Washington, D.C. is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, and the Smithsonian Highlights tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the city’s iconic cultural institutions. With skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide, visitors can dive into the captivating history and artifacts showcased across the Air & Space, Natural History, and American History museums. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an engaging day out, this tour promises an immersive and efficient experience that will leave you eager to…
Key Points
- The 3-hour guided tour highlights key Smithsonian museums, including Air & Space, Natural History, and American History.
- Visitors can explore the flag that inspired the National Anthem and learn about a cursed gem at the Natural History Museum.
- The tour includes skip-the-line entry to the National Archives, allowing efficient exploration of the museums.
- Guests will gain a deeper understanding of America’s captivating past through the guidance of a professional tour guide.
- The tour is likely to sell out quickly, and prices start from £62.28 per person, making it an immersive and efficient way to explore the Smithsonian’s iconic attractions.
Key Details

This Smithsonian highlights tour is likely to sell out quickly, with prices starting from £62.28 per person. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, without needing to pay anything upfront.
The tour lasts 3 hours and includes guided exploration of the Air & Space, Natural History, and American History museums. Highlights include seeing the flag that inspired the National Anthem, learning about a cursed gem at Natural History, and viewing highlights from the American History museum’s 1.7 million object collection.
The tour also includes skip-the-line entry to the National Archives. Visitors should be prepared for 3 hours of walking with breaks and airport-style security checks, as the tour will run rain or shine.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Washington Dc.
Activity Description

The guided tour explores the highlights of the Smithsonian’s renowned museums, including the Air & Space, Natural History, and American History collections.
Visitors will discover the flag that inspired the national anthem, learn the history of a cursed gem at the Natural History Museum, and see the highlights of a 1.7 million object collection at the American History Museum.
The tour includes skip-the-line entry to the National Archives, ensuring a seamless experience. Led by a professional guide, the 3-hour tour involves a moderate amount of walking with breaks.
Visitors should come prepared, as the tour will take place rain or shine and all guests will pass through airport-style security.
Highlights

Washington DC: Smithsonian Highlights
Visitors can marvel at the flag that inspired the national anthem, uncover the intriguing history of a cursed gem at the Natural History Museum, and explore the highlights of a vast 1.7 million object collection at the American History Museum.
At the Air and Space Museum, they’ll be awed by the impressive displays showcasing the history of aviation and space exploration.
This guided tour offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the rich cultural heritage preserved within the iconic Smithsonian museums. With skip-the-line entry and a knowledgeable guide, visitors can make the most of their time and gain a deeper understanding of America’s captivating past.
Inclusions

Visitors can skip the line at the National Archives and enjoy the services of a professional guide throughout the 3-hour tour of the Smithsonian’s key highlights.
The tour includes entry passes to the Air and Space Museum, allowing guests to explore this vast collection.
Highlights include seeing the flag that inspired the National Anthem, learning the history of a cursed gem at the Natural History Museum, and viewing the top exhibits from the American History Museum’s 1.7 million object collection.
With airport-style security in place, the tour will proceed rain or shine, offering a comprehensive and seamless experience for visitors to discover the Smithsonian’s most iconic attractions.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point
Guests will meet at the Unscripted Welcome Center, located at 400 7th Street NW, to begin the 3-hour guided tour of the Smithsonian’s key highlights.
From there, the group will explore the Air & Space, Natural History, and American History museums. Visitors should expect around 3 hours of walking with breaks in between.
All guests will pass through airport-style security before entering the museums. The tour will run rain or shine, so it’s recommended to dress appropriately for the weather.
With skip-the-line entry to the National Archives included, guests can look forward to an efficient and informative exploration of the Smithsonian’s most iconic exhibits.
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Important Information

In an article titled ‘Washington DC: Smithsonian Highlights’, it’s now time to discuss the important information.
This tour involves approximately 3 hours of walking with breaks between museum visits. All visitors will need to pass through airport-style security before entering the Smithsonian museums. Regardless of the weather, the guided tour will take place rain or shine, so it’s advisable to dress appropriately.
To make the most of the experience, visitors should:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a water bottle and snacks
- Be prepared to spend time in lines and security checkpoints
The tour provides an efficient way to see the highlights of the Smithsonian’s vast collection, so visitors can make the most of their time in the nation’s capital.
Directions
The Unscripted Welcome Center, located at 400 7th Street NW, serves as the meeting point for the Smithsonian Highlights guided tour. Visitors should plan to arrive at the center a few minutes before the scheduled start time.
From there, the group will be led on a 3-hour walking tour through the Air & Space, Natural History, and American History museums. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for some light exercise, as the tour involves roughly 3 hours of intermittent walking with breaks.
The tour will take place rain or shine, so it’s recommended to dress appropriately for the weather. All visitors will pass through airport-style security upon entry to the museums.
Booking

Though the Smithsonian Highlights tour is likely to sell out, visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, with prices starting from £62.28 per person.
This 3-hour guided tour explores the Air & Space, Natural History, and American History museums, including skip-the-line entry to the National Archives. Highlights include:
- See the flag that inspired the National Anthem
- Learn the history of a cursed gem at Natural History
- See highlights of a 1.7 million object collection at American History
Visitors can book their spot and pay nothing today, securing their place on this immersive Smithsonian experience. The tour takes place rain or shine, with 3 hours of walking and breaks included.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are typically allowed to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as policies may vary. Consuming food and drinks should be done respectfully during any designated breaks.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. Visitors using wheelchairs can participate in the guided museum tour, and the tour includes skip-the-line entry to the National Archives and accommodations for exploring the museum highlights.
Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Students can save 10% while seniors 65+ can save 15% off the regular price when booking this Smithsonian highlights tour in Washington DC.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The guided Smithsonian highlights tour allows visitors to capture photos of the museums’ iconic exhibits and artifacts along the way.
Are Audio Guides Available for the Museum Exhibits?
Yes, audio guides are available for the museum exhibits. Visitors can rent them on-site to enhance their self-guided exploration and learn more about the collections at their own pace.
Washington DC: Smithsonian Highlights
Recap
To get to the Smithsonian Highlights tour’s meeting point, simply head to the National Archives.
The tour starts right there, so you won’t have to worry about finding a different location.
Just make sure to arrive on time, as the tour won’t wait for latecomers.
With skip-the-line entry and a knowledgeable guide, you’re in for an efficient and memorable exploration of DC’s iconic Smithsonian museums.


















