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National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History: Our most recommended tours and activities

Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

1. Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

Named "Washington's Best Tour" by the Washingtonian Magazine and one of the top 10 hop-on hop-off tours in the world by Forbes, the Old Town Trolley offers the most comprehensive tour of the nation's capital. Relax while expert tour guides help you discover the beauty and majesty of Washington, D.C. This popular tour covers Washington's major attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Expert guides share colorful anecdotes, humorous stories and well-researched historical information. Upgrade to include a trolley tour of Arlington National Cemetery, an enduring tribute to those who’ve dedicated their lives to defending the nation. You’ll be transported to some of the most notable graves and memorials. DC City Tour Trolley stops: 1. 1001 E. St. NW: Washington Welcome Center/Ford's Theatre/Peterson House 2. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave: The White House/The White House Visitor Center/WWI Memorial 3. 701 Constitution Ave NW: National Archives (West/East Gallery of the NGA, Navy Memorial) 4. 400 New Jersey Ave NW: Japanese American Memorial/Hyatt Regency 5. 50 Massachusetts Ave NE: Union Station and the Smithsonian Postal Museum 6. 1st St. NE: US Capitol (Botanic Gardens, Supreme Court and Library of Congress) 7. 600 Independence Ave SW: Air/Space Museum, Museum of the American Indian/Eisenhower Memorial 8. Maine Ave SW at 9th St. SW: The Wharf 9. 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW: International Spy Museum 10. 1398 Independence Ave SW: Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums and Castle, Holocaust Memorial Museum 11. 16 E Basin Dr SW: Jefferson Memorial/George Mason Memorial 12. 1964 Independence Ave SW: Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial/Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial 13. 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir. NW: Lincoln Memorial/Vietnam Veterans Memorial/Korean War Veterans Memorial/World War II Memorial 14. 1400 Constitution Ave NW: National Museum of American History/National Museum of African American History & Culture/National Museum of Natural History 15. 800 F St. NW: National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum (temp closed for Holiday Market) Arlington Cemetery Trolley stops: • Arlington National Cemetery • President John F. Kennedy Gravesite • US Coast Guard Memorial • John J. Pershing • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier • Arlington House • US Marine Corps War Memorial Iwo Jima • Arlington Niche Wall Columbarium Courts

National Museum of American History: Guided Tour

2. National Museum of American History: Guided Tour

From a ragtag group of colonists to one of the world’s super powers, the United States has made quite a name for itself. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History traces this ascent through a one-of-a-kind collection of items, helping you to understand this turbulent history. Your local English speaking guide will not only be an expert on the museum, but also share a mix of historical, scientific, cultural, social, technological, and political information, background stories and surprising details with you. Tour highlights: • The actual Star-Spangled Banner that inspired the country’s national anthem • Learn about the first president, George Washington, while viewing his sword • Discover how Hollywood has helped shape this country • Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” • Discuss segregation through the Greensboro lunch counter • View Thomas Jefferson’s desk • Understand the role of women through an exhibit of the first ladies’ gowns With the collection containing more than three million historical items, you’ll be thankful to your passionate and engaging guide for navigating you, bringing a personal touch to each tour, adding own favorite anecdotes and tips along the way.

Smithsonian National Museum of Air & Space: Guided Tour

3. Smithsonian National Museum of Air & Space: Guided Tour

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum doesn’t just cover extraterrestrial exploration. It covers everything from the early history of flight to the Space Race and moon landings. Your local English speaking guide will not only be an expert on the museum, but they will also share a mix of historical & scientific information, background stories and surprising details with you.   Tour highlights:  • Seeing the Apollo 11 Command Module • Touching real moon rocks • Learning about Buzz Aldrin’s spacesuit and moon boots • Exploring a model of the International Space Station • Seeing world-famous early planes like the 1903 Wright Brother’s aircraft and the Spirit of St. Louis • Discovering the history of the world’s leading air & space program and the innovative technology that made it possible to land a man on the moon • Getting the chance to purchase freeze-dried ice cream • Learning what it's like to be an astronaut today With over 760,000 square feet of space in the collection, you’ll be thankful for your passionate and engaging guide for navigating you, bringing a personal touch to each tour, adding their own favorite anecdotes and tips along the way. Please note: the Air and Space Museum is currently under massive construction and will remain so for many years. This means that many of the exhibits described may not be on display. The tour will be adjusted based on the changing stages of the renovation and the available exhibits. Here is a link to the museum's website if you would like an updated list of what you may see during your visit: https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/now-view. Thank you for understanding.

