Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been named the top attraction in the United States by TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do. The ranking is based on more than 15,000 five-star reviews submitted by visitors.
The visitor complex earned the number one spot on the U.S. list, surpassing landmarks such as the Empire State Building. Globally, it ranked third behind Sagrada Familia and the Eiffel Tower.
“Our guests have always been our top priority,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “We’re thrilled that families and explorers alike are embracing the journey we offer our visitors, from past missions to future frontiers. We are constantly looking for ways to evolve and improve our guest experience, and this summer opened the Gantry at LC-39, located amidst the most iconic launch pads in space exploration.”
This summer saw the opening of The Gantry at LC-39, accessible through the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour. The new area offers panoramic views of active launch pads and nearby wildlife refuge areas. Visitors can see a full-scale rocket engine demonstration with simulated static-fire tests featuring sound effects and visual displays. Hands-on exhibits include a Rocket Build Interactive for designing and virtually launching rockets, as well as an Earth Information Center highlighting NASA’s efforts in monitoring Earth through immersive visuals.
Visitors to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can meet astronauts daily through interactive chats and presentations. Exhibits feature flight-flown space artifacts and bus tours that provide access to various historic sites within Kennedy Space Center.
Among guest favorites are:
– Space Shuttle Atlantis: Featuring a display of the orbiter at a dramatic angle along with simulators and tributes to Challenger and Columbia.
– Rocket Garden: A walk among historic Mercury- and Saturn-era rockets.
– KSC Bus Tour: Offers views of Apollo-era launch sites, including close-up access to a Saturn V rocket at Apollo/Saturn V Center; now includes a stop at The Gantry at LC-39.
– Astronaut Training Experience: Simulations using multi-axis chairs and Mars-base environments.
– Daily Astronaut Presentations: Opportunities for direct interaction with astronauts.
The complex is located about 45 minutes from Orlando, Florida. It opens daily at 9 a.m., with closing times varying by season. Tickets include single-day admission ($77 per adult; $67 per child) or two-day passes ($91 per adult; $81 per child), which can be used within six months of purchase.
More information is available on www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
For further details or media inquiries, contact Lauren Walbert at [email protected] or call 443-683-0294.
