Your Next Trip TRAVEL GUIDE

Space Camp

At Adult Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, childhood dreams become reality. Dayvee suits up for simulated missions, launches rockets, meets a real NASA astronaut, and experiences astronaut training like the multi-axis trainer and a mission to Mars. From dorm life to graduation, this immersive weekend adventure offers a unique taste of astronaut life—no matter your age.

Now, check out our recommendations featured in this episode and more!

What to do

What to Do (Centered on Adult Space Camp & Huntsville)

Space Camp at U.S. Space & Rocket Center
A 3-day immersive space experience with astronaut training simulators, rocket launches, and team missions—all designed for adults.
Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Check-in Friday afternoon; ends Sunday noon (see schedule)
Cost: $649 for 3-day camp (all-inclusive)

Explore the U.S. Space & Rocket Center museum
One of the world’s largest space museums, featuring the Saturn V rocket, ISS exhibits, and interactive displays from the space race to Mars.
Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Mon–Sun 9am–5pm
Cost: $30 adults, $20 kids

Visit the grave of Miss Baker
Miss Baker’s Grave
Visit the grave of one of the first animals to survive space travel—Miss Baker, a squirrel monkey. A quirky photo op outside the Rocket Center.
Address: Outside Rocket Center entrance, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free

Other Things to Do in Huntsville

Huntsville Botanical Garden
Explore 118 acres of gardens, a butterfly house, and seasonal plant displays. Great for a stroll before or after Space Camp.
Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 11am–5pm
Cost: $16 adults, $10 kids
Website: Huntsville Botanical Garden

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
A repurposed textile mill now home to art studios, indie galleries, and live events. It’s the creative heartbeat of Huntsville.
Address: 2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Wed–Sat 12pm–6pm; events vary
Cost: Free entry; prices vary by event/vendor

Website: Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment

Campus 805 & Stovehouse
Two of Huntsville’s trendiest social hubs, featuring breweries, bars, food halls, live music, and arcade fun—great for evening hangouts.
Address: 2620 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Sun–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri–Sat 11am–11pm
Cost: Free entry; pay per vendo

Website: Campus 805 & Stovehouse

Where to stay

Element Huntsville
Modern hotel near Bridge Street with sleek rooms, kitchenettes, and easy access to the Rocket Center and shopping.
Address: 6810 Governors West NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
Hours: 24 hours
Cost: $130–$180 per night
Website: Element Huntsville

VRBOs near Monte Sano
Private rentals in the scenic Monte Sano area, offering mountain views and a peaceful retreat just outside the city.
Address: Monte Sano Mountain Area, Huntsville, AL
Hours: Varies by listing
Cost: $100–$200 per night
Website: VRBO

AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown
Trendy hotel located steps from Big Spring Park, restaurants, and museums—ideal for urban explorers.
Address: 435 Williams Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: 24 hours
Cost: $150–$220 per night

Website: AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown

And there’s tons of other fabulous places to stay during your trip.

Check out the best accommodation deals below.

What to eat

Cotton Row
Upscale Southern fare in a charming historic building. Popular for date nights, brunch, or cocktails.
Address: 100 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Tue–Sat 5pm–9pm; Brunch Sun 10am–2pm
Cost: $30–$60 per person
Website: Cotton Row

Stovehouse Food Hall
A lively food hall with options like ramen, tacos, barbecue, crepes, and more. Great for groups and live entertainment.
Address: 3414 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Daily 11am–10pm
Cost: $10–$25 per person

Website: Stovehouse Food Hall

Yellowhammer Brewery at Campus 805
Warehouse-style brewery serving craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and occasional live music.
Address: 2600 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Mon–Sat 11am–11pm
Cost: $7–$15 for beer/food

Website: Yellowhammer Brewery at Campus 805

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit
Huntsville is best experienced in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when temperatures are mild and the gardens and outdoor attractions are in full bloom. Summer brings high heat and humidity—especially tough if you’re in a space suit or walking around museum grounds. Winter is quieter, but less ideal for outdoor exploration.
Getting Around
Huntsville is a driving city, so renting a car is recommended for maximum flexibility—especially if you want to explore Monte Sano, downtown, and the Rocket Center with ease.
• Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
• The Rocket Center and Space Camp both offer free parking.
• There’s limited public transit, so plan ahead if you won’t have a car.
Safety Tips
Huntsville is considered very safe for travelers, with low crime rates around tourist areas. As always, follow common sense precautions:
• Lock up valuables, especially in rental cars.
• Stay hydrated during warmer months—especially while participating in camp activities outdoors.
• Severe weather (like thunderstorms or tornado watches) can occasionally roll through—monitor local alerts if visiting in spring.
Helpful Notes
• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone: Central Time (CT)
• Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per bag for hotel porters
• Wi-Fi: Most hotels and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi
• Local vibe: Friendly, curious, and full of Southern hospitality

Plug Type: A/B
Voltage: 120V
Frequency: 60Hz

Packing list

Here’s our suggested items to pack for this destination. Please always consider the weather and activities you will be doing.

Clothing

Comfortable layers – T-shirts, lightweight long sleeves, and a fleece or light jacket for cool indoor simulations
Closed-toe shoes – Required for camp activities; sneakers or trainers are ideal
Casual pants or leggings – You’ll be climbing in and out of simulators
Evening outfit – Something neat-casual for dinners or breweries around town
Rain jacket or compact umbrella – Especially in spring or summer when showers pop up

Gear & Essentials

Refillable water bottle – Staying hydrated is a must in the heat and during physical activities
Daypack or small backpack – To carry your essentials during camp or while sightseeing
Phone charger and portable power bank – There will be lots of photos and video opportunities
Notebook or journal – Great for jotting down mission briefings, fun facts, or personal notes

Toiletries

Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF – You’ll be outdoors at times, especially during rocket launches
Bug spray or wipes – For hikes or visits to gardens
Basic first-aid items – Blister pads, pain relievers, motion sickness meds (in case the simulators are intense)

Optional Extras

Fitness tracker or watch – If you’re curious about how many steps you take during training
Binoculars – For nature walks at Monte Sano or spotting satellites at night
Snacks – While meals are included in camp, a few personal favorites or energy bars can come in handy

Get a full packing list and free downloadable template at Pack Better.

This episode of "Your Next Trip" explored the ancestral lands of

We extend our respect and gratitude to the Indigenous communities who have been the stewards of these lands for generations. Research for this acknowledgment was made possible using the NativeLand.ca.

Learn more about responsible travel practices in the TWD Responsible Travel Guide.

Visit the guide

Trip provided by: U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Director of Photography & Editor: Thomas Kennedy Pope