LA: Expo Park Space & Dinosaurs Tour with Cal Science Center

If you’re looking for an engaging way to experience some of LA’s most iconic sights without the hassle of organizing multiple visits, this Expo Park Space & Dinosaurs Tour might be just what you need. Designed as a 1.5-hour guided walk, it packs a lot into a short time, perfect for visitors who want a well-rounded snapshot of LA’s culture, history, and science.

What really makes this experience stand out is the expert guide, who brings the sites to life with stories and insights, and the chance to see famous landmarks like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and spaceships at the California Science Center. However, keep in mind that the tour doesn’t include entry tickets to the Natural History Museum — you’ll need to buy those separately.

Ideal for those curious about LA’s past, science lovers, or anyone wanting a family-friendly, easy-to-join activity, this tour offers a nice mix of history, science, and beautiful scenery. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time but still want to get a meaningful taste of the city’s highlights.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: A 1.5-hour guided tour that covers major attractions efficiently.
• Comprehensive stops: From the LA Memorial Coliseum to the Natural History Museum’s dinosaur fossils.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides who cater to all ages and interests.
• Value for money: At $34 per person, it offers a lot of insights without breaking the bank.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with engaging stories and sights.
• Includes outdoor sights: Stroll through a historic rose garden with views of USC campus.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting outside the legendary Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, you’ll get a chance to learn about a stadium that’s hosted two Olympics and is set to welcome the Games again in 2028. The guide shares stories about its history and cultural significance, and you’ll have the opportunity to snap photos with the iconic Olympic rings and torch — a fun moment for any visitor.

Next, your group heads over to the California Science Center, which is more than just a science museum. This is one of the few places in the world where you can see real spaceships, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The exhibits are designed to inspire curiosity about space and nature, and you’ll also explore 45,000 square feet of space dedicated to live animals and aquariums. The 188,000-gallon tank filled with marine life offers a captivating view, especially for kids or anyone interested in ocean creatures.

A stroll through the historic rose garden provides a peaceful break from the busy museums. This spot offers lovely views of the USC campus and a glimpse into the area’s past development. It’s a quieter, scenic part of the tour that also serves as a photo-op.

Finally, the tour culminates with a visit to The Natural History Museum’s new wing. Here, you’ll see a 75-foot-long dinosaur skeleton and learn about fossils found by local scientists, offering a glimpse into LA’s prehistoric past. The stories shared by the guide about the fossils and the area’s natural history add an educational flavor to the experience.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

This is the tour’s starting point, and it’s easy to see why the stadium captures so much attention. With its bright history of hosting two Olympic Games and the upcoming 2028 Olympics, it’s a symbol of LA’s global presence. The guide’s stories about the stadium’s history make it more than just a photo stop; they bring it to life. You’ll get the chance to take pictures with the Olympic rings and torch, which makes for a memorable keepsake.

What we loved: The guide’s storytelling made the stadium’s past personal and interesting, especially for history buffs or sports fans. The photos with the Olympic symbols are a nice bonus.

California Science Center

This stop is a highlight, especially for space lovers. The Science Center doesn’t just teach science — it celebrates human achievement in space exploration with real spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Getting up close to such historic technology offers a sense of wonder that’s hard to match.

Beyond the spacecraft, the Center offers 45,000 square feet of exhibits about animals and marine life. The large aquarium with over 1,500 fish and marine creatures is quite impressive, making it a visually engaging experience. The exhibit space is designed to inspire curiosity about how our planet and universe work.

What we loved: The chance to see genuine space artifacts, including the space shuttle, is a real standout. The marine exhibit adds variety and appeals to all ages.

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Rose Garden & USC Views

After the science exhibits, you’ll head outside to a well-maintained historic rose garden. It’s a peaceful spot that offers lovely views of USC’s campus and LA’s skyline in the distance. It’s also a chance to relax and enjoy some fresh air, making it a good breather during the tour.

What we liked: The blend of natural beauty and historic architecture provides a picturesque break.

Natural History Museum’s New Wing

The final stop is a visit to the new wing of the Natural History Museum, where a giant dinosaur skeleton steals the show. The 75-foot-long skeleton gives you an awe-inspiring look at prehistoric LA and helps tell stories of the natural world long before Hollywood’s fame.

The guide shares stories about fossils discovered nearby, adding local context to the exhibits. It’s an educational and fascinating way to close out the tour, especially for those interested in natural science and paleontology.

What we appreciated: The guide’s storytelling helped make the fossils and dinosaur bones feel alive. The size and detail of the skeleton make it a memorable sight.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Accessibility

At $34 per person, this tour offers great value considering how much it covers. You’re paying for a guided experience that enriches each stop with stories and insights, rather than just wandering freely. Keep in mind, the ticket price doesn’t include entry fees to the Natural History Museum, so if you want to explore further there, you’ll need to buy those separately.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, usually in the morning, which makes it easy to slot into a busy sightseeing day. It’s wheelchair accessible, which is a thoughtful touch, allowing more visitors to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Meeting at the BMO Stadium box office, it’s a straightforward starting point, and the group size is generally manageable, making it easy to ask questions or get your photos.

What’s the Experience Like?

From the rave reviews, it’s clear that the guides make a real difference. One reviewer called the guide “super knowledgeable” and appreciated how they catered to kids’ needs and interests. Others mentioned the stunning views and the historical stories that kept everyone engaged.

The tour’s price point seems to be a hit, with visitors feeling they got a lot of value for the small fee. The fact that both locals and visitors alike found it enjoyable suggests it’s a versatile experience.

Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, one reviewer noted that the tour could sometimes feel a little slow, which might be worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a brisk pace. Also, since the tour doesn’t include museum tickets, if you want to explore the Natural History Museum further, be prepared for additional costs.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is especially suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone interested in a concise yet comprehensive introduction to LA’s landmarks. It’s perfect if you want to combine outdoor sightseeing, educational content, and stunning views without the hassle of multiple bookings or long queues.

It’s also a good choice for those who appreciate guided storytelling, as the guides seem skilled at making history and science come alive with engaging narratives. If you’re traveling with children, the dinosaur skeleton and marine exhibits are likely to be hits.

Final Thoughts

In a city as sprawling as Los Angeles, a guided tour like this offers a smart way to see key sites with minimal effort. The combination of outdoor landmarks, interactive exhibits, and engaging storytelling makes it a well-rounded introduction to LA’s cultural and scientific achievements.

While it’s not a deep-dive into any one subject, it offers a balanced taste of the city’s past, present, and future — all at a reasonable price and in a comfortable, manageable timeframe.

If you’re after a family-friendly, informative, and visually engaging way to explore Expo Park and its surroundings, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a good fit for curious travelers who want to make the most of their limited time and come away with stories to tell.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages, and children generally enjoy seeing the dinosaurs and the space ships, plus the guide’s stories make it engaging for younger audiences.

Do I need to buy tickets for the Natural History Museum separately?
Yes, the tour includes a guided visit to the museum’s new wing, but you’ll need to purchase admission tickets separately to explore the main exhibits.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a quick but rich experience that fits well into a morning schedule.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet at the Box Office of BMO Stadium, located at 3939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that more visitors can enjoy the experience comfortably.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided tour of the LA Memorial Coliseum, California Science Center, a visit to the rose garden, and the Natural History Museum’s new wing, all for $34 per person.

If you’re curious about LA’s history, space exploration, and natural past, this tour balances all those elements nicely — and it does so with a friendly guide and a reasonable price tag. Definitely a solid choice for a brief but meaningful glimpse into the heart of Los Angeles.

You can check availability for your dates here: