A few miles southeast of Palo Alto, the NASA-Ames Exploration Center sits at the north side of Moffett Field. The research center here has contributed to discoveries in hyper-velocity flight, and its gigantic wind tunnel is still used for advanced aerospace research. A one-third scale model of a space shuttle is out front. Inside is a Mercury capsule, a moon rock, astronaut suits and the Immersive Theater with a circular screen that shows awesome footage from the ongoing Mars mission.

Turn off Hwy 101 at the Moffett Field exit and turn left immediately in front of the main gate to reach the visitors center.