Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Tour
From$95.4
2 hours
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Experience the wonders of flight and space exploration on a guided tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, featuring historic artifacts and interactive exhibits.
Highlights
- Explore historic aircraft and spacecraft
- Learn about the history of aviation and space exploration
- See artifacts from the Wright brothers' plane to the Apollo 11 command module
- Discover interactive exhibits and simulators
- Enjoy a guided tour with expert insights
Full description
Dive into the captivating world of aviation and space exploration with a guided tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Skip the lines and embark on a journey through history, from the Wright brothers' pioneering aircraft to the Apollo 11 command module. Engage with interactive exhibits and simulators that bring the story of flight to life. Led by an expert guide, this tour offers in-depth insights into the milestones of human ingenuity and exploration. Perfect for history buffs, science enthusiasts, and families alike, this experience promises an educational and inspiring adventure in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- Skip-the-line access to exhibits
- Expert commentary from a knowledgeable guide
- Food and beverages
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 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. You’ll see the first plane to take flight as well as the Spirit of St. Louis, the first plane to cross the Atlantic. Discuss Amelia Earhart, the iconic female pilot who famously disappeared while trying to fly around the world. Check out Hubble space suits, and lunar modules while learning all about NASA and the United States’ space program. The two story back ups for the Hubble telescope and the early space station Skylab dominate your field of vision and since the originals stayed in space, this is the best way to get up close and personal! Find out 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. 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. — 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 availability may vary; check the schedule for your preferred date.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible; please inform us of any mobility needs in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the museum is extensive.
- Photography is allowed, but tripods and flash are prohibited.
- Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour starts.
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
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Notes: (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 there 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.) 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.
Traveler reviews
4.9222 reviews
5
207
4
11
3
1
2
0
1
3
A spellbinding afternoon
Leigh made it a memorable. Her love of the stories, the narrative history, chronologically done, made for a wonderful afternoon. Her passion for the subject was obvious, and she communicated that to the rest of us.
hulsmanjohnMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Surprisingly Fascinating
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this museum as much as I did, but it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip to D.C. Seeing the actual Apollo capsule and historic aircraft up close was genuinely impressive. The exhibits are very well organized and easy to follow even if you’re not deeply into aviation or space history. There’s a good mix of interactive displays and iconic pieces that keep things interesting the whole time. Easily worth spending a few hours here!!
danielbD4448OCMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Smithsonian air & space museum tour with Meghan
Meghan, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable with each and every exhibit she showed us. My husband, who works in the aeronautical field, was able to confirm within his own knowledge how accurate she was with her facts. We were a bit late for the tour because of getting lost, but she was very patient with us and waited. She helped guide us to where we needed to meet. She had a smile on her face the whole time! I highly recommend this tour and hopefully you will be lucky enough to have Meghan as your guide!
Danielle_BApr 29, 2026VIATOR
Great personalized...
Great personalized experience for a 2 hour tour. Covered all major highlights timeliness. You can check out more at your leisure
Tina_BApr 12, 2026VIATOR
Air and space with Maureen
Maureen made our day. Wonderfully engaging and knowledgeable. A real pleasure
deniseaX1124WTMar 31, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
Notes: (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 there 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.) 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.