Washington DC · MUSEUMS

The 15 Best Museum Tours in Washington DC

58 tours  ·  from $48

When it is ninety-five degrees outside, a museum is not a fallback, it is the plan. The 15 below cover the Smithsonian collections, the Archives and the National Gallery, with entry arrangements and which tickets skip the queue.

Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry - The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
African American History Museum Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Museums, Smithsonian Museum Tours, Tour Reviews, 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

Spend 3.5 hours tracing African American history in Washington, DC, from Jamestown and the Civil War to the Civil Rights era. Guides such as Dre and Elvis lead the bus and walking stops, ending with reserved entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“very informative the guide was funny and so knowledgeable saw things I would have never seen. it was absolutely wonderful and I will recommend to anyone I know traveling to DC. I would take it again!!!!!”

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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour - The Hope Diamond and the museum’s glittering minerals
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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Exclusive Guided Tour

2.Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Exclusive Guided Tour

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

Spend about two hours with a private guide at Washington’s Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Expect major highlights such as the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, Henry the elephant, Ocean Hall, and the megalodon. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“Our guide Tim was very fun, knowledgeable, and gave us a great experience and detailed information at the Natural History Museum. We loved meeting Henry the elephant and the Magladon. Thank you!”

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African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket - The Capitol and White House: power built by enslaved labor
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African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket

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

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

Join guide Kenny for a 3.5-hour small-group tour of African American history in Washington, DC. Visit major memorials, historic neighborhoods, Frederick Douglass or Mary McLeod Bethune sites, and finish with same-day entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“I had an incredible experience on the tour led by Kenny, who was simply an outstanding guide. His deep knowledge of African American history, as well as the histories of other cultural groups in Washington, D.C., was truly impressive and unparalleled. From the moment the tour began, I felt at ease, as if I were his niece and he was sharing family stories with me. Kenny’s engaging storytelling made the history come alive, and his passion for the subject was evident in every word. I can't recommend this tour highly enough! As a delightful bonus, Kenny took us to a fantastic soul food restaurant called Ooh and Ahh at the…”

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National Mall Tour with 10 Stops & U.S. Capitol or Museum Entry - Lincoln Memorial: the tour’s grand opening
Museums, National Mall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol & Library of Congress Tours

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

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

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

Start near the National Archives for a morning bus tour of Washington DC’s major sights. Guides such as Tyrone, James, Sally, and Vernon add history and humor, while optional upgrades cover the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Air and Space Museum, and African American History Museum.

“My husband and I took the Stewart with our adult daughter. Kris was such a helpful chauffeur, and Sally the perfect commentator. She provided the perfect context for each stop, and we had time to explore the monumentson our own. I found it particularly moving to visit the Roosevelt, MLK, and Jefferson memorials. Their words really resonate in these times..”

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Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry - Starting at the U.S. Navy Memorial
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Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry

5.African American History Tour & Museum Entry

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

Travel by climate-controlled bus through Washington, DC, with guides such as Dre or Elvis Pate, stopping at major memorials, Howard University, U Street, and Civil War landmarks before entering the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on your own.

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

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Smithsonian Museums Walking Tour with Reserved Air & Space Entry - Air and Space: the value of reserved entry
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Smithsonian Museums Walking Tour with Reserved Air & Space Entry

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

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

Walk about two miles through Washington’s Natural History, Air and Space, and American History museums with a guide such as Shane, Christina, or James. You’ll see the Hope Diamond, Wright Flyer, dinosaurs, presidential objects, and space capsules, with timed Air and Space entry included.

“Lots of walking but we'll worth it. Our guide, Shane, was excellent. The venues were very good.!!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!@@”

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Capitol Combo: U.S. Capitol + Library Congress or Capitol Museum - Inside the Thomas Jefferson Building
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Capitol Combo: U.S. Capitol + Library Congress or Capitol Museum

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

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

Spend about two hours walking Capitol Hill with a live guide, then enter the U.S. Capitol and Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress. Guides such as Rochelle, Tyrone, Dwayne, and Amanda are praised for lively storytelling. Mondays and 8 a.m. departures use the Capitol Museum instead of the Library.

“Tyrone our guide was outstanding! He connected with my 11 year old son right away and kept him engaged the entire time. His knowledge and stories definitely made the experience a more memorable one. I would highly recommend him to anyone booking a tour. 5 stars!”

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U.S. Capitol Tour with Library of Congress or Capitol Museum - Security first, then the Capitol interior
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U.S. Capitol Tour with Library of Congress or Capitol Museum

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

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

Join a live guide such as Dwayne or Rochelle for a two-hour Capitol Hill walk, the U.S. Capitol interior, and the Library of Congress Jefferson Building. You’ll see the Rotunda, Crypt, Statuary Hall, Gutenberg Bible, and Great Hall, with a Capitol Museum substitute on Mondays.

