PHOTO: The Bathhouse Building at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. (Courtesy of the National Parks Service)

Museums are our windows into the past and help us shape our future through art, letters and documentaries recounting the impact of dynamic events. 

The same came be said in the way we view the travel industry, and the power its history has on the transformation of the trade today.

These museums aim to inspire and change the way travel has impacted our lives dramatically.

From out of space and chugging along the railroad to flying high in an aircraft, there are many elements that make up the world of travel and these museums in the U.S. are spot-on.

Palm Springs, Calif.: Palm Springs Air Museum

Take flight at this museum, which boasts the world’s largest collection of WWII aircrafts.  It offers a personable interaction between the planes and their spectators you won’t find anywhere else. Here, guests can feel like a pilot or relive the eventful experiences these remarkable machines faced.

From the makings of Mc Donnell Douglas F4 Phantom to the history behind Curtiss P40 Hawk, these exhibits will make you an expert on the aircrafts of the monumental war after you have explored the fascinating exhibits this museum has to offer.

Tucson, Ariz.: Pima Air Space Museum

Decorated with hundreds of aircrafts as well as spacecraft, this remarkable museum lets your imagination fly through the technology and history that have shaped American civilization.

Check out the moon rock at the Dorothy Finley Space Gallery, head to the barracks that conceal age old secrets of World War II, mosey on down to Hanger 4 to observe the beauty of preserved aircrafts like B-29 Superfortress, and get up close to military vehicles — all preserved in stunning display.

Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum takes flight to a whole new meaning with spaces completely decked out in artifacts paying homage to the history of aviation and the impact of the exploration of space.

As the world’s largest host to space and aviation findings, you will truly be transported to an unforgettable world where time stands still and your imagination is encouraged to drift off into the fascinations of its elaborate plane models as well as the Apollo Command Module.

 St. Louis: Museum of Transportation

The Museum of transportation will take you a grand ride to the past onboard its trains. The museum is the home of the Union Pacific Railroad #4006, one of the largest steam locomotives in the world during its heyday; "Charles H.", a small train transported from Chicago, in addition to the “Centennial”, a two-engine Union Pacific diesel . 

With more than 180 exhibits ranging in memorabilia and locomotives like buses, streetcars, planes and automobiles, this is the perfect historical adventure for the family.

San Francisco:  Maritime National Historical Park

There’s nothing like explore the richness of the maritime heritage than in the presence of San Francisco’s salty atmosphere.  Located in the heart of the Fisherman’s Warf, let you curiosities lead you to art of boatbuilding to some of the world’s most historic voyages.

You will get up close to Bear Boats — a type of sloop yacht, and feel the breeze of the Pacific while standing on the stern of the Balclutha as the Golden Gate Bridge stands at attention in the distance.  Filled with vibrant stories matched with unforgettable exhibits, you may want to be the captain of the ship on your next cruise.

Long Island: Cradle of Aviation Museum

At the Cradle of Aviation Museum you will be taking a walk through history, climbing through cockpits and viewing marvels of the galaxy from the JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium. 

This grand exhibition leaves nothing to the imagination as you wander through its decorative halls marvelling at the sights of a hot air balloon, standing in the glory of navy aircrafts and observing the Lunar Module.  The world of travel comes to life in this museum and is prepared to take you on a fascinating journey to infinity and beyond.

Los Angeles: Travel Town Museum

Watch “Thomas and Friends” come to life with a visit to the Travel Town Museum. You can hop onboard the museum's adventures by exploring the wide spectrum of trains that are preserved here from the 1986 Diesel Switcher to the 2-8-0 locomotive. 

If that isn’t enough, the museum also offers its guests miniature train rides, which provide an interesting perspective to the beginnings of train travel, and a fun experience for the oldest to the smallest visitor.  The Travel Town Museum is a compelling journey that excites and inspires at the same time.