Space Center Houston
Houston, TX
The visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, with real spacecraft, a Saturn V hall and tram tours of mission control areas. Plan for most of a day and book ahead in school holidays.
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center and opened in 1992. It is run by the nonprofit Manned Spaceflight Education Foundation. Exhibits include spacecraft such as Mercury 9, Gemini 5 and the Apollo 17 command module, as well as "Independence," a full-size space shuttle replica mounted on a shuttle carrier aircraft, which visitors can walk through. A Falcon 9 first stage has been on display since 2020.
Open-air trams take you onto the Johnson Space Center grounds, for example to historic Mission Control, training facilities and Rocket Park with a restored Saturn V. The center drew more than a million visitors in 2022, so expect crowds, especially during holidays, and allow half a day to a full day.
- Nearest town
- Houston, TX
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 29.5518, -95.0971
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February, May and September. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Gordy Road RV ParkMotorhome stopover7 mi from Space Center HoustonMotorhomes
- Harvest Acres RV Park & Mini StorageMotorhome stopover9 mi from Space Center HoustonMotorhomes
- Highlands RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Space Center HoustonMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Scott RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Space Center HoustonMotorhomes
- Pine Lakes RV ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Space Center HoustonMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Lakeview RV ResortMotorhome stopover22 mi from Space Center HoustonMotorhomesWi-Fi
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Space Center Houston?
Space Center Houston is in Houston, TX, at GPS 29.5518, -95.0971. It is about 25 mi from Galveston.
Can you camp near Space Center Houston?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Gordy Road RV Park, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 62 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Space Center Houston?
Places worth a stop nearby: The Strand Historic District (25 mi), Village Creek State Park (74 mi), Big Thicket National Preserve (76 mi) and Lake Livingston State Park (77 mi).
When is the best time to visit Space Center Houston?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February, May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)