Washington DC · WASHINGTON DC MUSEUM TOURS

Smithsonian & Museum Tours in DC: The 15 Best Guides

68 tours  ·  from $34 a head

The Smithsonian museums are free; what a guide adds is a route through collections too big to see in a day. These 15 cover Natural History, Air and Space, American History and the rest, with prices and group sizes.

Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry - From White House surroundings to Lincoln Park
Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC African American History Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry

1.Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,180 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

This 3.5-hour Washington tour pairs bus commentary and guided stops at landmarks including Black Lives Matter Plaza, the MLK Memorial and Lincoln Memorial with reserved-entry access to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Guides such as Dre and Elvis have led the tour. The museum visit is independent, and entry availability can change.

“Me and my family had the best experience on the DC African American tour. Dre was ver knowledgeable. He gave us a lot of information we didn’t know about African American history and its history in DC. I will recommend this tour to all my family and friends.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC: Museum of the Bible General Admission - Seven floors, three and a half millennia
Tour Reviews, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

Washington DC: Museum of the Bible General Admission

2.Museum of the Bible General Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 494 reviews · 1 day · from $34Best value

Spend a day exploring seven floors of biblical manuscripts, artifacts, printed books, art, and interactive exhibits near the National Mall. Admission includes early entry from 9 AM except Sundays, a 12-minute film, and a 30-minute Hebrew Bible experience. You can also add a six-minute Washington flight simulator, with a 42-inch height requirement.

“It exceeded my expectations! I was concerned my teenaged grandson would be bored, but he was captivated, not only by the interactive dramatizations, but also by the artifacts. We'd like to visit this museum again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour - From the Hope Diamond to minerals
Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Exclusive Guided Tour

3.Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Exclusive Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 446 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89Top rated

Spend about two hours with a guide at Washington’s National Museum of Natural History, from the 46-carat Hope Diamond to Egyptian mummies and Ocean Hall’s 45-ton whale replica. The private option lets your guide focus on your group; guides such as Leigh, Meghan and Christopher have led past tours, but assignments vary. Choose a morning or afternoon start.

“Our tour guide knew a lot about a lot and educated us with passion. Wonderful. It was the in-depth knowledge that made this tour great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket - From the Capitol to the White House
Historical Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC African American History Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket

4.African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 390 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

This 3.5-hour small-group tour links Washington’s monuments with Black history, from the Capitol and Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial concert to LeDroit Park and the Frederick Douglass home on selected days. Kenny is a guide associated with the tour. Museum admission, bottled water, and air-conditioned transport are included; the visit ends at the museum.

“Must do it very informative 👍 and glad we did KB touring was worth every penny and I will do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

National Mall Tour with 10 Stops & U.S. Capitol or Museum Entry - The guide and driver are a big part of the day
National Mall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

National Mall Tour with 10 Stops & U.S. Capitol or Museum Entry

5.National Mall Tour with 10 Stops & U.S. Capitol or Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 331 reviews · 3 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $59

Cover the National Mall’s major memorials by bus and on foot, with a guide explaining the stories behind each stop. The $59 base tour lasts about three hours; paid upgrades can add a Capitol walk or entry to selected museums and the Washington Monument. Guides vary, with Tyrone, Sally, James, and Vernon among those named by past participants.

“Excellent, informative and both driver and guide were super nice and funny. The tour allowed us to see so many amazing DC sites in a short period of time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry - From the White House to the Lincoln Memorial
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC African American History Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry

6.African American History Tour & Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 312 reviews · 210 minutes - 4 hours · from $89

Travel by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide to landmarks including Howard University, historic U Street, Lincoln Park, and the Lincoln Memorial. Guides on this tour have included Dre and Elvis Pate. Timed entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture is included, with time to explore it on your own.

