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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Best Lodging Options Near National Air and Space Museum

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW, Washington, DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

3 out of 5
550 C St SW, Washington, DC
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

3 out of 5
400 E Street SW, Washington, DC
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
YOTEL Washington DC

YOTEL Washington DC

4 out of 5
415 New Jersey Ave Nw, Washington, DC
YOTEL Washington DC
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

3.5 out of 5
725 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
The Henley Park Hotel

The Henley Park Hotel

4 out of 5
926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
The Henley Park Hotel
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, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including engaging museum tours and photo tours featuring vintage planes. The surrounding area offers additional entertainment options, such as shopping and theaters, making it a perfect spot for a full day of exploration. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the walkway museum to soak in the rich history of aviation and space exploration.

Shopping

For great shopping near the National Air and Space Museum, visit CityCenterDC, just 0.9 miles away, offering a vibrant family and business atmosphere. Union Station Shopping Center is also nearby at 1.0 mile, featuring family-friendly entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, check out Eastern Market, located 1 mile away.

Recreation

Capital One Arena, located 0.7 miles from the National Air and Space Museum, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. For a touch of luxury, visit the Cosmos Club, 2 miles away, providing an elegant retreat. East Potomac Golf Course, 0.9 miles away, combines outdoor sports with beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Embark on an adventure at the Allegheny Passage, a scenic hiking trail located 0.6 miles from the National Air and Space Museum, offering beautiful outdoor vibes. Explore the Pinery Trail for a refreshing outdoor experience, or hike the Greenstone Ridge Trail for stunning scenery and adventure.

Nightlife

At the National Air and Space Museum, immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife options. The Kennedy Center, 2 miles away, offers captivating performances, while The Anthem and Ford's Theater, both 0.7 miles away, promise unforgettable cultural experiences. Enjoy family-friendly events and romantic evenings filled with entertainment.

Find the best attractions near National Air and Space Museum

While visiting the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., you'll find an array of attractions including memorials, historic buildings, and other museums. This vibrant area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for those interested in space travel and exploration. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the renowned space museum and immerse yourself in the wonders of aviation and space history.

  • National Mall: A vibrant national park located 0.3 miles from the National Air and Space Museum, the National Mall offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor experiences. Stroll along iconic monuments and memorials while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere that invites adventure and reflection.
  • White House: Situated 1 mile away, the White House stands as a symbol of American culture and history. This historic government building allows visitors to appreciate the architectural grandeur and significance of the nation's executive residence, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Located 1 mile from the museum, this event venue is a hub for business and conferences. It features modern facilities and hosts various events, making it a dynamic space for networking and professional engagement in the heart of the city.

Best time to go to National Air and Space Museum

Visitor numbers around National Air and Space Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 between December and February for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel for Friday, the cheapest day, and utilize Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices from low to high. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash for future bookings. Lastly, take advantage of the free museum admission and explore the area on foot or via the affordable public transport system.

  • 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 enables you to choose your budget, preferred destination, and other preferences with ease. You can arrange your results to display prices from low to high, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the National Air and Space Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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.