Two Smithsonian Museums of American & Natural History: A Private Tour in Washington DC

Travel Curiousflagpole located at the entrance to the National Museum of American HistoryWashington DC, DC 20560
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Starting at
$320.00
Total Price: $326.40 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Explore Smithsonian museums on a fully guided Washington DC walking tour. Learn fascinating points in US history from a licensed tour guide as you visit the National Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History located on the grounds of the National Mall. Enjoy the halls and exhibits brought to life by narrated stories about the artifacts!

up to 3 hrs 1 to 10 people

Good To Know

  • An approximately 3-hour narrated walking tour of two Smithsonian museums along the National Mall with your own private guide.
  • Meet your guide at the flagpole at the National Museum of American History's entrance.
  • Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to tour start.
  • Dress in layers to stay warm and wear comfortable shoes for the walking tour.
  • Photography is allowed inside the museums, so bring your camera. But please don’t bring a tripod, monopod or selfie stick.
  • Bring only the essentials to get through bag search quickly.
  • Family-friendly and stroller accessible. The museums have escalators and elevators.
  • Fully wheelchair accessible with free use of manual wheelchairs (subject to availability). Only service animals are allowed.

Description

Visit two of the famed Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC's National Mall, the fascinating National Museum of American History, and the Museum of Natural History, one of the greatest collections in the world in three hours on this private and informative walking tour.

On your private tour, you will:
  • Begin with a private tour of the National Museum of American History, where your guide will give you an overview of American history, before exploring the exhibitions in more depth
  • See several artifacts underpinning the American political and cultural landscape
  • Explore exhibitions that focus on America’s triumphs, tragedies, wars, and protests
  • Learn about American women's history, African American history, Latin American history, and any area you have particular interests in
  • Enjoy a short break before heading to your next destination, the Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest collections of the natural world
  • Explore the museum’s highlights, including the Hope Diamond donated by Harry Winston, a T-Rex fossil, and a short film depicting the history of mammals over 200 million years
  • Immerse yourself in earth’s many ecosystems, including the Sant Ocean Hall, where you can see some of the smallest and largest animals in the oceans

You will begin your private tour at the National Museum of American History, where myriad American treasures are on display.

From a flag flying during the Battle of Baltimore to photographs taken of Titanic survivors aboard the Carpathia, iconic America is yours to grab hold of - or at least see for yourself. Interested in a richer, more nuanced story of the country? Your guide will be able to take you through the museum focusing on segregation, immunization, and medical advancement, or breakthroughs made by women in math, science, photography, and textiles.

Next, your guide will take you to the National Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1910 and is home to one of the largest global teams studying the natural and cultural history of our beautiful planet. Along with its world-class research facilities, the museum houses a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, which explore the history of the natural world – from dinosaurs and mammals to volcanic rock, meteors, and rare gemstones.

Your guide will take you through the museum’s must-see spots, but be sure to let them know if any of the exhibits are of particular interest, as they’ll be happy to tailor the tour to suit your curiosity.

Your tour ends inside the Museum of Natural History, where you will be able to continue exploring at your leisure.
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Two Smithsonian Museums: American & Natural History Private Tour is located at Travel Curiousflagpole located at the entrance to the National Museum of American HistoryWashington DC, DC 20560
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Frequently Asked Questions about Two Smithsonian Museums: American & Natural History Private Tour

Where does the tour of Smithsonian museums-Washington DC depart from?

The tour departs from the entrance of the National Museum of American History at 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560. Meet your guide at the flagpole at the entrance.

How long is the private Smithsonian museums tour?

Private tour in Washington lasts approximately 3 hours. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to tour start.

What can I bring inside the Smithsonian museums?

Mobility aids, strollers, cameras, and bottled water are allowed inside the museum. All bags are subject to search, so only bring the essentials to get through security quicker.

What can't I bring inside the Smithsonian museums?

Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, guns, knives, pen knives, scissors, aerosol cans, pepper spray, mace tools, smoking paraphernalia, electronic cigarettes, placards, signs and banners are not permitted inside the museum.

Will there be other people on the tour or is it just us?

Private Smithsonian museums tour is exclusive to you and your group, with a designated professional guide.

Is transportation included in the ticket price?

You'll explore two Smithsonian museums by foot, so transportation is not included. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also not included in the ticket price.

What's included in the ticket price?

The private tour includes a licensed, English-speaking guide and a fully narrated tour of the National Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History. Admission is free for both Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.

What should I wear for the museums tour in Washington DC?

Wear layers of clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Is the tour family-friendly?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages.

Is the tour ADA accessible?

Yes, the National Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History are fully wheelchair accessible. Both Smithsonian museums offer free use of manual wheelchairs on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only service animals are allowed inside the museums.