California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., is an independent university situated on 124 acres, with some 40 laboratory and research buildings. Caltech, with an enrollment of 970 undergraduates, 1,200 graduate students and a professorial faculty of 300, is noted for its extensive research and instruction in science and engineering.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), 4800 Oak Grove Dr., is NASA's center for robotic space exploration and the home of the Mars Exploration rovers.

Note: Visitors to JPL must present a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) or resident visa for entry; tours involve a considerable amount of walking.

Guided tours are available.