The California Science Center: A Perfect Rainy Day Activity When Visiting Venice Beach

When beach weather doesn’t cooperate, you need a rainy day activity near The Venice Beach House that still feels exciting and memorable. The California Science Center checks every box, and our Venice Beach hotel will be waiting for you upon your return for a cozy wind down in your room, a local restaurant, or at the beach.

1. Completely Indoors (and Free Admission)

One of the best features? General admission is free. You can step inside, stay dry, and spend hours exploring without worrying about ticket costs for permanent exhibits. (Special exhibits and IMAX films may require tickets.)

For families staying at The Venice Beach House, this makes it a budget-friendly add-on to your trip.

2. See the Space Shuttle Endeavour Up Close

The crown jewel of the museum is the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Officially known as Space Shuttle Endeavour, this historic orbiter completed 25 missions before retiring.

Inside the Samuel Oschin Pavilion, you can:

  • Stand beneath the actual shuttle

  • Learn how astronauts trained for missions

  • Explore interactive exhibits about space exploration

  • Experience hands-on simulations

It’s awe-inspiring for kids — and even more impressive for adults.

3. Interactive Exhibits for All Ages

Unlike traditional museums where you mostly observe, the California Science Center encourages you to participate.

Popular permanent galleries include:

  • Ecosystems – Explore deserts, oceans, forests, and even a working kelp tank.

  • World of Life – Learn how living organisms function.

  • Creative World – Dive into engineering, transportation, and technology.

  • Air & Space exhibits – Discover aviation history and spacecraft models.

If you’re visiting Venice Beach with kids, this is an easy way to balance beach relaxation with enriching activity.

4. Easy Access from Venice Beach

The California Science Center is roughly a 25–30 minute drive from The Venice Beach House (traffic permitting). It’s centrally located near downtown Los Angeles, making it a convenient half-day or full-day excursion.

Pro tip: Go in the morning to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends or school breaks.

What Makes It a Great Complement to Your Venice Beach Stay?

A trip to Venice Beach is usually about:

  • Ocean views

  • Abbot Kinney shopping

  • Boardwalk energy

  • Sunset walks

But adding the California Science Center gives your trip depth and variety.

You get:

  • Outdoor relaxation by the coast

  • Indoor exploration and learning

  • A cultural experience unique to Los Angeles

Staying at The Venice Beach House provides the perfect home base. After a day exploring science and space, you can return to a peaceful oceanfront setting, unwind, and enjoy the charm of historic Venice.

FAQ: Visiting the California Science Center

Where is the California Science Center located?

It’s in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, about 12 miles from Venice Beach.

How much does it cost to visit?

General admission to permanent exhibits is free. IMAX films and special exhibitions require paid tickets.

How long should you plan to spend there?

Plan for 3–4 hours at minimum. If you want to see everything, you could easily spend a full day.

Is it good for adults without kids?

Absolutely. The Space Shuttle Endeavour alone is worth the visit, and many exhibits are immersive and intellectually engaging.

Is parking available?

Yes. Paid parking is available in Exposition Park lots.

Make Rainy Weather Part of the Adventure

Rain in Venice Beach doesn’t mean canceling your plans. It means expanding them.

Pair the coastal charm of The Historic Venice Beach House with a visit to the California Science Center and you’ll turn a cloudy forecast into one of the most memorable days of your trip.

While a staycation in one of our cozy, updated rooms, such as the Pier Suite, isn’t a bad thing, it can be fun to get out and stand beneath a real space shuttle, exploring marine ecosystems, and engaging with hands-on science exhibits just minutes from the coast.

When you visit Venice Beach, sunshine is a bonus — but unforgettable experiences are guaranteed, rain or shine.

PW