Armstrong Flight Research Center

Part of Edwards Air Force Base, this NASA research facility—often referred to by its former name, Dryden—has hatched some of the most advanced aircraft in existence. Known for the speedy SR-71 Blackbird, it has also been responsible for testing prototype lunar landers and the very first space shuttle, Enterprise. Shuttles no longer land on Dryden’s runway, but the Mojave Desert base still regularly tests sound-barrier–breaking, space-bound aircraft. Though NASA has ceased its tours, you can visit via Edwards Air Force Base; public tours are offered once a month, but reservations routinely fill up months in advance.