Washington DC: Smithsonian Highlights

The Smithsonian Highlights tour offers visitors a chance to explore the best of Washington DC’s iconic museums in a convenient 3-hour package. This small-group guided experience takes participants through three renowned Smithsonian institutions, providing reserved entry and expert insights along the way. From the American flag that inspired the national anthem to the legendary Hope Diamond, the tour promises to uncover a treasure trove of historical and scientific wonders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned DC enthusiast, this tour guarantees an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the nation’s capital.

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Key Points

A 3-hour guided tour visiting the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.
Highlights include the iconic flag that inspired the National Anthem, the Cursed Hope Diamond, and a space suit from the moon landing.
Efficient time management at each museum, providing a comprehensive and engaging Smithsonian experience.
Small-group format with reserved timed entry passes, hotel pickup/drop-off, and gratuities included.
Highly rated customer experience, with guides praised for their knowledge and engagement.

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Tour Overview

The Smithsonian Highlights tour is a 3-hour adventure that takes visitors through three renowned Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C.

Priced from $89 per person, the tour offers a convenient way to experience the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Visitors meet at the Unscripted Welcome Center and enjoy the expertise of a professional guide throughout the experience.

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Museums Visited

Visitors to the Smithsonian Highlights tour explore three renowned Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. The first stop is the National Museum of American History, where they marvel at the flag that inspired the national anthem. Next, they venture to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, captivated by the mysterious cursed diamond. The final museum on the itinerary is the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, where they gaze upon the iconic space suit from the moon landing.

| Museum | Highlights |

| — | — |

| National Museum of American History | Flag that inspired the National Anthem |

| Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History | Cursed diamond |

| Smithsonian Air & Space Museum | Space suit from the moon landing |

The tour efficiently maximizes the time spent at each museum, providing visitors with a comprehensive and engaging Smithsonian experience.

Key Attractions

The tour highlights an array of captivating artifacts and exhibits across the three Smithsonian museums.

At the National Museum of American History, visitors can see the flag that inspired the National Anthem.

Visitors can see the iconic flag that inspired the National Anthem at the National Museum of American History.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History showcases the cursed Hope Diamond.

The Smithsonian Air & Space Museum features a space suit from the moon landing.

Plus, the tour explores pop culture artifacts from America’s history, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the nation’s past.

With a collection of 1.7 million objects, the tour maximizes visitors’ time to explore the most iconic exhibits.

Tour Features

This tour offers a small-group guided experience, providing visitors with reserved timed entry passes to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Guests will also receive hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities covered. To enhance the experience, the tour includes a professional guide to share their expertise.

| Tour Features | Details |

|——|——|

| Group Size | Small-group guided tour |

| Included | Professional guide, Reserved timed entry passes to Air and Space Museum, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities |

| Duration | 3 hours |

| Price | From $89.00 per person |

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Customer Experience

Travelers consistently praise the Smithsonian tour for its exceptional value, rating it 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 43 reviews.

Guides receive a perfect 5/5 rating for their knowledgeability and engaging presentations. Customers note the tour efficiently maximizes their time in the museums, allowing them to see key highlights.

Both solo travelers and groups report positive experiences. The tour’s small-group format, timed entry passes, and included transportation contribute to its strong value proposition.

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What to Bring and Prohibited Items

Comfortable shoes are a must-bring for the Smithsonian Highlights tour, as it involves extensive walking between museums.

Beyond that, visitors should pack light, leaving behind any weapons, sharp objects, luggage, or large bags. These items are prohibited and won’t be allowed on the tour.

The museums have airport-style security, so it’s best to travel as efficiently as possible.

The tour takes place rain or shine, so visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.

With the right footwear and packing light, guests can fully enjoy the dynamic Smithsonian experience.

Tour Conditions

The Smithsonian Highlights tour operates rain or shine, ensuring visitors can explore the renowned museums regardless of the weather.

The tour involves walking with breaks throughout the three-hour experience. All visitors must pass through airport-style security before entering the museums.

The tour takes place in a small group guided by a knowledgeable professional.

Tour conditions include:

Involves walking with breaks
Takes place rain or shine
Requires passing through airport-style security
Guided by a professional
Small group size

Trip Highlights

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the Smithsonian’s renowned museums, showcasing a trifecta of must-see attractions. The National Museum of American History highlights the flag that inspired the National Anthem and a collection of 1.7 million objects chronicling America’s history. At the Natural History Museum, guests can marvel at the Cursed diamond. The Air & Space Museum features a captivating space suit from the moon landing, along with a wealth of iconic American pop culture artifacts.

| Museum | Duration | Key Attractions |

| — | — | — |

| National Museum of American History | 1 hour | Flag that inspired the National Anthem, Collection of 1.7 million objects |

| Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History | 1 hour | Cursed diamond |

| Smithsonian Air & Space Museum | 1 hour | Space suit from the moon landing, Pop culture artifacts |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Museums?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside the museums during the tour. However, they should check with the guide or museum staff for any restrictions on flash photography or filming in certain galleries.

Are There Any Dining Options During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any dining options. However, there are various food and beverage vendors within the Smithsonian museums that visitors can purchase from during the breaks between museum visits.

Do I Need a Physical Ticket or Can I Use a Mobile Pass?

You can use a mobile pass for the tour. The tour provider offers digital tickets that you can access on your smartphone, so you don’t need to print out a physical ticket.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

Guests can explore on their own during scheduled breaks, but should rejoin the group at the designated meeting time to continue the tour. The guide will provide clear instructions on when and where to meet back up.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. The tours involve a lot of walking, so dressing for comfort is key to fully enjoy the experience.

The Sum Up

The Smithsonian Highlights tour offers a comprehensive and efficient way to experience three of Washington DC’s premier museums. With reserved entry, knowledgeable guides, and a focus on iconic exhibits, this 3-hour tour provides an engaging and memorable visit. Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned traveler, this tour is a fantastic option to make the most of your time in the nation’s capital.