Washington DC Must See Sights Half-Day Tour

4. Washington DC Must See Sights Half-Day Tour

Washington D.C. showcases some of the most majestic monuments and memorials in America. With so much to see this sightseeing bus tour makes for a great orientation option, especially for those with little time. Tailored to offer you a historic journey through the rich heritage of the United States, the tour is a quick and efficient way to learn the history of the capital. Ride past the essential monuments, museums, and attractions to relive the history of America on a 3-hour tour. You will stop at the following memorials and monuments on your tour to take pictures: • U. S. Capitol (exterior only and a photo stop only) • White House (exterior only and a photo stop only) • World War II Memorial • Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial • Korean Memorial • Vietnam Memorial • Vietnam Women's Memorial • Lincoln Memorial (tour ends at this memorial)

Washington DC: Monuments Self-Guided Walking Tour

5. Washington DC: Monuments Self-Guided Walking Tour

Visit the most iconic landmarks of America’s capital city on this flexible self-guided walking tour. See the White House, Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, and much more, and learn the revolutionary history behind the creation of Washington, D.C. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Along with being developed by local guides, creative writers, and professional voice artists, most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms. You'll begin your adventure next to Pershing Park, right across from the White House south lawn. From there, make your way to the White House itself, where you can admire the seat of American power and learn some fascinating tidbits about its construction. From here, head south toward Constitution Gardens and pick up some insight into D.C.’s complicated history along the way. Through the gardens, you’ll find what was once the city’s most controversial monument: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Next, head to the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most iconic memorials in D.C. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is next, where you’ll hear about the fraught political struggle which wracked the White House during this bloody conflict. As you continue east, you’ll be filled in on the aftermath of the War of 1812 and how D.C. grew into what it is today. The next monument you’ll arrive at will be the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, honoring the nation’s most revered civil rights leader. Then, cross the Kutz Bridge and learn why the Potomac River is so significant to this city’s history. From this bridge, you’ll also be able to see the impressive Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Later, reach the National Mall, which you’ve definitely seen on TV plenty of times. Get an up-close look at the Washington Monument and learn the history of George Washington’s connection to this important city. If you like museums, the next stretch of the tour is absolutely for you. You’ll pass the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the National Gallery of Art. On the final leg of the tour, visit three of the most crucial buildings in the city: The Library of Congress, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court of the United States. The tour concludes amid these three awe-inspiring structures.

Air & Space and American History Museum: Guided Combo Tour

6. Air & Space and American History Museum: Guided Combo Tour

Start at the the National Air and Space Museum to learn all about the country’s more futuristic side. From the Apollo 11 Command Module to real moon rocks, this museum features some of the most out-of-this-world artifacts. Talk about Buzz Aldrin when you examine his space suit as well as moon boots and models of the International Space Station. You’ll see earlier examples of planes like the Wright Brother’s aircraft and the Spirit of St. Louis. Discover the history of the world’s leading air and space program including the innovation and technology that made it possible to land a man on the moon. There’s even freeze dried ice cream in the gift shop to complete the experience. Then after a break for lunch, move to the National Museum of American History, which traces this ascent through a one-of-a-kind collection of items including the actual banner that inspired the country’s national anthem. Learn about the first president, George Washington, while viewing his sword and discover how Hollywood has helped shape this country when you check out Dorothy’s ruby red slippers. Discuss segregation through the Greensboro lunch counter and the role of women through the first ladies’ gowns. This tour will help you to understand the turbulent history that has marked the United States of America. Please note: the Air & Space Museum is currently under massive construction and will remain as such for multiple years. This means that many of the exhibits  described may not be on display. The tour will be adjusted based on the changing stages of this renovation.

Arlington Cemetery & Museum of American History Guided Tour

7. Arlington Cemetery & Museum of American History Guided Tour

With more than 624 acres of the Arlington National Cemetery, and the 3 million pieces in the collection of the National Museum of American History, this guided 5-hour tour will make sure you get to see the absolute highlights. More than just storytellers, your passionate, and engaging guide will approach touring in a different way bringing a personal touch to each tour, and being sure to answer all your questions.  The combination tour starts at the Arlington National Cemetery. This stunningly beautiful tribute is the final resting place for many of America’s greatest heroes, from General Robert E. Lee, to President John F. Kennedy, to boxer Joe Louis and many more. Your guide will take you around some of the most noteworthy parts of the cemetery which honors the more than 300,000 veterans of every American conflict, from the Revolutionary War through to the modern wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  After a break for lunch, you will be transported to one of Washington’s best museums: the National Museum of American History. Here you will find a one-of-a-kind collection of items, including such gems as the Star-Spangled Banner that inspired the country’s national anthem, to Dorothy's ruby red slippers from the "Wizard of Oz" film. Through the impressive collection learn how America has evolved from a ragtag group of colonists to one of the world’s most powerful countries.

Other Sightseeing Options in National Museum of American History

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What people are saying about National Museum of American History

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 174 reviews

Took bus in front of union station. Need to validate at desk inside front of station but did not know. Driver accepted pass and validation at end of line where switched bus quickly to do initial stops. Bus does not take you to Arlington cemetery. You have to make own way there where there is another smaller hop on hop off tram tour. Also excellent. There’s a stop close by but would have to walk a while and over busy bridge so not safe. Could stop there and cab or Lyft/uber

This was a wonderful sampler tour—We had a very informative tour guide. It was a little hard to finish seeing the entire tour features like the Korean War Memorial, as we were running out of time. Nevertheless, if you only have time for a short visit to DC, this was the perfect tour! -Lots of walking-so wear comfortable shoes!

The bus tour is a wonderful way to orient yourselves to the city. You will see a number of here wrenching memorials that maKe you question why have we not lived up to the ideals of our forefathers. We lost some very great people who would be disappointed by the lack of progress we have made.

Richard was so knowledgeable and entertaining. We hit all the major exhibits. The tour was the right amount of time,

Very clear to understand and had lots of information