Our photos from our visit
1 / 10

Aerospace Museum of California

4.7
·1k reviews·McClellan Park, United States

Explore over 40 historic aircraft and spacecraft, with interactive STEM exhibits and flight simulators. A journey through aviation history!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Our photos from our visit

Aerospace Museum of California

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore over 40 historic aircraft and spacecraft, with interactive STEM exhibits and flight simulators. A journey through aviation history!

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A hidden gem with an impressive collection of historic aircraft and engaging interactive STEM exhibits!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Plan for Field Trips

School groups can be prevalent. Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and ensure better access to simulators.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be exploring a large indoor hall and a 4-acre outdoor park. Comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of discovery.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Aircraft Collection

Historic Aircraft Collection

Outdoor Air Park

Get up close to over 40 historic aircraft, including a Grumman F-14 Tomcat and WWII planes. A true aviation marvel!

Interactive STEM Exhibits

Interactive STEM Exhibits

Indoor Exhibit Hall

Engage with hands-on displays, flight simulators, and creative activities perfect for all ages. Learn through play!

Cockpit & Helicopter Tours

Cockpit & Helicopter Tours

Outdoor Air Park

Experience the thrill of stepping inside select aircraft, including helicopters, for a unique perspective. Check availability!

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Field Trips

To avoid the rush, aim for weekdays or early weekend mornings. Field trips can pack the museum, especially impacting access to interactive exhibits and cockpit tours. Check their schedule or call ahead if you're visiting with kids and want to maximize their hands-on experience. Reddit

Explore Indoors & Outdoors

The Aerospace Museum of California boasts a 40,000 sq ft indoor exhibit hall and a 4-acre outdoor Air Park. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking to see the impressive collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Afternoon lull, less school groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Aerospace Museum of California North Highlands McClellan #aerospacemuseum #mcclellan #northhighlands #sacramento #sactiktok #916tiktok #familyactivities ##stem #sacramentofamily
@ashleynewell.me
109 likes • 3.7K views

🎯 Plan for Field Trips

School groups can be prevalent. Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and ensure better access to simulators. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be exploring a large indoor hall and a 4-acre outdoor park. Comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of discovery. Reddit

✈️ Touch the Sky at the Aerospace Museum of California 🚀 Looking for an out-of-this-world family day trip? The Aerospace Museum of California in McClellan Park is a hidden gem just minutes from Sacramento! 🛩️ Explore over 40 historic aircraft, flight simulators, and hands-on STEM exhibits perfect for curious kids (and adults too!) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Super family-friendly — you can even climb inside a real ai...
@miks_outdoors
116 likes • 4.7K views
Fun morning at the Aerospace Museum of California in #sacramento. Planes ✈️, science experiments 🔬and an appearance by Elsa ❄️! #aerospacemuseum #kidsmuseum #aerospace #airplanes #sciencemuseum
christinastegnerweiss
12 likes • 318 views

🧸 Wagons Welcome

If visiting with young children, a wagon is a great idea for navigating the expansive grounds. Outside food is generally allowed. Reddit

✈️ Check Cockpit Tour Days

Access to go inside planes, like helicopters, is not always available. Inquire about specific days or times for these unique experiences. Reddit

Aerospace Museum of California. My oldest is obsessed with airplanes and space. This was a great way for him to see life sized planes up-close. There is also a Kid Zone play area upstairs for little kids to explore where we spent most of our time. @aerospaceca ✈️ Address: 3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan, CA 95652 ✈️ Pricing: General (18+) $15 5-17: $12 4 and under: Free ✈️ Parking: Ampl...
citrusandlavenderlane
0 likes • 55 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Plan for Field Trips

School groups can be prevalent. Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and ensure better access to simulators. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be exploring a large indoor hall and a 4-acre outdoor park. Comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of discovery. Reddit

🧸 Wagons Welcome

If visiting with young children, a wagon is a great idea for navigating the expansive grounds. Outside food is generally allowed. Reddit

✈️ Check Cockpit Tour Days

Access to go inside planes, like helicopters, is not always available. Inquire about specific days or times for these unique experiences. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Aerospace Museum of California as a hidden gem with an impressive collection of historic aircraft and engaging interactive STEM exhibits. The outdoor Air Park is a highlight, allowing close-up views of planes. While generally well-received, be aware of potential crowds from school field trips, which can affect access to simulators and cockpit tours.

