or those who dream beyond Earth’s horizon, today’s luxury travel landscape offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to explore the cosmos — no rocket required. Across the world, high-end space travel experiences bring you closer to the stars, offering VIP access to cutting-edge observatories, historic NASA facilities and elite global space programs. Whether you're touring iconic launch sites in Florida or stargazing in Chile’s Atacama Desert, these destinations pair immersive scientific exploration with world-class accommodations, creating unforgettable family getaways and inspiring trips for space enthusiasts of all ages. Your Global Travel Collection advisor can tailor every element of your journey — ensuring your luxury space adventure is as seamless as it is spectacular.
Explore the World’s Top Space Travel Experiences in Style
From historic NASA hubs to remote observatories under the world’s clearest skies, these seven luxury space destinations offer once-in-a-lifetime access to the science of the cosmos—without compromising on comfort or elegance.
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Few places bring the thrill of space exploration to life like the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors can stand beneath towering rockets in the Rocket Garden, touch a moon rock and come face-to-face with the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Guided tours explore historic launch pads, while immersive simulators let you feel the rush of liftoff. With planning, your trip may even coincide with a live rocket launch, viewed from the comfort of the VIP viewing area.
Luxury Stay: JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Nestled on a 500-acre nature reserve, this five-star resort offers luxury amenities, family-friendly pools and impeccable service just an hour from Cape Canaveral.
Griffith Observatory & Jet Propulsion Laboratory: Los Angeles, California
In Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory provides a stunning combination of cosmic education and Hollywood glamour. Guests can look through powerful telescopes, explore interactive space exhibits and catch a show in the planetarium — all with sweeping views of the city skyline. Nearby, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s robotic space missions. With advance arrangements, travelers can tour mission control, view spacecraft in development, and gain insight into Mars rovers, asteroid probes and more. Together, these two attractions offer an exciting, high-design deep dive into both the art and science of space.
Where to stay: The Peninsula Beverly Hills – An oasis of calm and classic glamour, this luxury property is known for its rooftop pool, world-class dining, and exceptional privacy — ideal for relaxing after a day of discovery.
Johnson Space Center: Houston, Texas
As NASA’s hub for human spaceflight, the Johnson Space Center provides an immersive and inspiring look into the reality of space travel. Guests can explore historic Mission Control from the Apollo era, visit astronaut training facilities and step inside full-scale replicas of spacecraft used on the International Space Station. The interactive Space Center Houston museum includes hands-on exhibits, moon rock displays and virtual-reality experiences that simulate life beyond Earth. It’s a compelling and educational experience for all ages — and a particularly memorable stop for families.
Where to stay: La Colombe d’Or – A refined boutique hotel in Houston’s Museum District, offering elegant accommodations and a private art collection in a historic setting, just minutes from the space center.
JAXA Tsukuba Space Center: Tsukuba, Japan
Just outside Tokyo, the Tsukuba Space Center is the beating heart of Japan’s space program. Operated by JAXA, Japan’s national space agency, the facility offers guided tours of its working labs and mockups of real spacecraft. Visitors can examine a full-scale model of Kibo, Japan’s contribution to the International Space Station and learn how Japanese astronauts train for missions. The center’s exhibits are modern, minimalist and deeply educational, offering a distinctive cultural take on space science and global collaboration.
Where to stay: Palace Hotel Tokyo – Overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens, this serene and stylish hotel offers modern luxury and exceptional hospitality — ideal for relaxing after a day immersed in innovation.
Paranal Observatory: Atacama Desert, Chile
Located high in the Atacama Desert, Paranal Observatory is one of the most important astronomical sites in the world. Home to the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), it provides access to some of the clearest skies on Earth. Visitors who secure a coveted spot on a public tour will witness cutting-edge research in action, learn how astronomers study the cosmos and see some of the world’s most powerful instruments up close. The surrounding desert landscape — vast, silent and otherworldly —only heightens the sense of wonder.
Where to stay: Explora Atacama – A luxury desert lodge in nearby San Pedro de Atacama, offering stargazing sessions with expert guides, natural hot springs and curated excursions into the dramatic high-altitude terrain.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Washington, D.C.
One of the world’s most visited museums, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum delivers a comprehensive look at the history of flight and space exploration. Guests can see the Apollo 11 command module, touch real meteorites and marvel at the Space Shuttle Discovery. Newly renovated galleries and cutting-edge exhibits make it feel fresh and relevant, while hands-on displays, simulators and a planetarium keep even the youngest visitors engaged. Located right on the National Mall, the museum makes for an ideal stop on a culture-packed capital itinerary.
Where to stay: Riggins Hotel Washington, D.C. – A chic and contemporary retreat in the city’s West End, offering spacious rooms, elevated design and easy access to the city’s top attractions.
Mount Teide Observatory: Tenerife, Spain
Perched high on Spain’s tallest mountain, Mount Teide Observatory is one of the world’s top locations for solar observation. Guided tours reveal the secrets of solar flares, sunspots and the observatory’s advanced telescopes, while evening stargazing sessions offer the chance to see constellations and planets in dazzling clarity. The observatory’s location — far above the clouds and light pollution — makes for unforgettable celestial views. Combined with Tenerife’s dramatic volcanic landscape and mild year-round climate, it’s a space-themed trip with a distinctly luxurious Mediterranean twist.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Abama – Set atop the island’s rugged western coastline, this terracotta-hued resort offers ocean views, lush gardens, private beach access and Michelin-starred dining.
Plan Your Luxury Space Adventure
Whether you dream of standing beneath towering rockets or stargazing in the desert’s stillness, your luxury space experience awaits. Let your GTC travel advisor create a seamless journey filled with wonder, discovery and unmatched comfort.
Contact your GTC travel advisor today to begin planning your journey beyond the stars.
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