Taking a long vacation to the United States? One good way to squeeze in a lot of cultural and historical sights is through museums.
Get transported into outer space, feel like you’re in a movie scene, and witness the uncanny wax figures of your favorite celebrities.
1. Kennedy Space Center (Orlando)
Get ready to blast off into space at one of the best museums in the US! Credits to @maartenwijnants on Unsplash
Kennedy Space Center is one of NASA’s most iconic bases in the United States and has held multiple international space events.
You can hop aboard the simulated launch experience to feel what it’s like to blast off into space. There’s also a space-themed IMAX movie to learn more in a fun way. Moreover, you can walk through the beautiful Rocket Garden and the US Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
2. RiseNY (New York City)
Experience New York City like never before in one of the most unique museums in the US! Credits to @risenyofficial on Instagram
Embark on a thrilling ride as Jeff Goldblum tours you through the streets of the Big Apple, narrating Richard Burns’ film that highlights famous landmarks and iconic spots. Best of all, RiseNY taps into all your senses, so you’ll get to know the city's sights, sounds, and even scents.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
3. American Museum of Natural History (New York City)
Spend a night at the museum - pun intended. Credits to @aditya1702 on Unsplash
The American Museum of Natural History has been around since 1869 and is one of the largest scientific and cultural institutions worldwide and the top museums in New York City.
Learn all about life and beyond all in one place, including mummies! With 45 museum halls, the possibilities are endless!
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 am - 5:30 pm
4. 9/11 Memorial Museum (New York City)
Expect exhibits featuring moments before havoc wreaked and the stories of survivors and victims. Credits to @dchris on Unsplash
The 9/11 Memorial Museum allows you to see tangible exhibits that pay homage to disaster scenes on that fateful day at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
5. The Artifact Exhibition (Orlando)
This is the closest we’d like to get to experiencing this catastrophic moment! Credits to Klook
The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition in Orlando features a massive collection of over three hundred salvaged artifacts. Besides this, the museum replicated some rooms on the ship, such as the Boiler Room, First Class Parlor Suite, Promenade Deck, and the iconic Grand Staircase.
There’s even an iceberg exhibition that’s the same temperature as the ocean’s waters the night the ship sank.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 am and 2:00 pm
6. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Las Vegas)
If there’s one thing kids and adults can agree on, it’s their shared love for Marvel. Credits to Klook
The Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N lets you learn more about your favorite superheroes through multiple exhibits that utilize the latest technology. You can even take a training session to become an agent of the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Witness the power of Captain America’s shield in real life, tour Bruce Banner’s laboratory, closely examine how Iron Man’s suit works, and so much more!
Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
7. World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta)
Did you know an entire museum is dedicated to sharing Coca-Cola’s history? Credits to @jonathangongphotography on Unsplash
The World of Coca-Cola is located in Atlanta, where you can immerse yourself in learning its journey towards becoming a multi-billion dollar company, taste 100 flavors, and watch the “Moments of Happiness” film.
Don’t miss your chance to take a photo with the world-famous Coca-Cola Polar Bear, too!
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
8. California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)
Want to visit the zoo but feel iffy interacting with real animals? Or perhaps you’d like to see extinct creatures as well. Credits to @sairaa on Unsplash
Get ready to step into arguably the best science museum in the US. The California Academy of Sciences holds a beautiful aquarium, grand planetarium, ethereal rainforest, and extensive natural history museum.
Stay tuned for their latest exhibit coming to Golden Gate Park from May 26, 2023, to January 21, 2024. The World's Largest Dinosaurs allows you to discover all kinds of dinosaurs and species you never knew about.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm | Sunday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
9. Madame Tussauds (New York City)
What if you could meet all your favorite celebrities in just one day? Credits to Klook
Spend a day with all the famous icons at Madame Tussauds right in the middle of Times Square! With five floors to go through, you're sure to come across your favorite celebrities— in uncanny wax forms, of course.
The best souvenir to take before you leave? Dip your hand in wax as they mold a sculpture of your hand!
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
10. Museum of Broadway (New York City)
The Museum of Broadway is a non-negotiable visit, especially if you’re a fan of musicals. Credits to Klook
The Museum of Broadway resides at the heart of the Big Apple. Revel in the dazzling wardrobe of the stars, step into the main stage and backstage areas where all the magic happens, and check out the well-designed props that make each show rightfully iconic.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday and Sunday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm | Saturday, 9:30 am to 8:00 am
Gone are the days when museums were merely static exhibits to walk through and look at. You can find some of the best museums in the US with tons of interactive pieces. From thrilling rides, 4D experiences, film screenings, and more, learning about American culture and history will always be exciting!
