Discover the best of the Smithsonian Museums with a 3-hour guided tour covering the highlights of the American History, Natural History, and Air and Space Museums.
Includes guaranteed entry to the Air and Space Museum!
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum complex, featuring 21 museums and millions of artifacts. The Natural History, Air and Space, and American History Museums are among the most popular, often called the "Big 3." Each can be overwhelming, so we've curated a highlights tour. Our expert guide will lead you through each museum, showcasing essential exhibits such as Lincoln's Top Hat, Dorothy's Ruby Slippers, the Cursed Hope Diamond, iconic dinosaur fossils, the original Wright Flyer, and artifacts from the Apollo 11 lunar mission!
Please note that this tour involves walking between museums, covering approximately 1 mile in total between them. The overall walking distance for the tour is about 2 miles.
✓ Visit to the Museum of Natural History✓ Visit to the Museum of American History✓ 3-Hour Smithsonian Highlights Guided Walking Tour in Washington DC✓ Small-Group setting for a more personalized experience✓ Reserved Timed Entry to the National Air and Space Museum✓ Explore 3 of Washington DC's top museums with your guide1 Meeting Point
Meet your guide inside the Unscripted Guided Tours DC Welcome Center at 400 7th Street NW, located at the corner of 7th and D NW.
· 15 min
2 Smithsonian Institution
Learn about the rich history of the Smithsonian Institution as you pass by its original building, commonly known as the Smithsonian Castle or the Red Castle.
· Non-stop passage
3 National Air and Space Museum
Enjoy your reserved entry to the Air and Space Museum, where your guide will point out key highlights, including the Wright Flyer and space command modules.
· 45 min · Admission included
4 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Explore the renowned Hope Diamond, visit the fossil lab, and discover the "Last American Dinosaurs" exhibit.
· 45 min
5 National Museum of American History
Your guide will lead you through numerous highlights, featuring icons of pop culture, military history, and artifacts related to presidents and first ladies.
· 1 h
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Meet your guide inside the Unscripted Welcome Center at 400 7th Street NW. Please look for our signs displayed outside.
Depending on various factors, the tour may conclude at either the Air and Space Museum or the American History Museum.
Wheelchair accessible Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Sites are not listed in order visited. Museum order may vary. Please note this tour involves roughly 2 miles of walking Smithsonian "Big 3" Highlights Tour (Air & Space Entry Included) Duration: 3 hours 3 Smithsonian Museums: Visit 3 Smithsonian Museums with a highlights tour of the American History, Natural History, and Air & Space Museums. Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves approximately 2 miles of walking. Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to locate your guide. Photography is generally permitted, but check museum policies for any restrictions. Consider purchasing souvenirs or snacks after the tour. Be prepared for security checks at museum entrances. The order of museums visited may vary. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 41377P14
Activity offered by Unscripted Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center History enthusiasts Families First-time visitors to Washington DC Museum lovers Travelers interested in American culture and innovation Explore 3 iconic Smithsonian museums in Washington DC. Includes reserved entry to the National Air and Space Museum. See famous artifacts like the Hope Diamond and the Wright Flyer. Led by an expert local guide. Small group tours for a personalized experience. Covers key highlights of American History, Natural History, and Air & Space.
Population 689,545 (2020)
Elevation 72 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911 Average temperatures 0° Jan 1° Feb 6° Mar 12° Apr 18° May 23° Jun 26° Jul 25° Aug 21° Sept 14° Oct 8° Nov 3° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the meeting point for the tour? + Meet your guide inside the Unscripted Guided Tours DC Welcome Center at 400 7th Street NW, at the corner of 7th and D NW.
How much walking is involved in the tour? + This tour involves approximately 2 miles of walking in total, including walking between museums.
Is entry to the Air and Space Museum included? + Yes, reserved timed entry to the National Air and Space Museum is included in the tour.
Can I get a refund if I cancel? + You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Are strollers allowed on the tour? + Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible? + Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, including transportation options and all areas and surfaces.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excellent experience
kel35, October 2026
Christina was so informative and great company
★★★★★ Viator review
This was the perfect tour...
Tiffany_L, October 2026
This was the perfect tour to see the highlights of 3 museums, in a short period of time. Christina was knowledgeable and made the tour fun and interesting.
★★★★★ Viator review
Good Choice!
Susan_G, October 2026
We logged 10000 steps on this tour which to me was totally worth it. It was a wonderfully condensed version of three museums that interested us the most. Skye was our guide and she was interestingly informative. If you only have one day for these Smithsonian museums, don't try to do them on your own without this "summary" tour.
Response from the operator · Liam G We designed this tour for exactly this reason, to see the best of the Smithsonian Air and Space, Natural History, and American History museums when you only have one day to explore. Many try to explore on their own and never make it out of the first museum! Thanks for joining Unscripted Tours.
★★★★★ Viator review
Our DC Monuments at Night...
Broughnman_R, October 2026
Our DC Monuments at Night tour was absolutely fantastic, and Sally and Godfrey made the experience even better!
Sally was HILARIOUS! She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and had the entire bus laughing throughout the tour. Her jokes about eighth graders in America were some of the funniest moments of the night, especially since I happen to have an eighth grader myself! The best part was when Sally realized there was actually an eighth grader sitting on her bus. Her reaction was priceless! 😂
Godfrey was equally wonderful. He was polite, professional, and such a gentleman throughout the evening.
The monuments were breathtaking at night, but Sally and Godfrey truly made this an experience we won’t forget. We learned so much, laughed even more, and enjoyed every minute. If you’re visiting DC, I highly recommend this tour. Be sure to ask for Sally and Godfrey!
★★★★★ Viator review
Reflections of a 70-year-old
Josue_D, October 2026
Sky our tour guide was very a good, she asked us to make sure we were holding up ok, and although we are old 70, it was an act of kindness.
Response from the operator · Liam G Thanks for sharing! It's great to hear you felt comfortable as you explored the Smithsonian Museums of American History, Natural History, and Air and Space with Skye. Join us at Unscripted again anytime!
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