National Air and Space Museum Tours and Activities
5 Reviews
Among the largest and most popular Smithsonian museums, Washington D.C.’s National Air and Space Museum is devoted to all things aeronautics. Its three galleries house historic flying machines, from early airplanes—including the original 1903 Wright Flyer—to Apollo command modules, as well as state-of-the-art digital displays chronicling the history and science of flight in the United States. An on-site IMAX theater shows films throughout the day, and a planetarium offers further insight into the wonders of our solar system.
The Basics
Because of its large size, the National Air and Space Museum can be overwhelming. If you’d like someone to show you around, sign up for a private or small-group guided tour. Some tours combine a trip to the National Air and Space Museum with a visit to the nearby Museum of American History. While the vast majority of the museum is given over to permanent exhibitions covering everything from World War II to the Space Race, temporary exhibits are also hosted here. Free docent-led, 90-minute tours focusing on the highlights of the collection are held twice daily and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The museum has a second exhibition facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport, which showcases more aircraft from the collection, including the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring small, easy-to-search bags to speed up your passage through security.
- Tickets are required for IMAX and Planetarium shows, and for the flight simulators.
- The National Air and Space Museum is accessible to wheelchairs.
- Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
How to Get There
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is situated at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The museum is fewer than five minutes from L’Enfant Plaza station (Blue, Orange, Green, Yellow, and Silver lines) and about 10 minutes from Smithsonian station (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines). To get to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, take the Silver Line to Wiehle-Reston East and transfer to the Fairfax Connector bus 983.
When to Get There
The National Air and Space Museum is busiest from March through August. Avoid the crowds by coming early on the weekends or in late afternoon during the week.
Highlights of the Collection
In addition to the Wright brothers’ famous 1903 flight machine, the National Air and Space Museum displays many other noteworthy aircraft. Look for Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis jet, Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1 (the first plane to fly faster than the speed of sound), and SpaceShipOne, the first privately financed craft to successfully enter space. All are located in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall.
Address: 6th Street and Independence Avenue SW, National Mall, Washington D.C., District of Columbia 20560, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5:30pm
Admission: Free
25 Tours and Activities to Experience National Air and Space Museum
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The Smithsonian National Air Space Museum Private Guided Tour
28
Get more from your visit to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on this 2.5-hour private tour. Follow your guide through one of the world’s largest collections of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. See items like Buzz Aldrin’s spacesuit, the Apollo 11 module, and real moon rocks brought back form a voyage to Earth’s natural satellite.
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From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Washington DC National Mall Night Tour - Stops at 10 Iconic Attractions!
274
Washington DC’s monuments and landmarks light up after dark, perfect for dramatic views and memorable photos of the capital city. Explore the sights from the National Mall to the White House and key memorials as your guide provides informative narration about each site. Hop off at select sights to get an up-close look with your small-group and guide. This tour includes transport between locations.
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From
$61.65
From
$61.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop
1400
Depart from the Washington DC Welcome Center and take a 90 minute Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Guided Small Group Tour
18
Take one giant leap into the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, on a 2 hour small group tour that covers the early history of flight, and the modern-day life of an astronaut. This group is limited to 8 people, and explores a collection that includes everything from space suits, to moon rocks, and a model of the International Space Station.
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From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Washington DC City Day Tour with Stops at 10 Top Attractions
173
Experience the history and culture of the nation’s capital on this comprehensive, half-day, small-group tour. Travel in a comfortable vehicle complete with phone chargers, umbrellas, and a flat-screen TV, and see Washington DC’s monuments, museums, and memorials with a guide. See the US Capitol building, the White House, the Mall and more. Avoid the hassles of driving, or navigating public transportation and leave the logistics to your guide.
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From
$61.65
From
$61.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Half-Day Grand Tour of Washington DC
106
Get a panoramic look at Washington DC on this sightseeing tour that provides a comprehensive introduction to the United States capital and its historical and cultural landmarks. Listen to live narration as you see dozens of attractions, such as Lincoln Memorial, the exterior of the White House, Washington Monument and the National Mall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian buildings.
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From
$53.42
From
$53.42
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Smithsonian Air & Space & American History Museum Tour- 8ppl Max
2
Combine history and the future on this small-group Smithsonian tour that visits both the National Museum of American History and the Air and Space Museum. Travel with a small group during this 5-hour tour, which ensures personalized attention from your guide.
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From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Smithsonian Air & Space & American History Museum Guided Tour - Private Tour
14
Enjoy personalized attention on this 5-hour combo tour that includes the Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum. Combine America's past and future, narrated by your dedicated guide.
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From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Sites by Segway In Washington DC
82
Experience Washington DC like never before on this guided small-group Segway tour. Learn about the history of the nation’s capital, and one of the most popular destinations in the US, while gliding around the city. See iconic landmarks like the United States Capitol, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and many more—a perfect overview of the city for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to see the sites. Guided Segway training plus bottled water and snacks are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.
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From
$66.00
From
$66.00

Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour
121
Washington DC is full of historical sites and while it’s easy to explore on foot or by bus, this 2-wheel tour option gives travelers access to some of the city’s most popular landmarks. Check out the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Supreme Court and the Capitol on this Capital Sites Bike Tour. Your friendly guide shares plenty of history, facts, and city knowledge on this easy bike ride through the nation’s capital.
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From
$46.00
From
$46.00

Washington DC Super Saver: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley + Monuments by Moonlight Tour
79
Explore the best of Washington, DC on this narrated, hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Visit more than 100 points of interest among DC’s top attractions—like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, to name just a few. Depending upon your interest, select a silver, gold, or platinum pass, then board at any of the stops and get to know the nation’s capital in customized fashion, with live onboard commentary from a professional tour conductor. A guided moonlight trolley tour to the same landmark locations, illuminated for the evening, is also included.
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From
$94.00
From
$94.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Plus Night Tour With 2 Day Pass
298
On this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour through Washington DC, travelers can choose to see the city at their own pace. Linger longer at some sites while skipping others entirely. With several stops, you have access to the US Capitol Building, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and more. Hear live narration, and choose between a 1-day pass or 2-day pass with a bonus night bus.
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From
$42.00
From
$42.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Extended Monuments & Memorials Tour
12
You can see all Washington DC Monuments and Memorials, the White House and the Capitol at your own pace, with no bus-filled crowding or walking — and no waiting. You'll be protected from the weather, including rain, snow and sun. Kid friendly and your dogs are most welcome! This is the best option for anyone with a mobility impairment.
Our most popular tour is the Monuments and Memorials tour. We have done this tour 100+ different ways, depending on our guest's wishes. This is a tour of the entire National Mall on tricycle and includes the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean, Vietnam and WWII War Memorials, and the White House, as well as other memorials.
We also conduct night tours, which usually include all the amazing lit-up sights (our favorites at night are The White House, World War II, Lincoln, Jefferson, Roosevelt and the Capitol).
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From
$780.28
per group
From
$780.28
per group

Washington DC Museums - National Mall East Tourist Scavenger Hunt
This Tourist Scavenger Hunt takes you through the Eastern part of the National Mall where Washington's Museums are located. There are a few side trips to see various interesting things you're expecting to see, and other things you didn't know where there.
It takes 2-3 hours to complete, do it whenever you wish - you select your own date and start time, no scheduling or reservation needed. 20+ challenges, games and enigmas to solve as you walk through this historic neighborhood.
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From
$36.65
per group
From
$36.65
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Rides & Tours on the National Mall
This is a private tour in the open. If you like the outdoors, this is for you.
The tour will be designed for you.
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From
$130.97
per group
From
$130.97
per group

Private Hummer Limo DC Tours
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Hummer Limo Tour is for up to 15 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
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From
$854.80
per group
From
$854.80
per group

Private Mercedes Sprinter Van DC Tours
2
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Mercedes Van Tour is for up to 14 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
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From
$544.62
per group
From
$544.62
per group

Private Executive mini bus DC Tours
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Executive mini bus tours is for up to 32 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
…More
From
$865.76
per group
From
$865.76
per group

Private Mercedes Sprinter Van DC Tour
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Mercedes Van Tour is for up to 14 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
…More
From
$546.85
per group
From
$546.85
per group

Day or Night Private DC Sightseeing Tour
7
Explore Washington D.C.’s most important destinations with a fully-customizable, 4 or 5-hour private sightseeing tour for your group of 6 to 14 people. Work with an experienced guide to tailor the itinerary to your interests, and visit the city’s landmarks, memorials and museums. Enjoy convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off within the D.C. beltway and beyond in a comfortable minibus. Finish your tour with return transfer to your hotel, or make the most of your time in the capital by heading directly to one of the D.C. airports.
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From
$299.00
per group
From
$299.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Monumental Electric Bike Tour
5
Washington DC’s historic center spans a large area and can be difficult to see on foot. This electric bike tour allows you to cover more ground and cycle past highlights such as the Smithsonian museums, the Capitol Building, the White House, and Tidal Basin. With a motor to assist as you pedal, you’re free to concentrate on the city’s notable sights and listen as your guide points out hidden treasures you might not notice on your own.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00

Private Full Day Highlights of D.C.
On your DC in a Day: Full Day Highlights Tour you will discover the heart and soul of America’s capital district, on a guided journey to its key attractions that do DC justice - politics and all.
As you discuss the city’s role in historical events, you will journey around DC’s most famous memorials, monuments and landmarks to read the Gettysburg Address inscription at the Lincoln Memorial and reflect on the impact of America’s Civil War. The beautiful Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial both evoke the sobriety of America’s involvement in overseas conflicts. At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, it is impossible not to feel uplifted and inspired by the power of the words he penned for his famous I Have a Dream address. DC is spoiled for choice for world class-exhibitions and museums, and your DC in a Day: Full Day Highlights finale are two absolute gems - the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History.
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From
$365.00
Price varies by group size
From
$365.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Washington DC Day or Night Tour up to 11 Guests
1
This Private Washington DC Tour can accommodate up to 11 and includes transportation from site to site, professional guide, and hotel pick up and drop off. During your tour, your guide share the history of the city and details for each of the sites that you choose to visit.
This tour starts off heading to the East Side of the National Mall for your first stop at the United States Capitol Building (15 - 20 min stop). Then you will take the Presidential Inauguration route down Pennsylvania Avenue to your next stop White House (5 - 10 min stop). Travel to the center of the National Mall and visit the World War II Memorial (15 - 25 min stop) and the Washington Monument (10 - 20 min stop). Head over to the Tidal Basin and see the Jefferson Memorial (20 min stop) and Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial (15 min stop). Travel to the West Side of the National Mall and visit Lincoln Memorial (20 min stop), Korean War Veterans Memorial (15 min stop), and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (15 min stop).
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From
$475.00
per group
From
$475.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Afternoon Tour of National Mall
Visit 10-iconic Washington DC landmarks in just three hours. Get dropped off as close to each of the sites as possible. This small group tour will allow plenty of time to walk around each site and to take photos.
We will stop at these ten iconic sites.
- United States Capitol Building
- White House
- World War II Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Jefferson Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial
- Iwo Jima
- Lincoln Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Tour starts at the Washington Grand Hyatt. Meet your guide in front of the Starbucks at 11th and H St NW.
Maximum tour group size - 11
Contact us if you don't see an available spot for the day that you would like to tour. If your group is 5 or more contact us for group rates and our private tour options.
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From
$61.40
From
$61.40
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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