Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This 5.5 hour small group (8 Guest Max.) guided combo tour welcomes guests to experience the Smithsonian’s two most iconic museums in Washington DC. The most famous items of the Smithsonian are in two next door museums. Cursed diamonds, famous flags, and of course, a certain pair of Ruby Red Slippers; our guides know where to find the items everyone comes to see at the Smithsonian Institution.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is imperative that you provide us with your MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
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: Natural History & American History 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The best way to see the most famous items in the Smithsonian Institution’s vast collection. 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!). But of course, these aren’t just any stones, bones, and bugs from someone’s backyard. From the (supposedly) cursed Hope Diamond to the recently renovated Fossil Hall with Mastodon, T-Rex, and Diplodocus looming over you, your inner child will remind you of how fascinating the natural world’s mysteries are.
National Museum of American History
After a break to recharge, the Smithsonian Museum of American History’s treasures are next. Gaze upon Dorothy’s ruby slippers which rival the Hope Diamond in notoriety. Walk amongst the First Ladies exhibit — the most visited exhibit in the history of the Smithsonian! You’ll see touchstones of American struggle, identity and culture from the “Star-Spangled Banner” that flew over Ft. McHenry at dawn’s early light signifying the turning point of the War of 1812 and inspiring the song that would become the Nation’s Anthem in the 1930’s to the Greensboro Lunch Counter that reminds us that our battles have taken many forms. Cars, trains, kitchens, military uniforms, political ephemera, and Hollywood memorabilia will take you down the twists and turns of memory lane navigated by your expert guide.
What‘s Included
Profssional Tour Guide
Small group guarantee: never more than 8 guests
Hotel pickup or drop-off
Gratuities
Options
10am Small Group Guided Tour
10:00am Tour: Small Group Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.
UPGRADE AS PRIVATE TOUR 10AM
Private Museum Tour; Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You; Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break); Wheelchair Friendly
Reviews
34 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Surprisingly
simones568,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All Smithsonian museums are fantastic and the museum of American history is also very rich and complete. There are various sectors such as the documentation of American history, the evolution of transport with historic locomotives and cars, popular culture including movies and sports, etc... very interesting. Free entry and no need to withdraw tickets in advance.
Awsome!!!!
Phillip F,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brenda was fantastic! Nice, easy pace through highlights of both museums. She inquired about our interests and molded tour around them. Very informative. Highly recommended.
Katherine The Great
patriciarC5163NJ,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Katherine was fantastic! She not only explained the exhibits, but performed different characters along the way. She would be especially great for children.
Awesome storytelling
Dicksontb,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best story telling tour guides we have had. Leigh made it educational and fun, plus would have been difficult to get thru both museums without her guidance. Excellent!
If you want to keep your teen (17 yo) entertained, Ryan is your guy!
Claudia B,Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ryan kept things interesting, he was very professional in his appearance and speech. He is definitely very knowledgeable and made our experience interesting and fun. We were traveling with our 17 year old and she recommends him highly as well!
Phenomenal, amazing and definitely worth the money.
Travel14173905090,Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.005 out of 5. I was a little hesitant to book due to the price but it was money well spent! We had an amazing tour and our guide, Christopher, was phenomenal! Excellent communication the day before and of the tour, he even went as far as sending a google location pin so we would have no difficulty locating him. Though there is no way to see the Museum of National History in 2 hours Christopher made sure we not only saw the highlights but also learned and were able to apply this knowledge to other exhibits so we got the most out of the museum. I have an 18 & 21 year old who were thoroughly engaged and walked away saying it was one of the best tours they had been on. Would highly recommend this tour if you have never been and want to get the most out of your visit!
Wonderful experience
Lisa M,May 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00One on one experience with lots of knowledge, our guide was well versed in knowledge and showed us what we were interested in. Highly recommend.
You get what you paid for!
adonaldj,Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding service with excellent insight and a unique ability to focus on what’s important and of interest, avoiding wasted time and navigation error.
D.C. Baby!
Monicadreamer17,Jan 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rebecca was our tour guide and she provided great information and was informative on information we would not have gotten if we came on our own Thank you!
Book with Brenda!
Rachel S,Nov 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Brenda! She is a wealth of knowledge and I loved listening to all the stories she told behind the meaning of the items in the museums! We would have been lost without her!
From US$174.90
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Operated by Babylon Tours DC