7 Scientific Sites in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has long been a scientific and technological hub. The home of the aerospace industry, world-renowned research universities, and astronomical explorers, Angelenos have spent centuries exploring stars—and not just the ones on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

A spectacular collection of ancient meteorites is nestled in a large private collection on the grounds of the University of Southern California. In L.A.’s Natural History Museum, you can view a perfectly preserved Galapagos tortoise, first transported to Southern California in 1900. Visit the lab which features one of the world’s largest collections of rare birds, which holds over 60,000 specimens preserved for study. Check out the magical prop and effects house where the entertainment and aerospace industries merge, with replica space suits so real that NASA itself has used them for shoots and appearances. Speaking of space, L.A. is also the final home for the legendary Space Shuttle Endeavour, the fifth and final space shuttle built by NASA. The wonders never cease!