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Smithsonian "Big 3" Highlights Tour (Air & Space Entry Included)

506 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 506 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Washington DC, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 107 (89) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

See the best of the Smithsonian Museums on a 3-hour guided tour of the highlights of the American History, Natural History, and Air and Space Museums.

Includes Reserved Entry to the Air and Space Museum!

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum complex with 21 museums and miliions of objects! The Natural History, Air and Space, and American History Museums are 3 of the most popular, often referred to as the Big 3. Each of these museums can be overwhelming so we put together a highlights tour. Our expert guide will take you through each of the museums and showcase all of the "must see" items in each. Including: 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!

Note that there is walking between the museums for a total of roughly 1 mile. Total walking for this tour equates to approximately 2 miles.

What's Included

  • Visit the Museum of Natural History
  • Visit the Museum of American History
  • Small-Group for a more personalized experience
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

400 7th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20004, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Unscripted by Guided Tours DC

Meet your guide inside the Unscripted Guided Tours DC Welcome Center at 400 7th Street NW, at the corner of 7th and D NW
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Smithsonian Institution Building (pass by)

Learn the full history of the Smithsonian Institution as you pass the building where it all started, known locally as the Smithsonian Castle or the Red Castle.
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National Air and Space Museum

Enjoy reserved entry to the Air and Space museum, where your guide will show you the top highlights including the Wright Flyer, space command modules, and more!
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

See the famed hope diamond, visit the fossil lab and The Last American Dinosaurs exhibit.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

American History Museum

Your guide will help you explore many highlights including pop culture icons, military history, and presidents' & first ladies' artifacts.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Smithsonian “Big 3” Highlights Tour (Air & Space Entry Included)?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-41377P14

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
506 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 504 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
454
4 stars
27
3 stars
14
2 stars
3
1 star
6
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 107 (89) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Visit the Museum of Natural History
  • Visit the Museum of American History
  • Small-Group for a more personalized experience
  • Reserved Timed Entry to the National Air and Space Museum
  • Explore 3 of the top museums in Washington DC with your Guide
  • 3-Hour Smithsonian Highlights Guided Walking Tour in Washington DC
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Sites are not listed in order visited. Museum order may vary.
  • Please note this tour involves roughly 2 miles of walking
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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