How to visit the Smithsonian Museums

• Ways to explore: Small-group guided tours with timed-entry tickets available for all three museums 
  
• Additional access: Private tour upgrade available, with personalized attention, and it is the only tour option with wheelchair access
  
• Good to know: The guided tours last 2.5 hours; admission is only to the selected museum and its exhibits, not to the other museums in the Smithsonian Institution complex. Minimum group size is 2, maximum is 8; the tour will be cancelled/rescheduled if it does not meet the group size requirements

​Learn more about booking your Smithsonian Museum tours below ↓

Things to know before booking your Smithsonian Museum tours

• Museum options: Choose between 3 museums for your guided tours.
  
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Focuses on natural sciences , human evolution, gems and minerals, fossils, marine life, and biodiversity.
    
  • Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum: Focuses on aviation history and milestones, US accomplishments, Space Race, and artifacts.
    
  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Focuses on American history , the Civil Rights Movement, the Founding Fathers, and cultural and historic artifacts from the last 250 years.
    
• When to book: Guided tour slots can fill up quickly, so booking 4-6 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during the summer months and the holiday season.
  
• Entrances: The three museums are located a short distance from each other (10-minute walk), all within the National Mall district, close to other DC landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the US Capitol.
  
• Inclusions: Your museum tours include timed-entry admission to the selected museum. 
  
  • They do not include admission to the other museums part of the Smithsonian Institution.
    
  • They are small-group guided tours, with a minimum group size of 2 and a maximum group size of 8.
    
  • The tour duration is 2.5 hours. 
    
• Ways to explore: Small-group guided tours and private guided tours.
  
  • Small-group: Highlights tour, professional guide, maximum group size is 8.
    
  • Private: Personalized tour, professional guide, wheelchair-accessible tours available.
    
• Keep in mind: Your tickets only include access to the museum’s permanent exhibitions and galleries. Temporary exhibitions are not included in your tour.

Visitor tips

• Plan your arrival around the National Mall: Public parking nearby is limited and fills early, so using the Metro (Smithsonian Station on the Orange, Blue, or Silver lines) is typically the most efficient option. If you must drive, plan to use a paid garage several blocks away and allow extra time to walk.
  
• Choose the museum based on your interests, not just popularity: Choose your tour to give you the most variety in one visit. Selecting based on interest will make your tour feel more immersive and less overwhelming.
  
• Arrive early for a smoother security experience: Security screening is required at all three museums, and lines grow significantly by late morning, especially during spring and summer travel seasons. Arriving 15-20 minutes before your scheduled tour allows time for screening without stress. 
  
• Wear appropriate footwear: Even with a guided route, you’ll walk extensively through large gallery floors. Comfortable, supportive shoes make a noticeable difference, especially if you plan to stay and explore after your tour.
  
• Stay after your tour: Your guided tour covers the highlights, but some of the most interesting exhibits are tucked into side galleries. Plan at least an extra hour if you want to revisit a favorite section or explore an area not included in the guided route. 
  
• Consider splitting museum visits across days: Although they’re close together, trying to visit two full museums in one day can feel rushed and mentally exhausting. If your schedule allows, spacing them out gives you time to absorb what you’ve seen.
  
• Check renovations before your visit: Exhibits at the Smithsonian rotate, and some halls periodically close for renovation or updates. If there’s a specific artifact you’re eager to see, verify availability in advance. 
  
• Use the National Mall area strategically: If you’re visiting more than one museum, use the National Mall’s open space to reset between stops. A short outdoor walk helps break up gallery fatigue and gives you iconic views of Washington landmarks.