Magpie
4.9(68 reviews)

Smithsonian Museum Combo Tour

From$174.9
6 hours – 7 hours
Washington DC, USA

About this activity

Experience the best of American history and space exploration with guided tours of the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Highlights

  • Explore the National Museum of American History
  • Discover aviation and space artifacts at the Air and Space Museum
  • Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
  • Learn from expert guides about American history and space exploration
  • Experience two of Washington DC's most iconic museums in one day

Full description

Dive into the rich tapestry of American history and the wonders of space exploration with this exclusive guided tour. Visit the National Museum of American History, home to iconic artifacts like the original Star-Spangled Banner and the First Ladies' Inaugural Gowns. Then, journey through the National Air and Space Museum, where you'll marvel at the Wright brothers' plane and the Apollo 11 command module. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers an immersive experience into two of Washington DC's most celebrated museums, all in a single day.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of the National Museum of American History
  • Guided tour of the National Air and Space Museum
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

This is your chance to experience the two most popular museums in Washington DC with the help of our expert guides navigating the crowds! 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!). From the most famous single artifact in the Smithsonian collection — the (supposedly) cursed Hope Diamond — to the recently revealed renovated Fossil Hall with Mastodon, T-Rex, and Diplodocus looming over the path, your inner child will remind you of how fascinating the natural world’s mysteries are.

Duration: 2h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

After a break to recharge, cross the famous National Mall to the Smithsonian Air & Space museum. Currently undergoing its own renovation, there is still plenty to see! Starting with a family in Ohio solving a problem not even Leonardo DaVinci could. We speak, of course, of the Wright Brothers who launched the world to literal new heights. The original Wright Flyer from 1903 gets its own exhibition gallery to set the stage for what comes after. From the first military flyer in 1909 (also a Wright Bros. creation) to the golden age of setting records and commercial aviation, imagine the guts it took to trust your life to this novel technology. Then head to the even more intimidating exploits in the space exhibits. Where you view some of the actual artifacts man set out to conquer the vast unknown in an inhospitable environment and then back to Earth’s warm embrace. But the highest heights are those of imagination that inspire us to the risk so much.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Photography is allowed in most areas; however, some exhibits may have restrictions.
  • The tour is wheelchair accessible; please inform the operator in advance if assistance is required.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves extensive walking.
  • Bring a camera to capture the exhibits and artifacts.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day.

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: Natural History Museum, 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.

Traveler reviews

4.9
68 reviews
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Amazing tour

Amazing tour! Rebecca was wonderful- highly recommend her. True historian and very interesting. So much better to have a good guide then to just wander through the museum.

sstreich1207Apr 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Thank you Rebecca!

Rebecca is very lovely and knowledgeable. I enjoy her company today. Really recommend everyone to come to book the tour.

Warawan_CJan 2, 2026VIATOR

Passion Unmatched

Paul is more than a guide he’s an authentic enthusiast who has knowledge in bucketloads and passion unmatched. He can pitch his stories for kids, adults or even experts. He’s a joy to listen to. Best guide I ever had.

McDansterJul 31, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Private tour air and space Museum

We had a great time on our tour. Maureen had lots of insight and fun stories to share about her experience with the museum and the different artifacts that are exhibited here.

K7422ANandrewhJul 5, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Comprehensive and Professional

Our tour guide Christopher was awesome. The private tour was totally worth it. He knew how to navigate the big crowds and make sure we got a lot in. He had no problem focusing on the things we were most interested in seeing. Knew a ton of stuff. I have a hard time in museums like that trying to absorb all the info. It was nice to have someone give you an overview while you just take it all in, rather than have to read a million plaques. He took care of the times passes for us and showed us a good lunch spot.

Sara SMay 2, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code) Notes: Natural History Museum, 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.
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