Smithsonian Natural History + American History – Exclusive Tour

Explore the captivating worlds of natural history and American heritage with this exclusive guided tour. Explore the renowned Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the National Museum of American History, led by a knowledgeable private guide. This immersive 5.5-hour experience promises an enriching journey through iconic collections, from the wonders of the natural world to the tapestry of America’s past. With a lunch break and wheelchair accessibility, this tour ensures a seamless and accessible exploration, leaving you eager to uncover the hidden gems and fascinating insights that await.

Key Points

• This guided museum tour covers both the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the National Museum of American History.
• The tour duration is 5.5 hours, including a lunch break, and is led by a private guide exclusively for the group.
• The meeting point is the Madison Drive NW entrance of the Natural History Museum, and the end point is the National Museum of American History.
• The tour is wheelchair friendly, except for the SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE option.
• Certain attractions, collections, and rooms within the museums may have unexpected closures or restrictions.

Tour Overview

This guided combo museum tour whisks visitors through the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and National Museum of American History over the course of 5.5 hours, including a lunch break.

The tour is led by a private guide who’s exclusively for your group, ensuring a personalized experience. It’s wheelchair friendly, except for the SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE option.

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, as the tour covers quite a bit of ground.

The meeting point is the Madison Drive NW entrance of the Natural History Museum, and the end point is the National Museum of American History.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and a mobile number is required.

What’s Included

The guided museum tour includes a private guide exclusively for your group, ensuring a personalized experience. Wheelchair accessibility is also provided, except for the SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE option.

With a duration of 5.5 hours, including a lunch break, the tour covers the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and National Museum of American History. Travelers can expect a comprehensive and accessible experience as they explore these renowned institutions.

The meeting point is the Madison Drive NW entrance of the Museum of Natural History, and the end point is the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. This private tour ensures that your group has the undivided attention of the knowledgeable guide throughout the journey.

Meeting Point and End Point

The tour begins at the Madison Drive NW entrance of the Museum of Natural History and concludes at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

This convenient meeting point allows the group to start their journey at the Natural History Museum before moving on to the American History Museum.

Guests don’t have to worry about finding their way, as the guide will lead them directly from one museum to the next.

The end point at the American History Museum ensures a seamless transition at the conclusion of the tour, making it easy for visitors to continue exploring the Smithsonian’s renowned collection of artifacts and exhibits on their own.

Tour Details

Guests can expect the tour to begin promptly at 10:00 am, with confirmation received at the time of booking. The tour is wheelchair accessible, though travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Tour Start	Tour Duration
10:00 am	5.5 hours

The tour includes a guided museum visit to both the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the National Museum of American History. During the 5.5-hour experience, guests will enjoy a private tour with a guide exclusively for their group. Lunch is also included as a break during the tour.

Additional Information

Please be aware that the Natural History and American History Museums, as well as other attractions, may be subject to unexpected closures.

Appropriate attire is required for entry into certain areas, and large bags or suitcases aren’t permitted – only small handbags or thin backpacks are allowed.

Some rooms within the museums may have restrictions on speaking.

The collections displayed may vary throughout the year.

While this is a private tour/activity, you’ll be participating alongside only your group.

The tour is designed to be wheelchair accessible, except for the SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE option.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair friendly, except for the SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE option.

Surfaces throughout the museums are accessible for those with mobility needs. The Natural History Museum and American History Museum have made great strides to ensure their exhibits and facilities are inclusive. Ramps, elevators, and wide doorways allow smooth navigation for wheelchair users.

However, the SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE option may have limited accessibility, so travelers with special needs should inquire about accommodations.

Lunch Break

During the 5.5-hour tour, there’s a scheduled lunch break for visitors to refuel and recharge. Lunch is not included in the tour package, allowing participants the flexibility to explore the variety of dining options around the Smithsonian museums at their own pace. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a sit-down meal, the area offers a range of cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets.

Restaurant	Cuisine	Price Range
Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe	Native American	$$
Courtyard Cafe	American	$
Domino’s Pizza	Italian	$
The Pavilion Cafe	International	$$
Potbelly Sandwich Shop	Sandwiches	$

Museum Collections

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum and National Museum of American History boast an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that offer visitors a captivating glimpse into the natural world and the history of the United States.

From the iconic Hope Diamond to the original Star-Spangled Banner, these museums’ holdings are truly impressive.

Visitors can explore prehistoric fossils, ancient cultures, and cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

The collections continuously evolve, with new acquisitions and rotating exhibits ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Whether you’re interested in geology, paleontology, or American history, these world-class museums provide an enriching and educational experience that’s not to be missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks, consumption is typically restricted to designated areas within the museums. Check with the tour guide for specific guidelines on bringing outside items.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Museums?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Smithsonian museums, but visitors should check with their guide or museum staff for any specific restrictions. Some rooms or exhibits may have limitations on photography to preserve the collections.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children who may have difficulty maintaining focus during the 5.5-hour duration.

Can We Make Changes to the Itinerary During the Tour?

The tour itinerary is set, but guests can discuss any changes they’d like with the guide. However, the guide may not be able to accommodate all requests due to museum policies and tour logistics.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Headsets for the Audio Guide?

No, headsets are not required for this tour. The guide will provide an exclusive tour and handle all communication needs during the experience. Guests can enjoy the museums without the need to bring their own audio equipment.

Recap

This exclusive guided tour offers an immersive exploration of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the National Museum of American History.

Guests can explore the wonders of the natural world and the rich tapestry of American history, with a personalized experience led by a private guide.

Wheelchair-accessible and including a lunch break, this 5.5-hour adventure promises an enriching and memorable day in the heart of Washington, D.C.