, scientific balloons, current missions and the history of Wallops Flight Facility," and much more, according to the center's website. There are also lots of special events throughout the summer, including astronomy nights and a lecture series. Check the center's events website for specific dates, event descriptions and other details.

But perhaps the best reason to stop by the visitor center is to see a rocket launch. The center opens an hour before a launch takes place, even if the launch is taking place outside normal visitor center hours (this is subject to change for national security reasons). Sound from the control room is piped into the center, so guests can hear the preparations for launch, and the countdown. And, the center is nicely positioned to give a clear view of the launch pad. For large rocket launches (such as an Orbital ATK Antares rocket , which is used to send supplies to the International Space Station, among other things), it is recommended that guests arrive about 3 hours before launch to get a good spot. For smaller rocket launches (like sounding rockets), 1 hour is usually sufficient. Check out our guide to seeing a launch for more details, including launch dates.

The visitor center is free to the public, and is open daily from July 1 to Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From September to June, the center is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tours of Wallops Flight Facility are available for groups of eight to 20 people, and can be booked by calling the Events and Outreach Coordinator: 757-824-2298. There are no tours of the facility for individuals and small groups.

NEXT: Glenn Research Center

Glenn Research Center and Great Lakes Science Center

NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland was originally called the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory. "Glenn excels in researching and developing innovative technologies for both aeronautics and space flight," according to NASA's website. "A multitude of NASA missions have included elements from Glenn, from the Mercury and Gemini projects to the Space Shuttle Program and the International Space Station."

The center's main campus, Lewis Field, is on 350 acres. Glenn's Plum Brook Station is located 50 miles west, in Sandusky, Ohio, and rests on 6,400 acres. Plum Brook "has large, unique facilities that simulate the environment of space," according to the website.

The center hosts tours of its facilities , which are offered one day each month, from April through October. Most of these tours require preregistration at least 30 days before the tour. Unfortunately, tours at Glenn Research Center are restricted to "U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents." If you wish to visit a NASA center with family or friends that don't meet these requirements, NASA centers like Kennedy Space Center in Florida are more amenable .

The official visitor center for Glenn is the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. The center hosts an OMNIMAX theater, and a wide range of exhibits and artifacts, including a moon rock brought back by the Apollo 15 mission, the 1973 Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module and real NASA spacesuits. Check the website to find out more about what the center has to offer, including a schedule of special events.

NEXT: Ames Research Center and Visitor Center

Ames Research Center and Visitor Center

NASA's Ames Research Center , in Moffett Field, California (between Mountain View and Sunnyvale), is involved in a wide range of NASA missions. Ames is the lead center for the Kepler Space Telescope, which hunts for exoplanets, and a partner on the Mars Science Laboratory aboard the Curiosity Rover, and for the International Space Station.

There is a free public visitor center at Ames where guests can learn about "what we're doing at this amazing NASA facility," according to NASA's website. The center includes a Science on a Sphere Visualization System, which projects the surface of a planet onto a spherical surface — a very different view compared with seeing those surfaces in flat 2D. There's also various exhibits relating to some of the missions that Ames is involved with, a real moon rock on display, and a "Living and Working in Space" exhibit.

The Ames Visitor Center is much smaller than some of the other NASA visitor centers, and the average stay at the Ames center only about an hour, according to the center's website. NASA recommends that visitors hungry for more exhibits should visit the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum , which features exhibits and artifacts from local spaceflight and aviation history.

Ames does not offer public tours of its facilities.

The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 4 pm. Saturday and Sunday. The center is closed Mondays. Be sure to check the website for directions to the visitor center.

NEXT: Armstrong Flight Research Center and Edwards Air Force Base

Armstrong Flight Research Center

Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, is NASA's "primary center for atmospheric flight research and operations," according to the agency website . The facility was involved with testing technologies for the space shuttle, and is currently responsible for space-to-ground communications support for the International Space Station. Armstrong is a testing ground for advanced aeronautics, space and related technologies, including doing testing and integration for the launch-abort system for the Orion crew vehicle, NASA's next human spaceflight vehicle.  

Unfortunately, NASA no longer offers tours of Armstrong. However, public tours are available of Edwards Air Force Base , where Armstrong is located. Check the Edwards tour page for more information. Individuals and small groups can sign up for monthly tours of the base, and the minimum age for children is 4 years. More frequent tours can be arranged for groups of at least 15 and no more than about 42 people.

Representatives from Edwards told Space.com that for small groups or individuals, it's best to  send an e-mail to [email protected] to reserve a tour spot. To make reservations for large groups, calling is best. You can arrange a tour by calling 661-277-3824.

The tour includes a visit to the Air Force Flight Test Museum as well as a windshield tour of the main base, according to Edwards' website.

NEXT: Other NASA Visitor Centers

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Calla Cofield joined Space.com's crew in October 2014. She enjoys writing about black holes, exploding stars, ripples in space-time, science in comic books, and all the mysteries of the cosmos. Prior to joining Space.com Calla worked as a freelance writer, with her work appearing in APS News, Symmetry magazine, Scientific American, Nature News, Physics World, and others. From 2010 to 2014 she was a producer for The Physics Central Podcast. Previously, Calla worked at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City (hands down the best office building ever) and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California. Calla studied physics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is originally from Sandy, Utah. In 2018, Calla left Space.com to join NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory media team where she oversees astronomy, physics, exoplanets and the Cold Atom Lab mission. She has been underground at three of the largest particle accelerators in the world and would really like to know what the heck dark matter is. Contact Calla via: E-Mail – Twitter

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How to Choose the Right Tour Group

Group size, participants’ age range, style of travel and budget are among the factors you should consider when selecting an itinerary.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Tour companies that offer multiday trips arrange most everything for you: lodging, sightseeing, food and transportation. But group size, style of travel and budget are among the considerations travelers should assess before picking a tour. Read on for tips.

