Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour worth booking?
Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour is a 5.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $16 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (24)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $16 per person
This 5.5 hour exclusive 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,
What you get
About this experience
This 5.5 hour exclusive 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. Highlights often include (but are not limited to): -Henry the largest taxidermied Elephant -Hope Diamond -The Nation’s T-Rex (Wankel’s T-Rex) -Megalodon Jaw -First Ladies exhibit -Star Spangled Banner -Greensboro Lunch Counter -Lincoln’s Top Hat -Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
- Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
- Duration 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break)
- Guided Combo Museum Tour
Not included
- Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
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.
150 minutes here
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.
150 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
10am Private Museum Tour
Private Museum Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break);Wheelchair Friendly
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 & 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Leigh knows
There is so much to see. It was great to have a guide who understood our interests and directed us to exhibits that met them. Leigh was very personable and knowledgeable.
via Viator
Excellent Guided Experience with Maribeth
Maribeth made our visit to both the Smithsonian National Museum of American History absolutely wonderful. She was knowledgeable, organized, and brought so much enthusiasm to the experience. Her insights helped us appreciate the exhibits on a deeper level. Maribeth was friendly, engaging, and clearly passionate about sharing history in a way that kept everyone interested. Thanks to her, our trip felt memorable and stress-free. Highly recommend Maribeth to anyone visiting these museums and wanting a more meaningful experience.
via Tripadvisor
Amanda is absolutely amazing!! Tour was incredible
We had a wonderful tour with Amanda Smithsonian natural history, Museum and American history Museum. She was super patient very friendly and gave us some great educational stories about what we were experiencing. She has an outstanding personality and interacted with our teenagers perfectly. The pace of the tour was incredible. I would highly recommend this to anyone and please request Amanda!!
via Tripadvisor
Don’t make it a DIY project!
Outstanding personal service while concentrating on important attractions. Much better than scrambling around and wasting time. Tour guide, Rebecca, was the best in DC!!
via Viator
Book Brenda!
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.
via Viator
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
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour cost?
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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 + American History - Exclusive Tour take?
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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 + American History - Exclusive Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 24 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 + American History - Exclusive Tour?
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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 + American History - Exclusive Tour suitable for kids and families?
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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 + American History - Exclusive Tour?
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Around 8 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?
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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 + American History - Exclusive Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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, Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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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