
Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max
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September 2026
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Who is going?
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
5.0/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max worth booking?
Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max is a 5.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $16 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (35)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $16 per person
This 5.5 hour small group (8 Guest Max.) 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.
What you get
About this experience
This 5.5 hour small group (8 Guest Max.) 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.
What's included
Included
- Profssional Tour Guide
- Small group guarantee: never more than 8 guests
Not included
- Hotel pickup or drop-off
- Gratuities
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
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.
Options you can book
UPGRADE AS PRIVATE TOUR 10AM
Private Museum Tour; Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You; Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break); Wheelchair Friendly
10am Small Group Guided Tour
10:00am Tour: Small Group Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum 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
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is imperative that you provide us with your MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- 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 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awesome! Don't know how...
Awesome! Don't know how you would visit these museums for the first time without a tour! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour interesting for all of us, especially my 12 & 9 year old granddaughters. She was very accommodating and understanding when we were a few minutes late due to road closures and fencing.
via Viator
Awsome!!!!
Brenda was fantastic! Nice, easy pace through highlights of both museums. She inquired about our interests and molded tour around them. Very informative. Highly recommended.
via Viator
Katherine The Great
Katherine was fantastic! She not only explained the exhibits, but performed different characters along the way. She would be especially great for children.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome storytelling
One of the best story telling tour guides we have had. Leigh made it educational and fun, plus would have been difficult to get thru both museums without her guidance. Excellent!
via Tripadvisor
If you want to keep your teen (17 yo) entertained, Ryan is your guy!
Ryan kept things interesting, he was very professional in his appearance and speech. He is definitely very knowledgeable and made our experience interesting and fun. We were traveling with our 17 year old and she recommends him highly as well!
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
- 12
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max 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 + Museum of American History 8ppl Max 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 + Museum of American History 8ppl Max worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 35 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 + Museum of American History 8ppl Max?
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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 + Museum of American History 8ppl Max 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 + Museum of American History 8ppl Max?
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Around 12 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 + Museum of American History 8ppl Max 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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