Big group or small

Start your research by thinking about how many people you want to travel with and what your tolerance is for the social demands dictated by group size.

Smaller groups can move more nimbly and possibly see more. But they can also be more intensely social as you spend a great deal of time with the same people touring and dining.

Larger groups tend to require more time to get around, but they can also offer more social variety — for example, you can change up your lunch partners more easily.

“Large groups offer anonymity, allowing travelers to choose their level of interaction,” said Deborah Miller, a travel adviser and the owner of Edge of Wonder Travels Unlimited in San Francisco. “Conversely, smaller groups foster intimacy among travelers, guides and the destination itself.”

Look for age-appropriate trips

Think about the demographics of your travel party and consider matching that to a tour company.

Operators often segment their trips by age under the assumption that similarly aged people have more in common or prefer the same pace. Road Scholar , for example, caters to an intellectually curious 50-plus crowd.

On the other end of the spectrum, G Adventures offers a category of trips for “18-to-thirtysomethings” and Intrepid Travel has trips for 18-to-35-year-olds.

With their inherent age spans, families can be a tough demographic to fit into larger group departures, which is why companies tend to break up family offerings by age group.

The active tour company Backroads has three age segments for families, including trips for those with children 4 to 19, those with older teens and younger adults into their 20s, and those with children in their 20s and beyond.

“By definition, that creates somewhat of an age segmentation among parents, too,” said Tom Hale, the founder, president and chief executive of Backroads.

Go general or specific

A popular option for first-timers, a general tour will hit the highlights of a destination, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in Paris or major sites in Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan.

Beyond the general approach, alternatives abound based on themes, styles of travel or hobbies.

Themed trips include a culinary tour of Sicily , a deep dive into literary England , Europe’s World War II battlefields and how women live in India .

In addition to topics, trips often revolve around the means of travel, such as going by train , on foot or by boat (a category that can be further segmented by size, from a cruise ship to a barge or a kayak ).

Tours can also allow you to pursue an interest like swimming or knitting in a unique destination.

Analyze tour inclusions

Once you determine where and how you want to go, prices will range from budget to luxury.

“For travelers on a budget, large group tours tend to be the best fit because it’s a great way to see major attractions at a lower price point,” said Cheyenne Schriefer, a travel adviser and the owner of All Travel Matters in Golden Valley, N.D.

But not all tours are built the same. To compare them, consider what they include.

For example, G Adventures has a 10-day hiking trip in Switzerland from $1,799 a person and a 10-day hiking trip in Portugal for $4,499. The latter is billed as a luxury trip, so the accommodations are pricier, but it also includes most meals, transfers and activities. The Swiss tour offers more basic lodgings, transfers, optional activities available for a fee, and fewer meals.

“Sometimes fewer inclusions are better than more,” said Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer Media, which publishes Frommer’s guidebooks . She pointed out that restaurants that can accommodate busloads probably don’t attract local traffic and that independent sightseeing allows you to “wander through local neighborhoods to get the feel of local life.”

Expertise of the guide or tour leader can also alter the price and the experience. You can expect to pay more for a tour led by a specialist, such as an Egyptologist guiding a group along the Nile.

Gauge your level of independence

Do you prefer to follow a strict schedule that relieves you from having to find, say, a restaurant for dinner? Or do you appreciate some structure — like knowing your hotel reservations are covered — but also want free time to explore independently?

Tour companies run the gamut. Before booking, read the itineraries carefully to find out if the schedule is tight or loose. If that is not clear, call the company to ask.

For truly independent travelers, self-guided tours offered by companies such as Inntravel , Exodus Adventure Travels and Macs Adventure make your ground arrangements and provide an itinerary to follow. Popular in Europe, these itineraries tend to be inn-to-inn walking or cycling trips that include luggage transfers.

“Self-guided travelers are independent but love the support of having a trip arranged for them, and they don’t want to hike with a big backpack anymore,” said Jasper Verlaan, the U.S. sales director for Macs Adventure.

Ask for recommendations

If you’re still unsure about putting down a deposit once you’ve done your research, ask the tour company if you may speak to a past client.

“Ask for references,” said Lynn Cutler, the senior vice president of travel for Smithsonian Enterprises, which runs the tour company Smithsonian Journeys . “We’ll find them a traveler who has done this trip in the past and put them in touch.”

For more travel advice, visit our collection of Travel 101 tips and hacks.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

London:  A writer used Camille Pissarro’s paintings of suburban London and a “lost” railway as a lens for exploring the city’s history  — and settling an arcane mystery.

Dublin,:  While the Irish capital has become a more international hub, locals have made efforts to ensure what makes the city unique — its spirited personality and famed hospitality  — doesn’t get entirely swallowed up.

Norway:  Can A.I. devise a bucket-list vacation to the Scandinavian nation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? We put three virtual assistants to the test .

The Berkshires:  A writer shares his favorite ways to experience the often-overlooked  Housatonic River in western Massachusetts.