Smithsonian Natural History Tour
From$95.4
2 hours
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Join a semi-private guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, exploring iconic exhibits and learning about the natural world with an expert guide.
Highlights
- Explore iconic exhibits like the Hope Diamond
- Discover ancient fossils and dinosaur skeletons
- Learn about human evolution and cultural artifacts
- Experience interactive displays and multimedia presentations
- Enjoy a personalized tour with a small group
Full description
Dive into the wonders of the natural world with a semi-private guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. With a maximum of 8 participants, this tour offers an intimate experience as you explore iconic exhibits like the Hope Diamond, ancient fossils, and dinosaur skeletons. Your expert guide will provide in-depth insights into human evolution, cultural artifacts, and interactive displays, ensuring a memorable and educational visit. Skip the lines and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of natural history.
Included / Excluded
- Semi-private guided tour with a maximum of 8 participants
- Skip-the-line access to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Expert guide providing in-depth insights into exhibits
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
1
Your guide will take you to visit the highlights of the collection, housed in a massive building that covers the area of 18 football fields. Gaze into the world-famous Hope Diamond, whose brilliant blue sparkle, and immodest size at 46 karats, captured the attention of former owner Marie Antoinette. Wander through the displays of gems and minerals, including the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, the world’s largest gem of its type, which glows brilliantly from within. Travel back in time to learn about death rituals while exploring real mummies from Ancient Egypt. Then step out of the past into the wild, exploring the mighty polar bears, elephants, and giraffes that roam across earth’s surface. From the land, jump into the sea at the Ocean Hall, where you’ll discover a live coral reef exhibit as well as a 45-ton whale, Phoenix, which is a replica of a real living what that the museum tracks. By the end, you’ll understand why so many people come to visit the 126.5 million artefacts housed at the National Museum of Natural History.
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 12 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 water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are 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 moderate amount of walking is involved, comfortable clothing and shoes recommended
- Notes: National Museum of Natural History 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
5.0184 reviews
5
178
4
4
3
1
2
1
1
0
Excellent tour of The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
We went on the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History with Brenda. Brenda was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic! She reached out to us prior to the tour which made meet up on the day of the tour seamless. Brenda asked a lot about our interests and incorporated them where she could. Our teenage daughter instantly felt comfortable with Brenda’s warm personality, which isn’t typical. It was our favorite tour of our DC trip. I would highly recommend taking this tour with Brenda!
Kristine SMay 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Got to the good stuff
Rebecca was a very pleasant and knowledgeable tour guide. She guided us through the Natural History museum efficiently and with interesting back stories about the exhibits.
315randakApr 26, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Fun & informative!
Great experience! Thank you so much Rebecca!
293gradycApr 11, 2026TRIPADVISOR
The best way to see the museum highlights!
I really enjoyed this tour, and my time with Kate. She is very friendly, engaging, and offered a lot of information, including some fun facts. She is very knowledgeable, and I appreciate the fact that she really enjoys her position as a tour guide. Thank you, Kate!
Road38322955593Apr 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
A small trip Washington DC
She knowledgeable and very nice and she knows what she is talking about
Jorge RApr 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
A maximum of 8 people permitted per tour allowed
A moderate amount of walking is involved, comfortable clothing and shoes recommended
Notes: National Museum of Natural History 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!