"A hidden gem in the Sacramento area! This museum offers an impressive collection of over 40 historic aircraft, including a Grumman F-14 Tomcat and a Fairchild PT-19. The 4-acre outdoor Air Park allows visitors to get up close to these marvels of aviation history. Inside, the museum features interactive STEM exhibits and flight simulators that are both educational and entertaining for all ages. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just looking for an engaging outing, this museum is a must-visit!"

Jim Cheung

"Want a joy ride on a jet? Or explore the cosmos? Or checkout rocket boosters? Well look no further and join me for an adventure. Let’s begin!

The Aerospace Museum of California is a private non-profit aviation museum located on the grounds of the former McClellan Air Force Base. This museum features a 40,000 square foot exhibit hall, over 40 historic aircraft and rockets and flight simulators.

Today, I arrived on a warm weekend morning to explore this museum. I am fond of museums especially aviation. This museum is good place to expose and teach kids about STEM programs. Moreover, this museum has great collection of aeronautical artifacts and ww2 history. Staff were knowledgeable and friendly.

Admission prices were reasonable. Gift shop was modest. Parking lot has ample of space. Overall, it’s a good museum. I recommend you visit."

Carlo N.

"Kids had a blast! (8, 11, 13). Unfortunately, a field trip got in right before us...(See below)

Interactive activities inside:
- Flight simulator
- Legos
- many other tables to flex creativity (I even got involved)

Downside:
BEWARE OF FIELD TRIPS!!!!
- Viewing planes: 20-40min to view all
- Can you go in planes? NO! I believe only on certain days. But I could be wrong.
- Helicopter: You could go in. But at least 80kids lined up, not today...
- Flight simulator: 30min experience. Instructor has to be present with you (only 2 instructors out of the 10 simulators. Given a field trip got in before us, 30min for each kid lined up, was NOT realistic."

Rey Justo

What People Like

Impressive aircraft collection
Interactive STEM exhibits
Knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Field trip crowds
Simulator wait times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan Park, CA. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. If using GPS, inputting 'Aerospace Museum of California Sacramento' should guide you directly. Reddit

While public transportation options exist to get to the McClellan Park area, direct routes to the museum's entrance might be limited. It's advisable to check local Sacramento transit schedules for the most convenient routes. Reddit

The museum offers an ample parking lot, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. You shouldn't have trouble finding a spot, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. Reddit

Yes, the museum is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with staff often noted for their helpfulness. The indoor exhibits and much of the outdoor area are navigable. Reddit

Typically, service animals are permitted, but pets are generally not allowed inside the museum or on the grounds. It's best to confirm their specific pet policy before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices are considered reasonable. While exact figures can change, reviews suggest it's a good value for the experience. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current ticket information. Reddit

Booking in advance is generally not required, but it can be a good idea, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or holidays. This helps ensure entry and potentially saves time. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, so it's crucial to check the museum's official website before your visit. They are typically open on weekends and some weekdays, but hours can change seasonally. Reddit

Discounts may be available for seniors, military personnel, or children. Check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable promotions or group rates. Reddit

Yes, outside food and drinks are generally allowed, which is great for families or those looking to save on dining costs. A wagon is also permitted for carrying items. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the impressive collection of over 40 historic aircraft in the outdoor Air Park, including a Grumman F-14 Tomcat. The indoor STEM exhibits and flight simulators are also highly recommended for an interactive experience. Reddit

