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Explore Washington D.C.'s Smithsonian Natural History and Air & Space Museums on a Guided Tour - Washington

Explore Washington D.C.'s Smithsonian Natural History and Air & Space Museums on a Guided Tour

Washingtonmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

5–6 hours

Fitness Level

You should be in moderate physical shape to stand and walk for extended periods across museum halls.

Overview

Discover the wonders of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum on an expert-guided semi-private tour through Washington, D.C.’s most iconic cultural institutions.

History Tour
Museum
Walking Tour
Washington, District of Columbia

Combo: Smithsonian Natural History + Air & Space Museum Tour – Semi-Private

5.5 hrs | Daily | Past & Future | Most Popular Combo!

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Adventure Photos

Combo: Smithsonian Natural History + Air & Space Museum Tour – Semi-Private photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Washington, D.C.'s top museums with a semi-private tour. Explore the wonders of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, from the T. rex to the Hope Diamond, before crossing to the Air & Space Museum, featuring the Wright Flyer and Neil Armstrong's spacesuit.

Book way in advance - we sell out


Rates

  • Adult: - $179
  • Youth: - $159 (Ages 10 - 17)
  • Child: - $139 (9 and under)

Duration

  • 5 - 5.5 hours (including a lunch break)

Meeting Point

  • Meet your guide on the large stairs at the Madison Drive NW entrance of the Museum of Natural History, facing the lawn of the National Mall.

About

  • Take a combo tour of the Smithsonian’s most iconic museums on this convenient and engaging experience.
  • This 5 to 5.5 hour semi-private combo museum tour welcomes up to 8 guests combo museum tour, is your chance to experience the two most popular museums in Washington DC with the help of our expert guides navigating the crowds! Dinosaurs to diamonds, planes, planets and spacesuits; our guides have the stories to make them come alive.
  • This tour is in English.

Includes

Semi-Private Museum Tour "Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum Professional Tour Guide Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including A Lunch Break)


Excludes

Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi) Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional) Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair


Full Tour Description

This is your chance to experience the two most popular museums in Washington DC with the help of our expert guides navigating the crowds! Start your day with the largest Natural History collection in the world. Stones, bones, and bugs clamor for your attention at the Smithsonian Natural History museum as the largest taxidermied elephant in the world trumpets your welcome (his name is Henry!). From the most famous single artifact in the Smithsonian collection — the (supposedly) cursed Hope Diamond — to the recently revealed renovated Fossil Hall with Mastodon, T-Rex, and Diplodocus looming over the path, your inner child will remind you of how fascinating the natural world’s mysteries are. After a break to recharge, cross the famous National Mall to the Smithsonian Air & Space museum. Currently undergoing its own renovation, there is still plenty to see! Starting with a family in Ohio solving a problem not even Leonardo DaVinci could. We speak, of course, of the Wright Brothers who launched the world to literal new heights. The original Wright Flyer from 1903 gets its own exhibition gallery to set the stage for what comes after. From the first military flyer in 1909 (also a Wright Bros. creation) to the golden age of setting records and commercial aviation, imagine the guts it took to trust your life to this novel technology. Then head to the even more intimidating exploits in the space exhibits. Where you view some of the actual artifacts man set out to conquer the vast unknown in an inhospitable environment and then back to Earth’s warm embrace. But the highest heights are those of imagination that inspire us to the risk so much. Your guide will also talk about two of the most famous works of science fiction that inspire scientists and technology at the Starship Enterprise and Star Wars X-Wing! Experience the two unforgettable museums with one unrivaled experience.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour starts to meet your guide at the designated meeting point.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking for several hours, so supportive footwear is vital for enjoying the museums fully.

Light Packing Only

Only small bags or slim backpacks are allowed inside; large bags or suitcases are prohibited.

Check the Weather

Tours run rain or shine, so dress appropriately for possible outdoor transitions between museums.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Though indoors, you might spot impressive fossilized prehistoric creatures
  • Look for taxidermied African elephant named Henry at Natural History Museum

History

The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846, is the world’s largest museum complex, and these museums are key parts of its collection.

Conservation

Both museums actively engage in preserving natural specimens and aerospace artifacts carefully to sustain these resources for future generations.

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Adventure Hotspots in Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating long museum corridors comfortably.

Light Backpack or Small Bag

Essential

Required to comply with museum entry policies on bag size.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Essential

Dress in layers or weather-suitable attire for any outdoor time between museums.

all specific

Phone with Contact Info

Essential

Important to provide contact details and stay in touch with your guide before the tour.