“Dre was awesome. Very informative, I learned a lot.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Smithsonian Museums Walking Tour with Reserved Air & Space Entry - Natural History: the Hope Diamond and dinosaur fossils
Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours, Washington DC Walking Tours

Smithsonian Museums Walking Tour with Reserved Air & Space Entry

7.Smithsonian Museums Walking Tour with Reserved Air & Space Entry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 297 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Visit the Natural History, Air and Space, and American History museums with a guide in a group of no more than 15. Expect about two miles of walking, a fast-moving look at major exhibits, and reserved timed entry to Air and Space. Guides such as Shane, Christina, and Dash are praised for adapting the stops to your interests.

“There was so much to see that you couldn’t possibly cover it in one day, but my tour guide Claudia did an amazing job. I didn’t care to spend as much time in the Museum of Natural History because I had spent a lot of time at that museum in New York many years ago. So, we tailored the experience to spend more time and the museum of American history and the air and space Museum, which were both amazing! It’s important to let the guy know what you’re interested in seeing, because there is really so much to absorb.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Capitol Combo: U.S. Capitol + Library Congress or Capitol Museum - The Supreme Court from the outside
Tour Reviews, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours

Capitol Combo: U.S. Capitol + Library Congress or Capitol Museum

8.Capitol Combo: U.S. Capitol + Library Congress or Capitol Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 294 reviews · 2 hours 1 minute (approx.) · from $79

Walk Capitol Hill with a guide, stop outside the Supreme Court and congressional offices, then enter the U.S. Capitol for its Rotunda, Crypt, and historic chambers. The tour also includes the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, except on Mondays and at 8am, when the Capitol Museum replaces it. Guides named by past participants include Rochelle, Tyrone, Dwayne, and Amanda.

“Great and engaging tour. Added insights and knowledge of capital, the area and even unique gifts from the gift shop. Good energy and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

U.S. Capitol Tour with Library of Congress or Capitol Museum - Inside the Capitol: the Rotunda, Crypt and historic chambers
Library of Congress Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

U.S. Capitol Tour with Library of Congress or Capitol Museum

9.U.S. Capitol Tour with Library of Congress or Capitol Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 286 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $64

Spend about two hours on Capitol Hill with a live English-speaking guide, then enter the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress, except on Mondays and 8 a.m. tours, when the Capitol Museum is substituted. Expect the Rotunda, Crypt, outdoor memorials and a short Library visit. Guides such as Dwayne and Rochelle have earned praise for lively, detailed storytelling.

“Very nice tour of the Capital and Library of Congress. My rating would have been a five without the guide's political commentary.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour - The guide brings the objects to life
Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour

10.Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 245 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Spend about 2.5 hours exploring the National Museum of American History with a private or semi-private guide. See the Star-Spangled Banner, George Washington’s sword, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, First Ladies’ gowns, and the Greensboro lunch counter, with a route that can reflect your interests. Guides who have led the tour include Rebecca, Leigh, Maribeth, and Annemarie.

“I think Leigh explained everything very well and was a great story teller. I loved every exhibit! Thank you Leigh!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket - Rare Artifacts and the Human Story
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

11.Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 233 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Spend about three hours at the Museum of the Bible, a few blocks from the National Mall. Your admission ticket includes access to the museum and a digital guide. Explore interactive displays, rare artifacts, a first-century village setting, and an exhibit that lets you walk through a recreation of the Red Sea. Guided tours, virtual reality, and other add-ons cost extra.

“Museum of the Bible traces the history of the Bible and the ministry of Jesus Christ!! It is a wonderful overview of the greatest book in the world, the foundation of the Jewish Nation, and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ! It is food for the soul of every believing Christian and could serve to convert nonbelievers into believing Christians! A museum not to be missed when visiting the sights in Washington, DC!”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Tour with 10+ Stops, Washington Monument or Air & Space - Memorial stops reward a little looking around
DC Monuments and Memorials Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

City Tour with 10+ Stops, Washington Monument or Air & Space

12.City Tour with 10+ Stops, Washington Monument or Air & Space

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 216 reviews · 3 hours · from $59

Spend about three hours riding between Washington DC’s major sights, with a guide who stays with the group and walks you through key stops. Get photos at the Capitol, White House and memorials, pass the Washington Monument and Arlington Cemetery, and check whether your booking option includes an upgraded ticket.

