5. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center in Orsino, Florida
If you’re vacationing in Florida, clear a day to visit The Kennedy Space Center in Orsino, Florida. To have the full KSC experience, you’ll want to take the bus tour around the grounds, from which you can view the launch pads as well as the impressive Vehicle Assembly Building. Then you’ll want to participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience and, as of summer 2013, view the retired Space Shuttle Atlantis. On the grounds, you can also tour hangars containing historic space vehicles, wander through the Rocket Garden, check out exhibits on new space programs, or if you are willing to pay extra, even have lunch with an astronaut.
4. Computer History Museum
Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California
From the creation of the Babbage Engine to the latest microprocessors, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, is where you can learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about computers. Where else can you play Pong, check out some of the first computers from the 1940s and 1950s, and take a glimpse at the breakthroughs of the future? A haven for hackers, programmers, and videogamers.
3. The EMP Museum
The EMP Museum in Seattle, Washington
Another must-see tourist site is the museum of music, science fiction and pop culture, The EMP Museum in Seattle, Washington. Guess which section is likely to interest geeks? The museum states as its goal to serve as a multigenerational resource and to encourage scholarship. Whether you’re writing a book about video games or a master’s thesis on the horror genre in film, you’ll learn a lot here. Plus, you can see such artifacts as Neo’s coat from “The Matrix Reloaded” and an actual Dalek used in shooting the ever-popular BBC series, “Dr. Who.”
2. Midtown Comics
Midtown Comics in New York City
Customers for the New York City comic store chain, Midtown Comics, have called it two floors of “nerdgasm.” The store not only brags of oodles of comics from every known publisher but also hosts high-profile signings and talks with big names in the comic biz. If you’re a comic fan, you may want to set a timer, because it’s easy to lose track of time in this amazing store.
1. Funspot
Funspot in Laconia, New Hampshire
Nostalgic for the days when $5 worth of quarters could buy you an afternoon of fun? Well, the price per game may have increased, but you can relieve those button-smashing glory days at Funspot in Laconia, New Hampshire, which brags it is the largest arcade in the world. With over 500 games, plus candlepin bowling, cash bingo and outdoor & indoor mini golf, it’s a pretty believable claim. Founded over 60 years ago, the arcade offers fun for geeks of all ages.