Private Smithsonian Museums Tour: American & Natural History
4.4
48 Ratings
Washington
Embark on a private tour of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC, exploring the National Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History. Discover the rich tapestry of American culture and history, from medical advancements to social movements, and marvel at the wonders of the natural world. Tailored to your interests, this tour is a captivating journey through the heart of America.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • National Museum of American History - Begin with a private tour of the National Museum of American History, where your guide will give you an overview of American history, before exploring the exhibitions in more depth.

  • See several artefacts underpinning the American political and cultural landscape.

  • Explore exhibitions that focus on America’s triumphs, tragedies, wars, and protests.

  • Learn about American women’s history, African American history, Latin American history, and any area you have particular interests in.

  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - Enjoy a short break before heading to your next destination, the Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest collections of the natural world.

  • Explore the museum’s highlights, including the Hope Diamond donated by Harry Winston, a T-Rex fossil, and a short film depicting the history of mammals over 200 million years.

  • Immerse yourself in earth’s many ecosystems, including the Sant Ocean Hall, where you can see some of the smallest and largest animals in the oceans.

What's Included
  • Private group tour with a professional English-speaking guide
  • Admission to Smithsonian American History and Natural History museums
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation on the day (if required)
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off
Additional Information

Experience the quintessential story of America through personalized tours of the Smithsonian Museums, situated in the heart of Washington DC, the capital city of the USA. This journey includes exclusive tours of both the National Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History.

Starting at the National Museum of American History, you will get to delve into the expansive breadth of the nation’s past. A guided tour through the museum will reveal America’s socio-political and cultural journey, covering areas such as medical strides, military conflicts, the history of slavery and segregation, and a myriad of victories and defeats. You’ll also learn about the significant strides made in ‘herstory’ by women in mathematics, art, and crafts.

Following a brief intermission, you’ll venture on to the Museum of Natural History. Here, your dedicated guide will introduce you to the museum’s main attractions as well as any noteworthy temporary displays. Should you be particularly interested in certain displays, let your guide know and they’ll customize the tour to suit your interests.

Location
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Constitution Avenue Northwest
Your guide will meet you by the flagpole located at the entrance to the National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(48 Ratings)
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Andrew_o
Mar 30, 2024
Superb tour! - We had an excellent time! Our guide Stephen was funny, witty, engaging, and full of interesting anecdotes and facts. Highly recommend! Would have a seen and learned a third of what we did without our guide
Review provided by Viator
Fairchr
Mar 9, 2024
Wonderful guide! - Steven is highly knowledgeable and gave us memorable tours of the highlights of both the Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History -- thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
601kaitlynk
Nov 17, 2023
The only way to do it! - I love going to museums, but this was the first time I’d done a guided tour and boy have I been doing it wrong! This was the best way to really immerse yourself in the experience and SEE rather than spending your day reading descriptions that don’t even tell the whole story, unlike our guide who had so many little-known facts that were entirely fascinating and really memorialized the experience for me. 10/10 would recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbara_m
Oct 10, 2023
Rich experience - Stephan had tremendous knowledge and made the museum visits much richer and accommodated our special request to see a particular exhibit.
Review provided by Viator
Lauren_m
Jul 31, 2023
Great Private Tour - Jonah was a wonderful tour guide. He’s very personable and engaging. His knowledge about history and the pieces he highlighted was 👌🏻. I’d recommend the private tour to DC newbies like us.
Review provided by Viator
Smita_n
Jun 30, 2023
Our tour guide John was... - Our tour guide John was amazing. He made our trip very informative and enjoyable. We had a great time.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_b
Jun 26, 2023
Great visit. - John was excellent. We covered so much in just a few hours. Appreciated all his knowledge and guidance.
Review provided by Viator
Martha_w
Jul 2, 2023
Walking thru History - Natural History Museum exhibits were the best and the war exhibits at the American History Museum. Our guide Jude was well informed and very nice.
Review provided by Viator
Lincoln_m
Oct 30, 2023
Mistake - Waste of money. Museums free, didn’t avoid any lines Guide was sick and should have stayed home in bed
Review provided by Viator
Yuliya_m
Feb 22, 2024
Surprise no show - I have been using Viator for all my travel for the past 15 years, this is the second time when after all of the confirmations they just didn't show up. So unless you have back up plans would not book with them. It was only when couldn't find the guide called the guide who stated that she was not on the tour. Again not hearing back from her called the company and they did call back without even an apology just said that there was a miscommunication between the guides and they are canceling it. Just a bit confused then what were all those confirmations for? Its one thing when you are home, but it's a lot worse when you are traveling and get stood up and all of your time and planning goes out of the window.
Review provided by Viator
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minimum 2 guests
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up to 12 guests
2 Adult
May 2024
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