Museums for those interested in science or transportation
You can learn about the history of flight, trains, dinosaurs or the heavens above at museums throughout Los Angeles County.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Berth 84 at the foot of 6th St. San Pedro 90731
(310) 548-7618; www.lamaritimemuseum.org
Exhibits with photos, maritime equipment, models of ships and ocean liners like the Queen Mary and Titanic. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $1 donation suggested.
Museum of Flying
2772 Donald Douglas Loop N. Santa Monica 90405
(310) 392-8222; www.MuseumofFlying.com
From World War II planes to modern day jets, here you can see different aircrafts, equipment and accessories. Hours: Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3 for students 17 and under, $7 for adults.
Travel Town Museum
5200 W. Zoo Dr. Los Angeles 90027
(323) 662-5874; www.traveltown.org
Collection of steam locomotives, passenger cars, and trolleys from the 1880s-1940s. Also has an exhibit on fire-fighting. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Western Museum of Flight
12016 S. Prairie Ave. Hawthorne 90250
(310) 332-6228; www.wmof.com
Aircraft, jet engines, ejection seats, WWII instruments and a model aircraft collection are all on display. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $3 for adults, $2 children 12 and under.
California Science Center
700 State Drive, Exposition Park Los Angeles 90037
(323) 724-3623; www.casciencectr.org
Many hands-on exhibits that explore different aspects of science, medicine, transportation and technology. Also includes the IMAX Movie Theater. Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call (323) 724-3623 for IMAX movies and show times. $5.25 for students with valid ID.
Griffith Park Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Rd. Los Angeles 90027
(323) 664-1191; www.griffithobs.org
The observatory is closing for renovation in January 2002 so hurry! Has a Hall of Science with planetary models, meteorites, a pendulum, seismograph, astronomy computer games, telescopes and more. Also with a planetarium and laser shows. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 2 to 10 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 12:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Observatory is free. Planetarium: $4. $8 for most laser shows.
Museum of Jurassic Technology
9341 Venice Blvd. Culver City 90232
(310) 836-6131; www.mjt.com
Artifacts from the fictional "Lower Jurassic" era make fun of traditional museum practices. Hours: Thur., 2 to 8 p.m., Fri.-Sun., noon-6 p.m. Donation: $2.50 for students, $4 general.
