Space Center Houston (#1), Houston: Photos, Reviews & Location

Educational center highlighting all eras of U.S. space travel via exhibits, tours & attractions.

At a glance

#33 of 86 Tourist attractions in Houston #12 of 27 Museums in Houston

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.60

34.3 km from the center of Houston

Rating breakdown

5 ★73%
4 ★18%
3 ★6%
2 ★2%
1 ★2%

What reviewers talk about

Share of 16 recent reviews that mention each topic.

Price & value38%
Waiting & crowds31%
Service & staff25%
Atmosphere13%
View6%

1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States

spacecenter.org

+1 281-244-2100

Photos of Space Center Houston (284)

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Space Center Houston, Houston – photo 10

Space Center Houston, Houston – photo 11

Space Center Houston, Houston – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Space Center Houston?: Space Center Houston is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 85,134 reviews.
How does Space Center Houston rank in Houston?: Space Center Houston is #33 of 86 Tourist attractions in Houston by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Space Center Houston located?: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States — 34.3 km from the center of Houston.
What do visitors mention most about Space Center Houston?: Most often: price & value, waiting & crowds, service & staff (from 16 recent reviews).
How can I contact Space Center Houston?: Phone: +1 281-244-2100 · Website: spacecenter.org

Reviews (16)

Randy Petersen 2024 Mar 29

What a fantastic place to see space craft and learn about America's space history. You can see a complete Saturn V rocket and the space shuttle transport plane. The tour of Mission Control is great, but you need to climb 3-4 flights of stairs. Although there is an elevator for those who need it. While this tram tour is an extra cost, the rocket park tram is free. There can be a very long line for the free tram, so bring your patience. Don't get in the long line if taking the Mission Control tour, just go straight to the tram desk to check-in. I recommend buying your tickets online in advance, and they are timed entry for both the museum and tram tour. They could have better crowd control, as the line for the free tram can run all the way to the museum entrance. This place is a must see for history and space buffs, and is great for school age kids with an interest in the space program. Make time to visit here if in the area. You won't be disappointed.

Kate Dzhenaleeva 2024 Mar 27

Great place for visiting! Easy parking ~$10. Tram tours, cinema, lots of interesting exhibitions, Gift shops. There's a smoking area near the place where tram tours begin. It was a little bit crowded, but it's ok. Picnic area and addition restroom are near the main entrance.

David Leduke 2024 Mar 20

Just such a great experience. Lots of young kids the day we went, but it was a Friday before spring break. Your mileage may vary. I do recommend getting tickets for entrance and tickets for the tram tours in advance. They only had the generic tram tour available when we went. The one that brings you out to the Saturn IV shed. Lots of great info. Kids will enjoy looking and wondering. Adults will enjoy that as well as reading all the great info graphics.

Felix Johansson 2024 Mar 18

Huge disappointment. I expected more of this museum. It was messy, not very much to see. Outdated and worn out. Mostly information text and even considering that sometimes lacking information. Very crowded. It felt very touristly and like it was made for kids. The Saturn V was pretty impressive though. Long ques for the trams.
But no, sadly I cannot recommend this museum. Visit the Lone Star Flight Museum instead! They had better space things than this museum.

Tania López 2024 Mar 07

Magnificent place to visit with the family. It took us 3 to 4 hours to tour the entire place completely. The story there is spectacular. There is a booth where you can take photos and they become a memory in your home. I recommend buying tickets online because they are cheaper. And the way to pay for parking is another level. They know when you come and go without you talking to someone. You must scan the QR code that is in the parking lots and follow the instructions. It is not difficult at all. 100% recommended for people who are interested in this type of scientific topic.

Taylor McWilliam 2024 Feb 09

Loved walking in. The nicest staff at the front to greet you. The whole layout was well done and it was truly amazing. The food was simple and good. We LOVED the gift shop. Easy to spend a whole day there. Loved every exhibit and the movie clips. We also recommend the tours, they were awesome to see in person. The staff went above and beyond for recommendations as well.

Keqi Gan 2024 Feb 03

It was a good choice to spend a raining day afternoon at here. There were not too crowded because of the rain and weekdays. The tour with the tram shielding from the rain. Many interesting artifacts to see and read. The visual reality brought me to the moon and Mars. Fun place for 4 hours

Steve W 2024 Jan 22

This was fun. I felt like a kid again. It definitely takes a day if you do the Tram Tours. You should get the Historic Mission Control Tour, it is special.

