Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Guided Tour
From$95.4
2 hours
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Join a semi-private guided tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, delving into aviation and space exploration history with an expert guide.
Highlights
- Explore iconic artifacts like the Wright brothers' plane
- Discover the Apollo 11 command module
- Learn about the history of space exploration
- See the Spirit of St. Louis aircraft
- Experience interactive exhibits and simulators
Full description
Dive into the captivating world of aviation and space exploration with a semi-private guided tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. With a maximum of 8 participants, you'll enjoy personalized attention as you explore iconic artifacts like the Wright brothers' plane and the Apollo 11 command module. Your expert guide will provide in-depth historical insights, making your visit both educational and engaging. Skip-the-line access ensures you spend more time exploring and less time waiting. This tour is perfect for history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and families alike, offering a memorable experience in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Included / Excluded
- Semi-private guided tour with a maximum of 8 participants
- Skip-the-line access to the museum's most popular exhibits
- Expert guide providing in-depth historical insights
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
1
(PLEASE NOTE: The Air & Space museum is currently under massive construction and will remain as such for multiple years. This means that Many of the exhibits we describe may NOT be on display. We adjust our tour based on the changing stages of this renovation, and the exhibits that are available to us. here is a link for their website if you would like an updated list of what you may see during your visit: https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/now-view Thank you for understanding.) The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum doesn’t just cover extraterrestrial exploration. It covers everything from the early history of flight to the Space Race and moon landings. Learn what it's like to be an astronaut today with one of our expert guides – there’s even freeze dried ice cream in the gift shop to get the full experience. You’ll see the first plane to take flight as well as the Spirit of St. Louis. Check out objects that have been to the moon and back like Buzz Aldrin’s space suit, moon boots, the Apollo 11 Command Module, and real moon rocks. Discover the history of the world’s foremost space program and the technology and innovation that made it possible to land a man on the moon. Highlights of the tour generally include: — Wright Flyer (original) — Neil Armstrong Apollo 11 spacesuit (original) — Lunar Module (backup) — John Glenn’s Mercury capsule (original) — Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis (original) — Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1 (original) — Hubble Telescope (test vehicle) — Skylab, America’s 1st space station (backup) — Space Shuttle’s mid deck (model)
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible; please inform in advance if assistance is needed.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the museum is extensive.
- Bring a valid ID for entry into the museum.
- Photography is allowed, but flash is prohibited.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- A maximum of 8 people per tour allowed
- 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: Air & Space 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.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!
Traveler reviews
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Totally worth it to have a guide
Leigh was great. Her presentation of the information and personal experience gathering information brought the history lesson to life. Even though the museums are free it was worth the money to have a guided tour. Again Leigh gave us such a great oral presentation to go with the amazing offerings in the museum. Further, higher, faster.
Carol_PMay 18, 2026VIATOR
The Smithsonian Air and and Space Museum
Our Tour Guide, Maureen, was excellent. She had a wealth of knowledge about the Air and Space Museum which enhanced our visit. She answered our questions and being a veteran, I was able to share with her some knowledge I was aware of as it related to some of the exhibits.
Sunshine56272249779May 11, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Space geek
Cool exhibit. You get to see prior shuttles from space in the museum Leigh was very knowledgeable with all the facts of the museum.
Richie_BApr 26, 2026VIATOR
Meghan was an excellent...
Meghan was an excellent tour guide. She's very knowledgeable and put a lit of emphasis in her talks to make them very interesting. Would highly recommend her for a tour guide.
Debra_WApr 24, 2026VIATOR
10/10 would do again
This is a fantastic way to see one of the most popular museums on the Mall. Maureen is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, it was a joy to have her share it.
DebSmetFeb 15, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
A maximum of 8 people per tour allowed
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: Air & Space 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.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!