United States
District of Columbia (DC)
Washington DC
Things to do in Washington DC
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
See all things to do

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

See all things to do
See all things to do
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
4.5
12,392
#3 of 497 things to do in Washington DC
Natural History Museums
Read more
10:00 - 17:30
Monday
10:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:30
Thursday
10:00 - 17:30
Friday
10:00 - 17:30
Saturday
10:00 - 17:30
Sunday
10:00 - 17:30
Write a review
About
Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
See all
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: National Mall
How to get there
  • Federal Triangle • 5 min walk
  • Archives • 6 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,027 within 5 kms
Central Michel Richard
926
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • American • International • Vegetarian Friendly
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
1,643
0.4 km€€€€ • Steakhouse • Brazilian • Latin
Barmini
278
0.6 km€€€€ • Bar
The Capital Grille
2,095
0.5 km€€€€ • Steakhouse • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Fiola
923
0.5 km€€€€ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Rasika
2,871
0.6 km€€€€ • Indian • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
Pavilion Cafe
461
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Penn Quarter Sports Tavern
457
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • American • Bar • Pub
Oyamel
2,180
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Mexican • Latin • Central American
Jaleo by José Andrés
2,567
0.6 km€€ - €€€ • Latin • Mediterranean • Spanish
See all
Attractions
585 within 10 kms
The Ellipse
43
90 mParks
National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden
582
0.3 kmArt Galleries • Parks
Smithsonian Institution Building
3,545
0.3 kmCastles • Government Buildings
The National Archives Museum
3,544
0.3 kmSpeciality Museums
National Mall
8,352
0.3 kmHistoric Walking Areas • Parks
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
738
0.4 kmArt Museums
National Museum of American History
5,024
0.3 kmHistory Museums
Old Post Office Pavilion
605
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
National Gallery of Art
9,294
0.5 kmArt Museums
National Museum of African Art
246
0.4 kmSpeciality Museums • History Museums
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
12,392 reviews
Excellent
8,329
Very good
2,899
Average
930
Poor
173
Terrible
62
Becky V
7249320280 contributions
Great, but crowded
Nov 2022
WOW. The gems are incredible! Hope diamond! the display area has been recently renovated and is incredible. The dinosaurs are really neat too.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DrJohn
Lexington, KY159 contributions
More than bones and rocks
Jan 2023
I expected dinosaur bones and rocks, but this museum delivered far more than I expected. It is a place we will visit again and again, as there is so much to see and experience. The crystals and gem collections were impressive and beautifully presented. Although the butterfly exhibit was closed, there was more than enough to see in an afternoon. Highly recommended.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ctimms125
Austin, TX67 contributions
There is SO MUCH!
Nov 2022
I am always overwhelmed seeing things that we don't see on a daily basis or at things that we do see and take for granted. This museum is a must-see.
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deana H
24 contributions
So much more than expected
Jan 2023
Honestly thought we'd be seeing tons of dinosaur things or stuff that didn't really interest us. We almost didn't go, but the rocks, gems and minerals were AMAZING. The mummies were creepy but cool. The mammals specifically of the animals were very cool. It was great. We went on a Sunday though so many many children around.
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kmusikgal
13 contributions
Exceptional
Jan 2023
Met our expectations and then some. The Hope Diamond, the fossil and oceans exhibits was impressive.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dgnyc113
New York City, NY10 contributions
Free Entertainment!
Jan 2023
Awesome Museum with amazing exhibits. Great place for all ages while you walk around and check things out. Gift Shop has some cool/unique things to remember your visit. Even with huge crowds it didn't feel cramped.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ketkout D
Mascara, Algeria2 contributions
See Smithsonian and die
Feb 2022
The Smithsonian Museum is the largest and most interesting Museum in the world. In fact, it is a group of museums, the most important of which, in my opinion as an agronomist, is the botanical museum and that of the history of natural sciences. You can also see the aviation and space museum, the Indian museum. The best thing about all of this is that admission to these museums is totally free.
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rmpangui
Santiago, Chile146 contributions
Overwhelming
Jan 2023
I only had 90 minutes for y visit and the layout and explainations allowed me to pick and see what was of my inerest. A wide variety of items and exhibits offer everyone the chance to see and learn about the topic of their choice.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark
Macquarie Park, Australia44 contributions
A jewel in the Smithsonian crown
Jan 2023 • Solo
Outstanding exhibitions. I could have spent hours more there. It was clean and bright and full of information laid out in easy to follow manner. Well worth a visit or two.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Often_on_road
New Jersey419 contributions
May sure you visit the Gems and Minerals
Dec 2022
A fabulous museum. Make sure to visit the Gems (see the Hope Diamond and other exquisite jewelry) as well as the amazing mineral collection.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 10,367
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History | Washington DC | UPDATED February 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:30
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 34 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History tours on Tripadvisor