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Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max

Washington DC, United States 5h 30m 5.0 · 35 reviews EN 40048P25
Instant confirmation Free cancellation (24h) Mobile ticket Adults 18–99
Photos 12
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Tour route
2 stops
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Route drawn automatically from the supplier's itinerary; lines are straight-line estimates, the actual road may differ.

Overview

This 5.5 hour small group (8 Guest Max.) guided combo tour welcomes guests to experience the Smithsonian’s two most iconic museums in Washington DC. The most famous items of the Smithsonian are in two next door museums. Cursed diamonds, famous flags, and of course, a certain pair of Ruby Red Slippers; our guides know where to find the items everyone comes to see at the Smithsonian Institution.

Tour at a glance

Duration
5h 30m
01
Tour type
Group tour
up to 8 travellers per booking
02
Languages
EN
live guide
03
Pickup
Meet at start point
04
Operates
Every day
Starts 10:00
05
Confirmation
Instant
e-ticket by e-mail
06
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
07
Traveller ages
Adults 18–99
08
Rating
5.0 / 5
35 verified reviews
09
Ticket
Mobile ticket
show it on your phone
10

What's included

  • Profssional Tour Guide
  • Small group guarantee: never more than 8 guests

Not included

  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

    The best way to see the most famous items in the Smithsonian Institution’s vast collection. 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!). But of course, these aren’t just any stones, bones, and bugs from someone’s backyard. From the (supposedly) cursed Hope Diamond to the recently renovated Fossil Hall with Mastodon, T-Rex, and Diplodocus looming over you, your inner child will remind you of how fascinating the natural world’s mysteries are.

    2h 30m Admission free
  2. 2
    National Museum of American History

    After a break to recharge, the Smithsonian Museum of American History’s treasures are next. Gaze upon Dorothy’s ruby slippers which rival the Hope Diamond in notoriety. Walk amongst the First Ladies exhibit — the most visited exhibit in the history of the Smithsonian! You’ll see touchstones of American struggle, identity and culture from the “Star-Spangled Banner” that flew over Ft. McHenry at dawn’s early light signifying the turning point of the War of 1812 and inspiring the song that would become the Nation’s Anthem in the 1930’s to the Greensboro Lunch Counter that reminds us that our battles have taken many forms. Cars, trains, kitchens, military uniforms, political ephemera, and Hollywood memorabilia will take you down the twists and turns of memory lane navigated by your expert guide.

    2h 30m Admission free

Meeting & pickup

Everyone meets at the start 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.

Schedule

10am Small Group Guided Tour Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00 Available until 31 Dec 2027
UPGRADE AS PRIVATE TOUR 10AM Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00 Available until 31 Dec 2027

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • It is imperative that you provide us with your MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • Notes: Natural History & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews

5.035 reviews
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35
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Kathleen_O Aug 2026 · Viator
Awesome! Don't know how...

Awesome! Don't know how you would visit these museums for the first time without a tour! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour interesting for all of us, especially my 12 & 9 year old granddaughters. She was very accommodating and understanding when we were a few minutes late due to road closures and fencing.

Phillip_F Jan 2026 · Viator
Awsome!!!!

Brenda was fantastic! Nice, easy pace through highlights of both museums. She inquired about our interests and molded tour around them. Very informative. Highly recommended.

patriciarC5163NJ Aug 2025 · Tripadvisor
Katherine The Great

Katherine was fantastic! She not only explained the exhibits, but performed different characters along the way. She would be especially great for children.

Dicksontb Jul 2025 · Tripadvisor
Awesome storytelling

One of the best story telling tour guides we have had. Leigh made it educational and fun, plus would have been difficult to get thru both museums without her guidance. Excellent!

Claudia B Jul 2025 · Tripadvisor
If you want to keep your teen (17 yo) entertained, Ryan is your guy!

Ryan kept things interesting, he was very professional in his appearance and speech. He is definitely very knowledgeable and made our experience interesting and fun. We were traveling with our 17 year old and she recommends him highly as well!

Travel14173905090 Jun 2025 · Tripadvisor
Phenomenal, amazing and definitely worth the money.

5 out of 5. I was a little hesitant to book due to the price but it was money well spent! We had an amazing tour and our guide, Christopher, was phenomenal! Excellent communication the day before and of the tour, he even went as far as sending a google location pin so we would have no difficulty locating him. Though there is no way to see the Museum of National History in 2 hours Christopher made sure we not only saw the highlights but also learned and were able to apply this knowledge to other exhibits so we got the most out of the museum. I have an 18 & 21 year old who were thoroughly engaged and walked away saying it was one of the best tours they had been on. Would highly recommend this tour if you have never been and want to get the most out of your visit!

Lisa_M May 2025 · Viator
Wonderful experience

One on one experience with lots of knowledge, our guide was well versed in knowledge and showed us what we were interested in. Highly recommend.

adonaldj Mar 2025 · Tripadvisor
You get what you paid for!

Outstanding service with excellent insight and a unique ability to focus on what’s important and of interest, avoiding wasted time and navigation error.

Reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor from verified travellers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this experience last?

It lasts 5h 30m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Everyone meets at the start point.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Which languages is the guide available in?

Guide languages: EN

On which days does it run?

It runs Every day. Starts 10:00

How fast is the booking confirmed?

Instantly. Your e-ticket arrives by e-mail right after booking.

Is this a private tour?

No, this is a shared group experience.

Where do I complete the booking?

On viator.com, a Tripadvisor company, with live availability and secure payment. TourViaGo is a Global Partner of Viator.

Product code 40048P25

Book on viator.com · Global Partner of Viator $225per person
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