Places in the US That Will Spark Moon Joy

April 28, 2026

Okay, so most of us aren’t going to join NASA and experience the same exact “moon joy” the Artemis II crew felt flying by the moon but… we can get close! Whether it’s visiting historic observatories or traveling to destinations that celebrate all things space exploration, check below for ideas on how to create your own moon joy while still on earth!

I asked you all on Instagram and Facebook what your favorite travel rituals are, and I loved your answers so much, I’ve compiled them all below!

Where to Go in the US if You Love All Things Space

Florida’s Space Coast

Next time you’re thinking of visiting Disney World, carve out an extra few days for Florida’s Space Coast. Every single American orbital launch has launched from either the Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This is because rockets go eastward to get a boost from the Earth’s rotation and from Florida, this means they’ll be over the ocean instead of land. The visitor complex at the Kennedy Space Center is well worth planning your whole day around. It goes into the US’s history of space exploration and just has an incredible amount of exhibits to really inspire an awe for all things out of this world. And best of all? You can see a launch!

Also nearby in Titusville is the American Space Museum & Walk of Fame and, of course, if you are combining this with Disney World, don’t miss Mission: SPACE in EPCOT.

Space Center Houston, Texas

No destination for space lovers is quite as famous as Space Center Houston. I mean, “Houston, we have a problem” is one of the most famous phrases we have! If you were ever wondering why, it’s because NASA’s Mission Control Center has been in this city since 1965. As the name suggests, scientists here manage all aspects of flight control for anything involving US astronauts so when communicating, astronauts will say “Houston” when addressing them. And, yes, if you’re wondering – it’s Houston who cut off Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” when waking up the Artemis II crew.

The Space Center itself is another massive complex with over 400 artifacts and exhibits where you can learn about space exploration and advancements we’ve made since the start of the space race. They even have an interactive Artemis exhibit to really learn about this moon mission we’re in the middle of!

For more of this awesome city, check out BOTH my episodes “Houston Pt I” and “Houston Pt II”

US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama

To round out what I think of as the Big 3 for NASA-inspired travel is Huntsville, Alabama. It’s here where all the science that goes into creating space-orbiting rockets actually happens. Back during World War II, the US Army chose to build chemical munition facilities in the area and later when they were no longer needed, Alabama Senator John Sparkman convinced them to use it for rocket and missile development. Soon after they launched America’s first satellite into orbit, NASA was formed, and then in 1960, the Marshall Space Flight Center opened as the government’s main space tech research center!

Visitors can check out the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to learn all about the science and technology that goes into space exploration. The museum is incredibly interactive with an enormous collection of space artifacts. Not to mention, they’re home to Space Camp and, yes, they have camps for all ages. You’re never too young to go!

For more on what to do in Huntsville, check out my episode here.

Every Other NASA Visitor Center

Believe it or not, there are actually quite a number of other NASA Visitor Centers around the country! Each has a different approach to visitors, so just check below before you make plans:

Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA
Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD
Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, VA
Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, CA
Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH
Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, CA
John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, MS
Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA

National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.

Ask anyone in Washington DC, and they know all about the Smithsonian museums. They’re all impressive, but none quite inspires awe like the National Air and Space Museum. It actually has two locations. One at the National Mall in DC and one known as the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. The focus of the museum is on all aspects of human flight from aviation to space, and their collection of artifacts is absolutely incredible. The Udvar-Hazy Center is especially massive as it houses two hangars filled with 3,000+ objects!

It’s one of the most visited museums in the world, so if you plan to go, make sure you book your tickets ahead of time. Like all DC-based Smithsonians, entrance is free but entries are timed!

Moonshot Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Newly opened in Pittsburgh, the Moonshot Museum is dedicated to all things 21st century space. It’s a small museum that packs a lot of punch. Between interactive exhibits, you’ll get the chance to watch a real lunar spacecraft be assembled!

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona

Combine a love of space with good, ole Route 66. When you stop in Flagstaff, Arizona, make sure to visit Lowell Observatory. Percival Lowell established it in 1894 to look for life on Mars. Later, Clyde Tombaugh would discover Pluto here. (And, yes, I still think Pluto should be considered a planet!)

While you’re in Flagstaff, make sure to take advantage of its International Dark Sky status and do some stargazing. In fact, Arizona alone has 200 dark sky chapters! And further along Route 66 towards Winslow is Meteor Crater Natural Landmark where you can see one of the best preserved impact craters in the world.

For more of Arizona’s stretch of Route 66, watch our episode here.