Fodor's Expert Review Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex

Friendly and enthusiastic staffers conduct guided tours of this 53-square-mile complex at Fort Irwin Military Base, 35 miles north of Barstow. Tours start at the Goldstone Museum, where exhibits detail past and present space missions and Deep Space Network history. From there, you'll drive out to see the massive concave antennas, starting with those used for early manned space flights and culminating with the 24-story-tall "listening" device. This is one of only three complexes in the world that make up the Deep Space Network, tracking and communicating with spacecraft throughout our solar system. One-month advanced reservations are required for this 2½-hour driving tour (in your own vehicle); contact the complex to reserve a slot. The NASA Goldstone Deep Space Visitor Center at the Harvey House in Barstow offers a glimpse of what's in store.