Space – The Final Frontier!

So many of us are fascinated with space travel. For some, it’s the allure of the unknown. There’s so much out there that we’ve yet to discover, let alone explore. For others, it’s a keen interest in the technological innovations that have taken us beyond our world and into the skies to discover even more about the universe around us.

Whatever your take on space travel, there are plenty of spaces for you to travel to in order to find out more about the men and women who’ve been to space and the amazing technology that got them there and back. Here’s our selection of some of the best places to experience the thrill of space.

Kennedy Space Center — Cape Canaveral, Florida 

Of course, the closest we mortals are ever likely to come to actual space travel is to watch a live rocket launch. And there’s really no better place to do that than Cape Canaveral in Florida. There are also many cool attractions at nearby Kennedy Space Center, including space shuttles, rockets, and various exhibits related to space exploration. Visitors can also take part in bus tours, see a rocket launch, and meet veteran NASA astronauts. Special attractions include Space Shuttle Atlantis, the Rocket Garden, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, Apollo 8 exhibit, Heroes & Legends, and Astronaut Encounter. The center recommends that you set aside at least six to eight hours for the full Kennedy Space Center experience.

Space View Park — Titusville, Florida

If all you really want is to watch a rocket launch into space, then your best bet might be Space View Park located in Titusville, Florida. This public park has a clear view of the launches from Kennedy Space Center. The park is situated along the Indian River, directly across from the launch pads. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll along the river and learn about the history of the American space program. Space View Park also features an educational exhibit that includes interactive displays honoring the men and women who made space travel possible, and a replica Mercury capsule. There is also a bronze statue of President John F. Kennedy, who promised during his presidency to land a person on the moon within a decade. Lastly, the park is a popular location for a picnic lunch or to watch the local manatees, dolphins, and birds in their natural habitat. There are even restrooms and parking facilities available.

Very Large Array — New Mexico

So you want to talk to extraterrestrials, do you? Well, probably the closest you might come would be to visit the aptly named Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico to see the conservatory and its 28 mammoth radio telescopes. The VLA is basically a multi-purpose astronomical instrument used to investigate various space phenomena such as black holes, pulsars, supernovas, and more. Guests can visit the VLA Visitor Center and experience the observation deck from which they can view the radio telescopes in operation. The VLA is located between the towns of Magdalena and Datil, about two hours southwest of Albuquerque. The center recommends your arrive at the VLA Visitor Center 15 to 20 minutes before the tour starts, and no reservations are required. (And, for all you Bon Jovi fans out there, a picture of the VLA appears on the cover of Bon Jovi’s 2002 studio album, Bounce. You’re welcome.)

Space Center Houston

Houston, we de not have a problem. Especially those of use who visit Space Center Houston in (unsurprisingly) Houston, Texas. Visitors here can experience a range of interactive exhibits and displays exploring the history and future of space exploration. Take a tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and see real-life space shuttles, rockets, and astronauts in training. There are also rides and attractions, including the Zero-G Experience, which provides visitors with a little taste of microgravity. Guests can also participate in educational programs to learn about space, view live demonstrations, and attend presentations by NASA experts. Additionally, there are various events throughout the year such as astronaut meet-and-greets and seasonal celebrations.

Zero Gravity Flight — Las Vegas

Wouldn’t it be cool to actually feel what it’s like to walk in space? Well, short of actually being on a space mission yourself, the closest you’re likely to come is at Zero Gravity Flight in Las Vegas, where you can experience weightlessness and the feeling of floating in mid-air. The company provides parabolic flights that simulate the zero-gravity environment of space. These flights certainly don’t come cheap — as of this writing, tickets were somewhere north of $9,000. But what better way to splurge with those Vegas winnings than on a once-in-a-lifetime experience? During the flight, participants experience the same weightlessness as astronauts in space, while professional instructors ensure their safety. The experience is open to anyone eight years or older, and no previous flight experience is required. The flight experience typically lasts around two hours and includes pre-flight training, 15 parabolic maneuvers, and post-flight debriefing.

National Air and Space Museum — Washington, DC

This one is a classic. The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC offers visitors the chance to learn about the history and future of the American space program by viewing a an amazingly varied collection of aviation and space artifacts.  Specific crafts in the collection include the Mercury Friendship 7 capsule flown by John Glenn, the Apollo 11 command module Columbia, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. Visitors can also see artifacts related to the Wright brothers’ first flight and explore the history of aviation and space exploration through interactive exhibits and displays. Additionally, the museum offers educational programs and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about space flight and explore the science and technology behind it. Visitors can also experience a range of simulated rides and attractions that provide a feel for what it’s like in space.

Samuel Oschin Planetarium — Los Angeles

Remember that school trip to the local planetarium? If you’re really interested in the stars, why not visit the granddaddy of planetaria, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Here visitors can experience a range of educational programs on space and astronomy, from laser shows to documentaries on the night sky. The planetarium provides an immersive experience designed to help visitors understand the mysteries of space, including cosmic phenomena such as black holes and the formation of galaxies. Learn about current space missions and recent discoveries, and gain an understanding of the technologies and scientific methods used to study the universe. The planetarium also houses exhibitions that showcase the history of space exploration and highlight important moments in astronomy’s development.

Did we leave off your favorite space-related destination? Tell us about it in the comments below!