Houston , United States

Space Center Houston (SCH) (NASA) Tour

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour only has 1 stop: Space Center Houston (SCH). SCH is connected to NASA or the Johnson Space Center (JSC), where the astronauts train and the engineers work. We will walk over 5,000 steps at SCH as I plan on showing as much as possible in the main building and in the additional buildings, Rocket Park and the Astronauts Training Facility, where the trams take tourists. I will talk a lot about the space program, tying the past to the present, and future explorations.

Available options

Space Center Houston (SCH) (NASA) Tour

What's included

Entrance fee

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Tourists will have the opportunity to:
1. Go on a tram ride to Rocket Park and Independence Plaza to see Mercury and Saturn V rockets and go inside a practice shuttle and a real 747 that used to have shuttles attached to them. I will provide a narrative tour at the rockets, describing the history of them, their purposes, their engines and power, and more. 1.5 to 2.0 hours.
2. See the 15 minute, 30 second documentary "human Destiny."
3. Have a narrative tour in the Starship Gallery space museum where they can touch a moon rock, see capsules up close of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo rockets, walk through a model of Skylab, and more. 30 minutes.
4. Go on a second tram to the Astronauts Training Facility. 45 minutes.
5. Lunch at the SCH cafeteria. 45 minutes.
6. See an Elon Musk Space X rocket Falcon 9 that actually flew. 5 minutes.
7. Souvenir shopping. 20 minutes.
8. Possibly see another movie or hear an astronaut talk.
9. Drive to and from SCH. 1.0 - 1.5 hours.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Parents need to supply their own infant seats for their babies and toddlers.

Although Space Center Houston (SCH) has extended hours during the summer, the standard hours of operation are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, only 7 hours per day. The travel time to and from SCH is another 1.0 to 1.25 hours. We want to arrive as soon as SCH opens to avoid the queues and maximize your ability to see as much as possible. If we start later in the day, we will not have sufficient time to go on both tram rides and enjoy all of the activities.

Meeting point

We meet inside the rotunda of the Houston City Hall at 901 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002 on Monday through Friday. City Hall is closed on weekends. On weekends, we meet at a park bench on the east side of City Hall.

About Houston

Houston, the largest city in Texas, is renowned for its space exploration history, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant arts culture. As the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, the city offers unique attractions, a thriving economy, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Space Center Houston

The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, offering interactive exhibits, historic spacecraft, and behind-the-scenes tours of NASA facilities.

Historical/Adventure 4-6 hours Moderate ($29.95 for adults, discounts available)

Museum District

A collection of 19 museums, cultural centers, and galleries, showcasing art, science, and history.

Cultural/Museum Half day to full day Varies by museum (many have discounted days)

Discovery Green

A 12-acre urban park in downtown Houston, featuring gardens, fountains, and hosts to various events and concerts.

Nature/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (some events may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tex-Mex

A fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisine, featuring dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with substitutions.

BBQ

Slow-smoked meats, often served with tangy BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Main Course Meat-heavy, but vegetarian options like smoked jackfruit are available.

Gulf Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, including shrimp, oysters, and crab.

Main Course Can be prepared in various ways to suit dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Space Center Houston tours Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou Hiking in Memorial Park Spa treatments Picnics in Discovery Green Yoga classes Museum District visits Theater District performances

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The crowds are moderate, and major events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo take place during this time.

15-30°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

CST (GMT-6) / CDT (GMT-5) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Houston is generally safe for tourists, but as with any large city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air

George Bush Intercontinental Airport • 22 miles (35 km) north of downtown
William P. Hobby Airport • 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and affordable, but coverage is limited to certain areas. Good for reaching major attractions and the Medical Center.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Montrose The Heights

Day trips

Galveston Island

50 miles (80 km) • Full day

A barrier island off the coast of Texas, offering beautiful beaches, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions.

San Antonio

180 miles (290 km) • Full day or overnight

A historic city known for its Spanish colonial missions, vibrant River Walk, and cultural attractions.

Festivals

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo • February to March Houston Pride Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Museum District on Thursday nights for free admission to many museums.
Explore the Houston Farmers Market for fresh produce and local delicacies.
Take advantage of the city's diverse dining scene by trying Tex-Mex, BBQ, and Gulf seafood.
Use the METRO Q App for real-time updates on public transportation.
Check for free events and concerts at Discovery Green throughout the year.