“James and Cris are amazing, James share with us how he met Martin Luther King, and most amazing history in Washington DC. Cris is an excelent driver and give us water during the tour, they make us felt so welcome.”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Exclusive Guided Tour - From the Wright Flyer to the age of flight
Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Exclusive Guided Tour

13.The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Exclusive Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 214 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Spend about two and a half hours at the National Air and Space Museum with a private or small-group guide. Look for the Wright Flyer, Apollo-era objects, and other aviation and space exhibits that are open during ongoing renovations. Guides such as Rebecca, Tim, Ryan, and Meghan have led lively, family-friendly tours.

“The host was very knowledgeable and did a good job of keeping the group together and integrating the attendees that arrived late. Disappointing that several new exhibits weren't open to the public as of yet. Well worth the expense!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max - What the eight-person limit changes
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max

14.Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Explore the National Museum of Natural History with a guide and no more than seven other guests. In two hours, you’ll see the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, animal displays, and Ocean Hall’s whale and coral reef exhibits. Guides have included Brenda, Leigh, Kate, Meghan, and Richard. Museum admission is free; the tour costs $89.67 per person.

“Wonderful experience. So glad we had a great guide to follow. The place is huge and filled with so much to see.”

Check availability →Read our full review

The National Gallery of Art DC - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour - From Renaissance masters to modern art
Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

The National Gallery of Art DC – Exclusive Guided Museum Tour

15.The National Gallery of Art DC – Exclusive Guided Museum Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 166 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Spend about 2.5 hours with a guide at Washington’s National Gallery of Art, seeing works by da Vinci, Van Gogh, Monet and other major artists. Choose a private or small-group option and one of two start times. Guides praised for making art engaging include Rebecca, Leigh, Stephen and Annemarie.

“Leigh was a fantastic guide. Her expertise in, and love of art of every period is immediately apparent. She believes that the history of art reflects the development of human society. I agree. We live in interesting times. An appreciation of art history and it’s evolution provides a useful perspective on where we’ve been and what we may become.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Washington DC Museum Tours

★ 4.6Smithsonian American Art Museum Private Tour5 reviews
★ 3.6Museum of Natural History Private Guided Tour12 reviews
★ 4.5DC Bus Tour with Optional Washington Monument or Air & SpaceFrom $594 reviews
★ 4.0Washington DC Museums self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt4 reviews
★ 4.0Washington DC Museum of Natural History Private Family tour5 reviews
★ 5.0National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum Tour: 8ppl MaxFrom $8917 reviews
★ 4.0Private Tour of Museum of African American History and Culture6 reviews
★ 5.0DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum – Exclusive Guided TourFrom $8924 reviews
★ 5.0Smithsonian Natural History + American History – Exclusive TourFrom $16622 reviews
★ 5.0Smithsonian Natural History Museum Semi-Private Guided TourFrom $1295 reviews
★ 5.0National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum Semi-Private TourFrom $12911 reviews
★ 4.5Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Architecture TourFrom $489 reviews
★ 5.0National Gallery of Art, American Art & Portrait Gallery TourFrom $7922 reviews
★ 5.0250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided TourFrom $753 reviews
★ 5.0Family Friendly Smithsonian Natural History Museum Private TourFrom $2683 reviews

Keep browsing

US Capitol ToursNational Archives ToursLibrary of Congress ToursWashington DC African American History Tours
Scroll to Top

Where to next in the capital

Pick a memorial, a museum or a night out.

Monuments

MemorialsNational MallWhite HouseCherry Blossoms

Inside

US CapitolNational ArchivesLibrary of CongressMuseumsBlack History

After dark

Night ToursGhost WalksPub CrawlsFood Tours

Wheels and water

Trolleys & BusesElectric CartsBike ToursPotomac CruisesPrivate Tours