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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Aerospace Museum of California
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 40 historic aircraft and spacecraft, with interactive STEM exhibits and flight simulators. A journey through aviation history!
"A hidden gem with an impressive collection of historic aircraft and engaging interactive STEM exhibits!"

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Cockpit & Helicopter Tours
Outdoor Air Park
Experience the thrill of stepping inside select aircraft, including helicopters, for a unique perspective. Check availability!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Field Trips
Explore Indoors & Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🧸 Wagons Welcome
If visiting with young children, a wagon is a great idea for navigating the expansive grounds. Outside food is generally allowed.
✈️ 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.
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.
👟 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.
🧸 Wagons Welcome
If visiting with young children, a wagon is a great idea for navigating the expansive grounds. Outside food is generally allowed.
✈️ 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.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 ✈️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
The outdoor Air Park offers incredible opportunities to photograph the aircraft against the sky. Inside, the exhibits provide unique angles and details to capture.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Aviation History on Display
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.
Interactive STEM Learning
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit