See the best of the Smithsonian, including timed entry to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. From T-Rex fossils to Lincoln’s hat, this guided tour makes history unforgettable.
Essential Smithsonian Tour with NMAAHC Timed Entry
Summary Description
Highlights
- Explore 3 Smithsonian Museums in one day.
- Get timed entry to African American History Museum.
- See a towering T-Rex and the Hope Diamond up close.
- Check out Lincoln’s legendary top hat & famous artifacts.
- Great for families with kids 10+ to enjoy history together.
- Tour with an expert guide for added insights and ease.
Description
Trying to narrow down which of the Smithsonian Museums to visit—and what to see when you get there!—can be a challenge. This Smithsonian highlights tour takes the hassle out of planning your own itinerary at America's most storied museums, so you can be sure to experience the most essential items across their broad collection. You'll enjoy guided visits of the Natural History and American History Museums before wrapping up at the National Museum of African American History & Culture, where you'll get in with pre-reserved timed entry and have plenty of time and space to explore on your own. With a balance of fascinating facts and iconic artifacts, this tour offers an ideal introduction to Washington, D.C.’s most treasured museums.
You’ll start your Smithsonian adventure outside the Natural History Museum, where your guide will set the stage for what’s inside—an awe-inspiring collection of scientific and cultural treasures. Say hi to Henry the Elephant before heading to Fossil Hall to see one of the world’s largest T-Rex skeletons, then continue to the Marine Life Exhibit, where giant squid and North Atlantic whales await. And of course, your guide will show you the star of the museum: the dazzling Hope Diamond, steeped in beauty and mystery.
Next, it's a short stroll over to the Museum of American History. Your guide will lead you to some of the most iconic items from America's past, including the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat from the night he was assassinated. You'll also enjoy a stop at the First Ladies’ Exhibit to admire their inauguration gowns and venture into the pop culture wing, where you’ll find Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers and more.
End your day with a special timed entry to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, where powerful exhibits tell the story of resilience, struggle, and achievement. You’ll have time to explore on your own and discover displays that highlight the contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
Included / Excluded
- Timed Entry tickets to National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
- Small group of 10 guests max
- Local English-speaking guide
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: 10th St. & Constitution Avenue Northwest, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, US
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. Meet in front of the Madison Drive entrance of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The museum is listed on Google Maps at 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW. Please be sure to go to the Madison Drive side of the building. Your guide will be waiting for you next to the "Iron Ore" statue to the left of the stairs.
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8CmVVpyNk2BPxN4c7
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty. Those who have mobility issues should contact us beforehand if they cannot keep up with a moderately paced walking tour.
- While geared towards families, due to the length of this tour, we recommend this tour for kids 10+.
- We are not allowed to guide inside the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- We are able to accomodate guests with mobility impairment or wheelchairs, please make sure to email our Guest Experience team.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- We encourage appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces.
- We are able to accomodate guests with mobility impairment or wheelchairs, please make sure to email our Guest Experience team at [email protected] at the time of your booking for proper arrangements.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- All Smithsonians have light security.
- Food and drink is permitted but prohibited to be consumed while in the museums.
- Backpacks may be asked to be worn in front of stomachs instead of backs.
- Photos are encouraged. No flash.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Options and Pricing
Essential Smithsonian Tour Pricing valid from March 1st, 2025
| Essential Smithsonian Tour Pricing valid from March 1st, 2025 | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 - 99 years) | $59.00 |
| Child (2 - 14 years) | $49.00 |
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 3 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 10
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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