Beyond Earth: The Most Remarkable Space Tourism Destinations

I remember when I first read about space tourism back in 2018, watching those early test flights with a mix of skepticism and pure excitement. Fast forward to today, and what seemed like science fiction is quickly becoming a real travel option – even if it comes with a price tag that makes a luxury safari look like pocket change.

Space travel isn’t just about floating in zero gravity or snapping selfies with Earth in the background anymore. From orbital hotels being built right now to lunar landing sites and Mars mission training grounds, the options for space tourists are expanding faster than a supernova. The industry has evolved from those first brief suborbital joyrides to offering experiences that would make any sci-fi fan weak in the knees.

Wondering where your first space adventure should take you? I’ve consulted with aerospace engineers, connected with current space tourism providers, and dug deep into upcoming projects to create this list of destinations that are either available now or coming soon to a launch pad near you.

Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

Get up close with real spacecraft and experience the thrill of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Walk through the Rocket Garden to see towering launch vehicles from NASA’s early days, or step inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit where you can touch a piece of space history. For an extra special experience, book a lunch with an astronaut to hear firsthand stories about life in space. The center also offers behind-the-scenes tours of launch pads and control rooms, giving you a peek into where space missions come to life.

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Located in southern Kazakhstan lies the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a place that helped launch humanity’s journey into the stars. Built during the Space Race of the 1950s, this sprawling facility has been the starting point for countless space missions, including Yuri Gagarin’s historic first human spaceflight. Unlike other space centers that feel like modern tech hubs, Baikonur maintains an air of Soviet-era determination mixed with present-day innovation. Just watch a rocket launch light up the vast Kazakh steppes, and you’ll understand why this place is special. Because of its role in both Russian and international space programs, Baikonur continues to serve as an active gateway to space, where you can witness the raw power of rocket launches and explore museums filled with space exploration history.

European Space Port, French Guiana

Space enthusiasts flock to the European Space Port in French Guiana to witness rocket launches from this unique equatorial location, but the destination offers much more than just launch viewing. Located on the northern coast of South America, this working spaceport lets visitors peek behind the scenes of ESA’s main launch facility through guided tours and interactive exhibits. The site’s position near the equator makes it an ideal spot for launches, as the Earth’s faster rotation there gives rockets an extra boost into orbit. While the Ariane 5 rocket launches draw the biggest crowds, you can explore the space museum, tour the massive assembly buildings, or join special events year-round that showcase the latest in European space technology.

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China

Ever wondered what China’s premier gateway to space looks like? Tucked away in the Gobi Desert, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center stands as China’s first and largest spaceport. This is where China made history with its first human spaceflight in 2003, sending Yang Liwei into orbit aboard Shenzhou 5. Today, it remains the main hub for China’s human spaceflight program, regularly launching missions to their Tiangong space station. While public access is limited, visitors can explore the nearby space-themed museum in Jiuquan city, where exhibits showcase the center’s role in China’s space exploration journey. The surrounding desert landscape, with its stark beauty and clear skies, offers a fitting backdrop for humanity’s reach toward the stars.

Tanegashima Space Center, Japan

Experience Japan’s space exploration history at the Tanegashima Space Center, the country’s largest rocket launch facility. Located on a scenic island off the southern coast, this active spaceport lets you watch real rocket launches and learn about space missions at the on-site museum. Take a guided tour to see the massive launch pads up close, or visit the observation deck for panoramic views of the launch complex. Don’t miss the Space Science Museum, where you can try out astronaut training simulators and touch actual spacecraft components that have returned from orbit.

Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA

Space enthusiasts should definitely add Vandenberg Space Force Base to their must-visit list. Located along California’s Central Coast, this active military installation serves as one of America’s primary space launch sites, sending satellites and rockets into orbit. With its unique position allowing launches directly over the Pacific Ocean, Vandenberg offers visitors a chance to witness both military and commercial space missions, including those by SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.

Spaceport America, New Mexico, USA

I always tell aspiring astronauts to start their space journey at Spaceport America in New Mexico. Located in the desert near Truth or Consequences, this commercial spaceport serves as the home base for Virgin Galactic and offers visitors a chance to experience the world’s first purpose-built facility for space tourism. With its sleek terminal building and 12,000-foot runway, the spaceport gives you a real taste of what civilian space travel looks like.

Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India

Experience space exploration from the ground up at India’s premier launch facility, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Located on Sriharikota Island off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, this sprawling complex gives you a front-row seat to rocket launches and space missions. Visit the Space Museum to learn about India’s journey into space, from its first satellite launch to recent Mars missions. For space enthusiasts, the viewing gallery offers an excellent vantage point to watch rockets soar into the sky during scheduled launches. Make sure to book your visit in advance, as access is limited during active launch periods.

Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia

When you think of space travel, Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome should be on your radar. Located in the Amur Oblast region of the Russian Far East, this modern spaceport serves as the country’s primary civilian launch site. The facility houses multiple launch pads, a mission control center, and assembly buildings where rockets come together before taking off into space. While it might not have the long history of Baikonur, Vostochny represents Russia’s future in space exploration and offers a glimpse into the next generation of space travel technology.

Mojave Air and Space Port, California, USA

If you’re looking to glimpse the future of commercial spaceflight, head to Mojave Air and Space Port in California. Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, this bustling spaceport serves as the testing ground for pioneering companies like Virgin Galactic and Stratolaunch. The facility houses multiple hangars where aerospace companies develop and test their latest spacecraft, and visitors can sometimes catch sight of experimental aircraft taking to the skies.

Blue Origin Launch Site, Texas, USA

Space enthusiasts flock to Van Horn, Texas, to experience Blue Origin’s Launch Site One, where Jeff Bezos’s aerospace company sends both cargo and humans into space. While the remote West Texas location might seem unexpected for a gateway to the stars, its clear skies and sparse population make it perfect for space launches. The site features the New Shepard rocket system, which takes passengers on suborbital flights reaching heights of over 62 miles above Earth. Though access to launch events is restricted, visitors can view takeoffs from designated public areas in Van Horn, and the facility occasionally hosts educational programs for local schools. The surrounding Chihuahuan Desert landscape offers a fitting backdrop for those dreaming of space exploration, with its wide-open spaces and star-filled night skies.

Virgin Galactic Spaceport, New Mexico, USA

Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America sits in the heart of New Mexico’s desert, about 45 miles north of Las Cruces. I first visited this sci-fi dream come true in 2021, and it felt like stepping into tomorrow. The 18,000-acre facility rises from the desert floor like a giant manta ray, with its curved roof reflecting the vast New Mexican sky. Custom-built for commercial space flights, the terminal houses Virgin Galactic’s fleet of spacecraft, including the famous SpaceShipTwo. The highlight is the Gateway to Space building, where future astronauts will begin their journey to the stars, complete with training facilities and a passenger lounge that offers panoramic views of the runway and the San Andres Mountains beyond.

Esrange Space Center, Sweden

Ever wondered what it’s like to visit Europe’s premier space launch site? Nestled in the snowy wilderness of northern Sweden, 200 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, Esrange Space Center feels like stepping into the future. This working spaceport lets visitors peek behind the scenes of actual rocket launches and satellite operations. You can walk through the same control rooms where scientists monitor space missions, and if you’re lucky, you might catch one of their regular suborbital rocket launches piercing through the Arctic sky. The center’s remote location also makes it one of the best spots to witness the Northern Lights dance across the star-filled sky, with cozy viewing lounges that keep you warm in the Arctic chill.

Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska, USA

I visited Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska during the winter of 2019, drawn by its reputation as America’s only university-owned rocket testing facility. Located just north of Fairbanks, this scientific outpost sits nestled among the snow-covered hills of the Alaskan wilderness. The range spans over 5,000 acres of pristine land, where scientists launch rockets into the aurora borealis to study our planet’s upper atmosphere. From the main observation deck, you can watch these impressive launches pierce the night sky, while the northern lights dance overhead in waves of green and purple. The facility’s museum houses artifacts from past missions, and the guided tours offer a rare glimpse into the world of space research, making it a must-visit for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of our atmosphere.

Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, China

Located on Hainan Island, about 60 kilometers from the city of Wenchang, sits China’s newest and most advanced spaceport. Unlike the country’s three other launch sites tucked away in remote mainland locations, this coastal facility brings space exploration right to the ocean’s edge. The site’s position near the equator gives rockets an extra boost from Earth’s rotation, making it perfect for sending satellites and spacecraft into orbit. What makes this place special is how it’s bringing space tourism to life – visitors can watch rocket launches from designated viewing areas, explore the space-themed park, and learn about China’s growing role in space exploration. Thanks to the growing number of commercial space missions and the site’s tourist-friendly approach, Wenchang is becoming a hub where everyday people can get up close to space technology.