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Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour

Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Washington DC, USA
Great choice
5+ bookings last month.
  • 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

The massive size of Washington DC’s Museum of Natural History and American History Museum can be easily overwhelming. Going with a guide ensures you see both key highlights and hidden gems at each museum, as well as learn about topics such as pop culture, ancient wildlife, geology, and American history. During your small-group tour, enjoy the full attention of your guide and ample time to ask questions. Upgrade to a private tour for even more attention and a customized itinerary.
  • Explore the Museum of Natural History and American History Museum
  • See the Hope Diamond, a T-Rex skeleton, the Star-Spangled Banner, and more
  • Upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience
  • A small group means more attention from your guide

What's Included

  • Guided Combo Museum Tour
  • Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
  • Duration 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break)
  • Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 1010 Madison Dr NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

    Meet your guide on the large stairs at the Madison Drive NW entrance of the Museum of Natural History, facing the lawn of the National Mall.

End point

  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History
    1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA

Operating hours
.10:00 am

Itinerary

1

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

2 hours 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

National Museum of American History

2 hours 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • 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.
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9
based on 23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Don’t make it a DIY project!

Albert_J, Mar 2025
Outstanding personal service while concentrating on important attractions. Much better than scrambling around and wasting time. Tour guide, Rebecca, was the best in DC!!

Book Brenda!

Rachel_S, Nov 2024
We loved hearing all the stories Brenda told us- going into detail abut both museums. She is a wealth of knowledge and a true gem to have on our tour. We would have been lost without her.

Tour could have been better.

Larry_A, Jul 2024
The guide was very knowledgeable , however he resisted tailoring our private tour to what my 13 year old grandson would have enjoyed. Kids don’t really care about architecture.

Excellent tour! Highly recommend. Book this!!

Julie_W, Jul 2024
This is the first time I visited Washington DC. I booked five different guided tours with different companies. I can honestly said that this is the best of all. My tour guide Stephen Mead is very knowledgeable. He's very enthusiastic, energetic and very easy to follow. Natural History Museum and American History Museum are HUGE. The humongous amount of exhibitions could be overwhelming. I would be completely lost without Stephen. He made the tours of both museums extremely enjoyable. And this is truly an exclusive tour. There were total of six people in the Natural History Museum tour and only total of four in the American History Museum tour. I highly highly recommend this tour. Absolutely book this, and if you have a chance, request Stephen Mead.

Best of the Bunch

Bert_J, Jun 2024
Stephen was really great. Moved us through so we saw everything of significance and shared an indepth knowledge of the various displays.

Can't beat the expertise!

Dawn_K, Aug 2023
In a town like DC, there is so much to see that it can be overwhelming. Tours like this one save the day! Donna was an awesome and knowledgable guide. She helped us hit the highlights of two major museums in a few short hours. My teenage daughter and I were very impressed with her extensive knowledge of history and art. It's a real treat to have a personal guide to learn in these great institutions. Do it!

Our fun weekend trip

Donna_E, Jul 2023
Our tour guide, Richard Robinson, was fabulous. He was so familiar with both the Art Museum & the Natural History Museum that the tours were informative, interesting & fun. Our tour consisted of ages 10-72 and he delighted all. I hope he is available if we are able to take additional trips to Washington.

Meghan Magic

Shawn_J, Mar 2022
Meghan was very thoughtful to offer a wheelchair for our special needs son and was simply the smartest tour guide ever. She made me very minute of the tour interesting with her fascinating stories and high energy, which kept even our 3 boys glued to her. So worth the money not to wander aimlessly for hours on our own.

Educational and entertaining

Lemmon_M, Jan 2022
Very educational and entertaining tour with our tour guide Megan. She was able to allow us to see a wide variety of the museum that really captured it’s essence.

A trip made wonderful.

Gwin_H, Oct 2021
We saw museums and galleries through the eyes of our 12 y.o. grandson. There is so much to see, but Meghan Hanson, our guide, was terrific; she catered to our interests every day, got us through the maze of things to see with flying colors, and made us feel cared for and relaxed. We highly recommend Meghan and will request her professional services when we bring our other grandchildren to DC.
Likely to Sell Out

From $174.90

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 36 days in advance.

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Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour


5 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$174.90