National Air and Space Museum Tours

National Air and Space Museum showing interior views
National Air and Space Museum featuring interior views as well as a large group of people
National Air and Space Museum showing interior views
National Air and Space Museum which includes interior views
National Air and Space Museum which includes interior views


Heaven for aviation enthusiasts, this museum takes you on an uplifting journey through the history of flight and space travel.

You’ll find the largest collection of air and spacecraft anywhere in the world at the National Air and Space Museum. The exhibits are all originals or back-ups of originals, adding an authentic aura to hundreds of impressive displays.

Explore 22 different galleries featuring craft from every arena of aviation, from the rickety contraptions in the Early Flight section, through to the space age in the Apollo to the Moon gallery. Milestones of Flight is the showcase gallery, featuring the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St Louis in which Charles Lindburgh made his first journey across the Atlantic, and the Apollo 11 Command Module.

Education takes fun and thrilling turns at the interactive exhibits. At the hands-on How Things Fly exhibit, children discover how something as heavy as a Boeing 747 becomes airborne. Climb into the cockpit of a flight simulator and steer a modern jet into combat, or tour the expansive cosmos on a futuristic spacecraft.

The museum also has an IMAX Theater and the Albert Einstein Planetarium, both of which run several daily showings of flight and space related cinematic experiences. Screenings cost extra but are an excellent way to relieve tired legs and keep younger members of the family entertained. A food-court-style eating area also provides a chance to relax and refuel.

Besides the numerous exhibits, the Air and Space Museum also runs a number of events and lectures throughout the year, such as the excellent Ask the Expert lectures every Wednesday evening. Many of the events are free, so ask at the reception desk to see what coincides with your visit.

The museum does get busy, so arriving early is often a good idea. Aviation buffs should also visit the museum’s companion facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport. The center displays the thousands of artifacts not able to be displayed at the National Mall site. Both facilities are open daily, except Christmas Day, and admission is free.

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Reviews of National Air and Space Museum

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
905
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
407
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
150
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
20
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
21
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

primarily closed

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

There was a LONG line out front, but don't feel intimidated! It's pretty quick and is definitely free.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Under renovation so limited

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Just a tip, most of the museum is under renovation so only half of the exhibits were available to view.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

most of the exhibits were closed, wasn't a lot to see

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Major renovations going on currently so wan unable to see a huge part of the museum.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Air and Space Museum

At the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., visitors can explore fascinating exhibits showcasing the history of aviation and space exploration. Nearby, enjoy a variety of activities, including vibrant art galleries, unique shopping experiences, and live theater performances. A visit to this iconic museum promises an unforgettable journey through the wonders of flight and the universe.

Shopping

Visit the Union Station Shopping Center, just 1 mile from the National Air and Space Museum, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. CityCenterDC is 0.9 miles away, perfect for family-friendly vibes. For a unique experience, Union Market is 2 miles away, featuring local vendors and city flair.

Recreation

Head to Capital One Arena for an energetic sports experience, just a short walk away. For a touch of luxury, unwind at the Cosmos Club. If you enjoy outdoor activities, the East Potomac Golf Course offers a scenic spot for a round of golf and fresh air.

Adventure

Embark on an adventurous hike at Soapstone Valley Park, located 5 miles from the National Air and Space Museum, where scenic trails await. For a different thrill, enjoy a match at East Potomac Tennis Center, only 0.9 mile away, or head to Rock Creek Tennis Center, also 5 miles distant.

Nightlife

After your visit to the National Air and Space Museum, catch a show at the Kennedy Center, just 2 miles away, or enjoy a live performance at The Anthem, only 0.7 miles away. Ford's Theater, also 0.7 miles away, offers a historic atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near National Air and Space Museum

While visiting the National Air and Space Museum, you can explore various attractions including memorials, historic government buildings, and urban parks. This area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families, with the nearby Smithsonian National Air and the Washington Capitol as must-see spots. Don’t miss out on the National Museum and other top attractions that highlight the area's historical significance and vibrant atmosphere.

  • National Mall: A sprawling national park just 0.3 miles from the National Air and Space Museum, the National Mall offers breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and a rich historical backdrop. Stroll along the iconic pathways and take in the diverse scenery, including monuments and memorials.
  • White House: Located 1 mile away, the White House is a symbol of American culture and history. This iconic government building invites you to appreciate its stunning architecture and learn about its role in the nation’s political landscape through guided tours and nearby exhibits.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Situated 1 mile from the museum, this modern event venue is the hub for business events and conferences in Washington, D.C. Explore its vibrant atmosphere, where networking and innovation come together in a dynamic setting.

Best time to go to National Air and Space Museum

The best time to visit National Air and Space Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Air and Space Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Air and Space Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Air and Space Museum

To save money on your visit to the National Air and Space Museum, consider traveling during the off-peak months of December to February, when hotel rates are lower. Fridays tend to be the cheapest days to book accommodations. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find the best hotel deals, filter by eco-friendly options, and create package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays, enhancing your overall travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Air and Space Museum are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Air and Space Museum is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around National Air and Space Museum is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can sort your results from the lowest to highest prices, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to filter your search by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll see a list of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by creating a package deal through Expedia, which allows you to combine your hotel stay near the National Air and Space Museum with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia