Smithsonian Natural History + American History - Exclusive Tour
Description
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
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
Reviews(24)
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.
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.
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!!
Outstanding personal service while concentrating on important attractions. Much better than scrambling around and wasting time. Tour guide, Rebecca, was the best in DC!!
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.
The guide was very knowledgeable , however he resisted tailoring our private tour to what my 13 year old grandson would have enjoyed. Kids don’t really care about architecture.
This is the first time I visited Washington DC. I booked five different guided tours with different companies. I can honestly said that this is the best of all. My tour guide Stephen Mead is very knowledgeable. He's very enthusiastic, energetic and very easy to follow. Natural History Museum and American History Museum are HUGE. The humongous amount of exhibitions could be overwhelming. I would be completely lost without Stephen. He made the tours of both museums extremely enjoyable. And this is truly an exclusive tour. There were total of six people in the Natural History Museum tour and only total of four in the American History Museum tour. I highly highly recommend this tour. Absolutely book this, and if you have a chance, request Stephen Mead.
Stephen was really great. Moved us through so we saw everything of significance and shared an indepth knowledge of the various displays.
Our family of 5 did the private Nat. History and Amer. History tour with Donna - who was amazing!!!! Donna is everything you look for in a guide!!! Natural History exceeded our expectations but American History really impressed us the most! SO much to see in both! Babylon has great customer service!
We had a small group tour and then a private tour with Brenda. She was terrific and a history buff with a passion for anything George Washington!