Access to go inside certain aircraft, like helicopters, is sometimes available, often with volunteers present to share stories. However, this isn't always guaranteed and might be restricted on days with many school groups. Reddit

The flight simulators offer an engaging 30-minute experience, but they can have long wait times, especially with school groups. If you have the time and patience, they provide a unique thrill. Reddit

Absolutely! Kids often have a blast with the interactive STEM exhibits, Lego stations, and the 'find a bear' challenge. The sheer scale of the aircraft is also captivating for younger visitors. Reddit

You can easily spend an afternoon here. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore both the indoor exhibits and the outdoor Air Park thoroughly. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the museum has a gift shop, dedicated dining facilities might be limited. It's best to check their current offerings or plan to bring your own food, as outside food is generally permitted. Reddit

McClellan Park and the surrounding Sacramento area offer various dining options. You can find everything from casual eateries to more formal restaurants depending on your preference. Reddit

Yes, with outside food allowed, picnicking is a great option. There are likely areas where you can enjoy your meal, especially if you're utilizing a wagon to carry your supplies. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the museum, both indoors and in the outdoor Air Park. It's a fantastic place to capture stunning aviation shots. Reddit

The outdoor Air Park offers incredible opportunities to photograph the aircraft against the sky. Inside, the exhibits provide unique angles and details to capture. Reddit

Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with museum staff upon arrival to ensure you comply with any regulations regarding tripods or professional photography equipment. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Aerospace Museum of California is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive STEM exhibits and the chance to see real aircraft up close are big hits with children. Bringing a wagon is a great tip for younger kids to navigate the expansive outdoor Air Park, and the allowance of outside food makes it budget-friendly. Be mindful of potential school field trips, which can impact wait times for simulators and cockpit access; visiting on weekdays or early mornings is often best. Reddit

Look out for special activities like the 'find a bear' challenge, which adds an extra layer of fun for younger visitors. The volunteers are often happy to share stories, making the experience more engaging. The sheer scale of the aircraft is awe-inspiring for kids, sparking imagination and curiosity about aviation and space. Reddit

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts

For true aviation buffs, the Aerospace Museum of California is a treasure trove. The collection of over 40 historic aircraft, including rare models like the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, offers a deep dive into aviation history. The ability to get up close to these machines, and potentially even step inside some, provides an unparalleled experience. Reddit

Beyond the aircraft themselves, the museum's exhibits often touch upon the technical aspects of flight and the historical context of these planes. Engaging with knowledgeable staff and volunteers can provide deeper insights into the engineering and operational history of each exhibit. It's a place where enthusiasts can truly immerse themselves in the world of flight. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Aviation History on Display

The Aerospace Museum of California showcases a remarkable collection of over 40 historic aircraft, spanning various eras of aviation. From World War II trainers to advanced jet fighters like the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, the outdoor Air Park provides an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent machines. Visitors can marvel at the engineering feats and imagine the stories these planes could tell. Reddit

Beyond the impressive aircraft, the museum delves into the broader history of flight and space exploration. Exhibits often highlight aeronautical artifacts and the evolution of aerospace technology. This makes it not just a display of planes, but a journey through the human endeavor to conquer the skies and beyond. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers often enhance the experience by sharing fascinating facts and anecdotes. Reddit

Interactive STEM Learning

For families and curious minds, the Aerospace Museum of California offers a robust selection of interactive STEM exhibits. These hands-on displays are designed to make learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics engaging and fun. Children can experiment with building challenges, explore principles of flight, and test their creativity. Reddit

The museum also features flight simulators that provide a thrilling, albeit sometimes lengthy, experience of piloting an aircraft. While wait times can be a factor, especially with school groups, the opportunity to virtually take the controls is a highlight for many visitors. The combination of static displays and dynamic, interactive elements ensures that visitors of all ages leave with a deeper appreciation for aerospace and its underlying scientific principles. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2