Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour in Washington DC
Washington DC, United States

Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour

Outty Ranking 77 4.9 · 69 traveler reviews5.5 hoursFrom $16

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$16
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Outty Ranking

77/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 69 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour worth booking?

Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour is a 5.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $16 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 69 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
77 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (69)
Duration
5.5 hours
From
$16 per person

This 5.5 hour guided combo tour welcomes guests to experience the Smithsonian’s two most visited museums in Washington DC. This is your chance to experience the two most popular museums in Washington DC with the help of

What you get

    About this experience

    This 5.5 hour guided combo tour welcomes guests to experience the Smithsonian’s two most visited museums in Washington DC. This is your chance to experience the two most popular museums in Washington DC with the help of our expert guides navigating the crowds! Dinosaurs to diamonds, planes, planets and spacesuits; our guides have the stories to make them come alive. Highlights often include (but are not limited to): -Henry, the largest taxidermied elephant
 -Hope Diamond
 -The Nation’s T-Rex (Wankel’s T-Rex) -Meteorites
 -1903 Wright Flyer -1909 Wright Military Flyer -Spirit of St. Louis
 -Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit

    What's included

    Included

    • Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
    • Guided Combo Museum Tour
    • Lunch Break

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    • Gratuities
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

      This is your chance to experience the two most popular museums in Washington DC with the help of our expert guides navigating the crowds! 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!). From the most famous single artifact in the Smithsonian collection — the (supposedly) cursed Hope Diamond — to the recently revealed renovated Fossil Hall with Mastodon, T-Rex, and Diplodocus looming over the path, your inner child will remind you of how fascinating the natural world’s mysteries are.

      150 minutes here

    2. National Air and Space Museum

      After a break to recharge, cross the famous National Mall to the Smithsonian Air & Space museum. Currently undergoing its own renovation, there is still plenty to see! Starting with a family in Ohio solving a problem not even Leonardo DaVinci could. We speak, of course, of the Wright Brothers who launched the world to literal new heights. The original Wright Flyer from 1903 gets its own exhibition gallery to set the stage for what comes after. From the first military flyer in 1909 (also a Wright Bros. creation) to the golden age of setting records and commercial aviation, imagine the guts it took to trust your life to this novel technology. Then head to the even more intimidating exploits in the space exhibits. Where you view some of the actual artifacts man set out to conquer the vast unknown in an inhospitable environment and then back to Earth’s warm embrace. But the highest heights are those of imagination that inspire us to the risk so much.

      120 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Washington DC

    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.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • 10:00am Private Museum Tour

      Begins at 10:00am

    • SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English

      Save money by booking a small group tour of 8 guests max. per guide This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Babylon Tours DC

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
    • Notes: Natural History Museum, Air & Space 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.

    Photos

    Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour in Washington DC, photo 2Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour in Washington DC, photo 3Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour in Washington DC, photo 4Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour in Washington DC, photo 5Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour in Washington DC, photo 6Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour in Washington DC, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 69 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    69 verified traveler reviews for Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    66
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    jlahurd · June 2026

    Rebecca was awesome, her knowledge went much deeper than what was presented at the exhibits. Her historical perspective

    Rebecca was an incredible guide

    via Tripadvisor

    sstreich1207 · April 2026

    Amazing tour

    Amazing tour! Rebecca was wonderful- highly recommend her. True historian and very interesting. So much better to have a good guide then to just wander through the museum.

    via Tripadvisor

    Warawan_C · January 2026

    Thank you Rebecca!

    Rebecca is very lovely and knowledgeable. I enjoy her company today. Really recommend everyone to come to book the tour.

    via Viator

    McDanster · July 2025

    Passion Unmatched

    Paul is more than a guide he’s an authentic enthusiast who has knowledge in bucketloads and passion unmatched. He can pitch his stories for kids, adults or even experts. He’s a joy to listen to. Best guide I ever had.

    via Tripadvisor

    K7422ANandrewh · July 2025

    Private tour air and space Museum

    We had a great time on our tour. Maureen had lots of insight and fun stories to share about her experience with the museum and the different artifacts that are exhibited here.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $16 to $1049
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    24
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 77

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)88
    Review evidence (18% weight)54
    Booking momentum (14% weight)47
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)78
    Local standing (8% weight)79
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.

    How much does Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $16 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.

    Is Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 69 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour?

    +

    Around 24 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Smithsonian Natural History + Air and Space Museum Private Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

    +

    Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards, Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Washington DC?

    +

    Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Washington DC?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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