The trams are outside, so dress for the weather. You can bring in food, etc. At least we did, so a picnic will save you some money.

Overall, I highly recommend for adults and children. There is a lot more for adults than you would expect.

Mudasser Zakaria 2023 Dec 03

Space Center Houston is an absolute marvel for anyone fascinated by the cosmos. Since childhood, the allure of space has captivated me, and this visit exceeded all expectations. The wealth of knowledge and the interactive exhibits make it a haven for those eager to learn and explore the mysteries of the universe. The fun-filled day was a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, from astronauts to the passionate individuals working behind the scenes. A heartfelt nod to their sacrifices and unwavering dedication to expanding our understanding of the cosmos. A must-visit for everyone, as it truly brings the wonders of space closer to home. Gratitude to all the space enthusiasts making it possible!

Elizondo384 Rob 2023 Dec 03

We took our son and daughter when they were young and they had a blast, so we decided to take our sons daughter our granddaughter there. And it was not so fun anymore for a small kid, seems like everything was for and older kid 10years and older. I Remember they had Star Wars and other props that filled up the place. Now it seemed empty, not much for the younger side. We made the best of it for what was there. But not planning to go back until the granddaughter gets older where she can enjoy it better.

Abhinav Joshi 2023 Nov 26

Honestly, a little bit underwhelmed. Maybe I was a too psyched. Should have kept expectations a little low.

Worth seeing - Rocket park tram tour, astronaut talk, moon rocks.
Can be skipped - astronaut training facility tour (takes too much time, 1 hour). Other exhibits are just ok.

One can finish the whole experience in about 3 hours if you reach early and plan the exhibits and tram tour well.

Not sure if the VIP tour is worth it, did not do.

The whole place definitely encourages one for space exploration. Worth a visit, but plan well.

Tammy 2023 Nov 10

We had a nice experience! We arrived at 1pm, which was a bit late. We prioritized going to Mission Control. It is worth the ticket price. Note that Mission Control is very historic. If you have unruly children, they will ask you to take them out. We took the 2pm tram tour to Mission Control and did not have time to do the other tram tours. We had a good experience!

Maitri Patel 2023 Nov 07

I recently visited the NASA Space Center Houston, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! The exhibits are both educational and engaging, allowing visitors to learn about the history of space exploration and the wonders of the universe in an interactive way. The highlight for me was the tram tour to go see the rocket housed in their warehouse. It was amazing to see such a piece of history in-person! The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, and the overall atmosphere is inspiring. If you have any interest in space or science, this is a must-visit destination.

Shawn Cosare 2023 Oct 31

Visiting NASA was a truly unforgettable experience. After years of anticipation and several trips to Houston, I finally had the opportunity to set foot in NASA, and it was worth every moment. The space agency's facilities and the Johnson Space Center offer a unique and awe-inspiring insight into the world of space exploration.

From the moment I stepped inside, the excitement was palpable. The staff at NASA were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly and accommodating. They were more than willing to share their expertise and answer questions, making the experience even more enriching. Their enthusiasm for space exploration was infectious, and it left me with a profound appreciation for the work that NASA does.

While my visit was limited to just a few hours, I managed to make the most of it. Exploring the Space Center, viewing the exhibits, and even catching a glimpse of the astronaut training facilities were highlights of my visit. The opportunity to see actual space artifacts and learn about the history of space travel was both educational and captivating.

If you plan to visit NASA, I highly recommend allocating at least half a day. There is so much to see and absorb that a few hours might feel rushed. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about the wonders of the universe, NASA's visitor center provides a window into the extraordinary world of space exploration that you won't want to miss. It's an experience that will leave a lasting impression and ignite a sense of wonder about the cosmos.

Devin Trejos 2023 Oct 10

Great experience for the family. A little pricey for all that's involved.
Lots to learn and experience. Great photo ops and they do get you with nice pictures to purchase too.
Nice gift shop, but the food court was basically closed and barely offered anything.
Lots of walking and it is handicap accessible for scooters and wheelchairs.