Tours and Tickets to Experience The Smithsonian
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What are people saying about The Smithsonian
Donna_M, Mar 2026
Nice "sampler" tour of Smithsonian exhibits!
Shane was a great tour guide who was very knowledgeable about the museums and the exhibits highlighted on this tour. For someone who doesn't have days to explore all of the museums of the Smithsonian, this is a great way to see the most popular exhibits!
Samantha_B, Mar 2026
Great tour with Christina
Christina was very knowledgeable about the city and the 3 museums we toured. She was very enthusiastic about the things she showed us which showed how she loved touring the museums.
Linda_F, Mar 2026
Friendly tour guide, very...
Friendly tour guide, very knowledgeable of each museum we visited, and made sure our group was together before moving on. He made the tour fun!
Christopher_M, Feb 2026
Great Tour Experience Highly recommended
Excellent experience! Nice walk to the three museums~the tour guide was very informative and very knowledgeable. The tour never got boring and I was amazed at the Smithsonian’s Hope diamond and the dinosaurs! Highly Recommended tour!
Thank you~Janise Msh
Mario_F, Mar 2026
Best tour for the money!...
Best tour for the money! Our guide was fantastic and even accommodated a special request to visit a smaller exhibit piece that meant something special to our family. Highly recommend!!
Margaret_J, Feb 2026
Smithsonian Highlights
The tour provides an in-depth view of many fascinating objects and displays housed in three of the Smithsonian museums. Our guide, Skye, was both knowledgeable and entertaining. It was a very enjoyable three hours.
Terry_C, Mar 2026
Such a great and...
Such a great and informative tour! The guide made sure to show us all of the high points as well as some “hidden” nuggets of information.
Ada_Z, Mar 2026
Excellent way to hit 3...
Excellent way to hit 3 museums in a short time. Our guide Meg was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I recommend this tour!
Kelly_G, Feb 2026
I thought Dash was...
I thought Dash was phenomenal. He was super knowledgeable and fun and engaging. I would highly recommend checking out all the Smithsonian museums with him!
Katie_V, Mar 2026
Skye was great!
Skye was great! She was very informative and provided very specific details using her PhD in History. Go SMU! Pony up :)
Casey_J, Jan 2026
Great for hitting the...
Great for hitting the important things and must see of the Smithsonian . 3 hour tour and includes walking
Amy_T, Mar 2026
Amazing
It was amazing. We saw all the things we wanted to see and were told a lot of facts. Skye was friendly and very knowledgeable.
The Smithsonian
5.0
(15,693)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

Cameras are allowed, but leave the selfie sticks and tripods at home, as they're prohibited.
Avoid bringing large bags and packages, as they'll be subject to a lengthy search process. Lockers are available for small items at some museums.
All museums are wheelchair accessible.
You can grab a cup of coffee at the Smithsonian Visitor Center café.
To avoid crowds when exploring a museum, start on the top floor and move toward the ground floor, rather than starting at the first level.
People Also Ask
Can you do the Smithsonian in one day?
No, you cannot do the Smithsonian in one day. As the world's largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian encompasses 21 museums, as well as the National Zoo. Most of its museums are in Washington DC (two are in New York). Try picking the ones that interest you most.
How long does it take to go through the whole Smithsonian?
It's hard to quantify how long it would take to explore the Smithsonian, as the institute encompasses 21 museums, as well as the National Zoo. If you dedicated one day to exploring each museum (in Washington DC, New York, and Virginia), visiting them all would require at least 22 days.
What is the best time to visit the Smithsonian?
Many Smithsonian museums—including the Air and Space Museum, African American Museum, and National Zoo—are very popular and crowded on weekends, in the summer, and over school holidays. For a calmer experience, visit early in the day and on weekdays, and otherwise avoid peak times.
Do you have to make reservations for the Smithsonian?
It depends on the museum. Some require free, pre-booked timed entry Smithsonian tickets or passes. Of its 21 museums (and the National Zoo), the only one of the institute's members that charges admission is Cooper Hewitt in New York City. All others are free.
Is the Smithsonian worth it?
Yes, the Smithsonian is worth it. As the world's largest museum and research complex, it is a peerless institution, and its free-entry policy makes it accessible to all. Depending on your interests—from art and history to culture, science, and beyond—you'll likely find several museums that are right for you.
What do I need to know before going to the Smithsonian?
The Smithsonian is a large institution with multiple branches, so plan ahead to visit the museums that interest you most. Upon arrival, you may be subject to a security screening and bag search; firearms and weapons are prohibited. Do bring your camera, as personal photography is permitted at the Smithsonian.
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