Top 15 Air and Space Museums in Los Angeles

Los Angeles boasts a rich heritage in aviation and aerospace, with Southern California companies playing pivotal roles in shaping air and space travel. Consequently, the region is packed with air and space museums, showcasing historic aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, and even opportunities to fly planes and simulators.

If you’re an enthusiast of other forms of transportation, you’ll find museum ships, train museums, and auto museums and attractions worth exploring as well.

California Science Center – Air and Space Gallery

Address

700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA

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Phone: +1 323-724-3623

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The air and space exhibits at the California Science Center encompass a broad array of history, starting from a 1902 Wright Brothers’ Glider to the advanced exploration of space, including the NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Museum of Flying

Address

3100 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405-6140, USA

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Phone: +1 310-398-2500

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The Museum of Flying at Santa Monica Airport displays nearly two dozen aircraft, offering interpretive exhibits covering the history of flight and highlighting the significant contributions of Southern California companies to the aviation and aerospace sectors.

Western Museum of Flight

Address

3315 Airport Dr, Torrance, CA 90505-6152, USA

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Phone: +1 310-326-9544

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This museum, located at Zamperini Field in Torrance, features an array of military aircraft, such as restored planes, replicas, and models. The Western Museum of Flight also hosts numerous aviation-related lectures and events throughout the year, enriching visitors’ understanding of aviation history.

Flight Path Learning Center and Museum

Address

6661 Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA

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Phone: +1 424-646-7284

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The Flight Path Learning Center, located in the LAX Imperial Terminal, showcases a diversity of airline memorabilia, including uniforms and historic advertisements. Visitors can also enjoy a massive collection of model airplanes and board a fully restored luxury DC-3. Notably, both the museum and parking are offered at no cost.

Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum

Address

961 W Alondra Blvd, Compton, CA 90220-3528, USA

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Phone: +1 877-999-2099

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Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum features historic exhibits on the Tuskegee Airmen, venerable aircraft, helicopters, and flight simulators. This public museum contributes to a broader aviation program designed for inner-city youth, fostering interest in aviation careers.

WWII Aviation Museum at Camarillo Airport

The Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving historic military aircraft from all branches of the U.S. military. The WWII Aviation Museum, located at Camarillo Airport, operates from Tuesday to Sunday, offering opportunities to watch volunteers in action on renovation projects every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Jet Propulsion Laboratories

Address

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA

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Phone: +1 818-354-4321

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JPL in Pasadena has led the way in space exploration, notably through rocket and rover developments. Furthermore, free public tours are available weekly on alternating Mondays and Wednesdays, requiring reservations at least three weeks in advance.

Columbia Memorial Space Center

Address

12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA 90242-2790, USA

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Phone: +1 562-231-1200

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The Columbia Memorial Space Center is an interactive learning center honoring the crew from the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. It aims to inspire innovation in science for all ages with exhibits including a space simulator, the Apollo Boiler Plate 12, and a Robotics Lab.

Air Force One at the Ronald Reagan Library

Address

40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA

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Phone: +1 805-522-2977

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At the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley, visitors have the unique chance to board the actual Air Force One aircraft utilized by U.S. presidents between 1973 and 2001. Additionally, the Air Force One Pavilion features the Marine One helicopter and an assortment of presidential vehicles.

Army One Helicopter at the Nixon Library

Address

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886, USA

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Phone: +1 714-983-9120

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The Army One helicopter, used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford, offers visitors the chance to climb aboard and experience first-hand what it was like for these leaders to operate from their airborne Oval Office.

Air Tours of Los Angeles

Beyond the multitude of aircraft on display in museums and attractions, consider taking a helicopter or small plane tour of Los Angeles. This experience offers breathtaking views of the City of Angels, especially during sunset, providing a memorable occasion for anniversaries or a splendid gift for aviation aficionados.

Proud Bird Restaurant & Museum

Address

11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA

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Phone: +1 310-670-3093

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Proud Bird Restaurant & Museum, located adjacent to LAX, displays historic planes as outdoor art. Patrons can enjoy views of planes taking off and landing from the dining area. Following a comprehensive renovation in 2017, the restaurant now features an upscale atmosphere with a range of dining options, including BBQ, soul food, gourmet pizza, and salads. An interactive museum pod enhances the dining experience, creating a unique atmosphere where aviation history meets delightful cuisine. Be prepared for some runway noise, but the restaurant’s soundproofing largely mitigates it.

Flight Deck Air Combat Center

Address

400 Disney Way ste 196, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

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Phone: +1 714-814-7429

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At Flight Deck Air Combat Center, you can immerse yourself in advanced military simulation training using the same equipment that professionals utilize. Ideal for individuals aged 11 and older, the center is also perfect for group events and offers a fascinating insight into the life of a fighter pilot.

Los Angeles County Air Show

The Los Angeles County Air Show, held each March in Lancaster, CA, features an array of aerobatic performances, vintage aircraft displays, and interactive land exhibits. It’s an exhilarating event that aviation enthusiasts and families alike can enjoy.

Burbank Aviation Museum

Address

3898 Valhalla Dr, Burbank, CA 91505, USA

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Phone: +1 818-768-7881

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The Burbank Aviation Museum provides insights into the history of aviation, hosting a variety of artifacts and an exhibit available every Sunday from noon until 3 p.m. at The Portal of the Folded Wings, a shrine to aviation located in Valhalla Memorial Park, where twenty-four aviation pioneers are interred.