“What should’ve been a fabulous first turned into a not so much! I booked and some how the date got changed from tomorrow to today. Not sure if you’ve had this happen to you but whatever it was an accident. I contacted them right away as the tour was only an hour and a half after my erroneous booking. They don’t even bother to respond to meet request to change days be care full when you book heaven forbid you should make a mistake all Wanted was to do The tour the next day!”

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Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour - Starting at 1300 Constitution Avenue
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Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour

9.Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour

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

Spend 2.5 hours with a private or semi-private guide at the National Museum of American History. Guides such as Rebecca, Leigh, Maribeth, and Ann Marie lead flexible visits through the Star-Spangled Banner, presidential objects, first ladies’ gowns, Dorothy’s slippers, and the Greensboro lunch counter.

“Great choice on what was and Ann Marie’s stories with the displays was excellent. Very enjoyable tour of both Natl Archives and Smithsonian with Ann Marie”

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Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket - The third floor explains how the Bible became a book
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Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

10.Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

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

Spend about three hours exploring the Museum of the Bible near the National Mall. See rare artifacts, interactive galleries, first-century settings, Bible history displays, films, and optional virtual reality or guided experiences. Admission is included, but add-ons cost extra.

“The exhibits were great, but the movie was absolutely the best. I am not sure if my husband and I did not pay enough attention to the program, but I nearly missed the movie. It would be nice if that bit of information was more highlighted or if the customer service staff included in their greeting the information.”

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The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Exclusive Guided Tour - Wright Flyer and the beginning of powered flight
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The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Exclusive Guided Tour

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

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

Spend about 2.5 hours with a private or semi-private guide at Washington’s National Air and Space Museum. Hear the stories behind the Wright Flyer, Apollo 11, moon rocks, Hubble, and the Space Race, while your guide adjusts the route to match the exhibits open that day.

“Ryan was great...very informative & made our tour run smoothly & gave us all the information in a clear & concise manner! Learned alot!!”

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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max - Ocean Hall, a Coral Reef, and a 45-Ton Whale
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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max

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

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

Spend two hours with an art historian guide at Washington’s National Museum of Natural History. In a group capped at eight, you’ll see the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, giant animals, and Ocean Hall, with time-saving stories that help this huge museum make sense.

“Our tour guide, Amanda, was amazing. We so appreciated her expertise. She pay particular attention to our grandson. We had a great time.”

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The National Gallery of Art DC - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour - The first galleries: Renaissance art and Leonardo’s quiet power
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The National Gallery of Art DC – Exclusive Guided Museum Tour

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

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

Spend 2.5 hours at Washington’s National Gallery of Art with a private or semi-private guide. See Leonardo, Van Gogh, Monet, Raphael, Degas, Picasso, Pollock, and O’Keeffe while hearing the stories, techniques, and scandals behind the art. Guides may include Rebecca, Leigh, Stephen, Donna, or Anne Marie.

“Made sense of a far reaching collection of art. Selecting core pieces to dive into Great insight into the Artists and the history of art.”

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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour - Meeting your guide outside the museum
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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

14.Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 159 reviews · 2 hours · from $75

Spend two focused hours inside Washington’s Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with an English-speaking guide such as Nur, DC, or Maurice. You’ll follow a highlights route through dinosaur fossils, gemstones, mummies, early human tools, plants, animals, and hands-on exhibits, with museum entry included.

“Nur was awesome, had a fun way of sharing knowledge and very personable!”

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Washington DC: Walking Tour and African American Museum - Starting at the Andrew Jackson Memorial in Lafayette Square
African American History Museum Tours, Museums, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Washington DC: Walking Tour and African American Museum

15.Walking Tour and African American Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 157 reviews · 3 hours · from $80

Meet guide Nur Gray, or another English-speaking local guide, at the Andrew Jackson Memorial. Walk past the White House, Capitol One building, and Washington Monument while learning about African American life in Washington, then use your reserved museum entry to explore independently.

“Nur was very understanding about the fact I was late for the tour. We carried on when we met and I learned a lot about DC in the short time we were together. Then we got to the African American Museum on time for an amazing experience.”

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New in Museums

★ 4.0Washington DC Museums self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt4 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
★ 5.0Smithsonian 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
★ 5.0250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided TourFrom $753 reviews
★ 5.0Family Friendly Smithsonian Natural History Museum Private TourFrom $2683 reviews
★ 4.5National Mall Night Tour with Washington Monument & 2 MuseumsFrom $1446 reviews
★ 4.5Cherry Blossom & Monuments Tour with Washington Monument, MuseumsFrom $598 reviews
★ 5.0Natural History Museum & American History MuseumFrom $1665 reviews
★ 5.0National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum Guided TourFrom $866 reviews
★ 5.0National Gallery of Art – Guided Museum TourFrom $8615 reviews
★ 4.3National Archives + National Portrait Gallery Tour 6ppl MaxFrom $1743 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Tour of The Natural History MuseumFrom $723 reviews

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