National Air and Space Museum Tours and Activities

National Air and Space Museum showing interior views
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum


Housing the world’s largest collection of air and spacecraft, this museum carries you through the history of flight.

With 22 different galleries housing many original exhibits, the National Air and Space Museum offers the largest collection of air and spacecraft you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Here you’ll find exhibits on display which will take you through the incredible history of aviation, from the Early Flight section with its primitive vessels through to the space age craft on show in the Apollo to the Moon gallery. Explore the showcase gallery Milestones of Flight, in which you’ll see the 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s famous Spirit of St Louis in which he crossed the Atlantic, and the command module from Apollo 11.

The museum’s interactive exhibits offer plenty of fun for all the family. Youngsters can see how a jumbo jet makes it into the air at the How Things Fly exhibit, or you can get into the cockpit of a flight simulator to see what it’s like to fly in a modern fighter jet. You can even explore the cosmos on a spacecraft.

Alongside all of these incredible and inspiring displays, the museum hosts many events and lectures throughout the year. Every Wednesday evening, you can go along to an Ask the Expert lecture. Many of the events held here are free. Check with Reception what’s on when you visit.

Check out the IMAX Theatre and the Albert Einstein Planetarium at the museum too, both of which offer great flight and space experiences. Screenings cost a little extra, but will keep you entertained for some time. To enjoy a bite to eat, there is also a food court area available.

It’s best to arrive early as the museum fills up quickly. If you’re eager for more, check out the companion facility at the Steven F.Udvar-Hazy Centre near Washington Dulles International Airport, where thousands more artifacts can be found. Both of these facilities are open every day except for Christmas Day and entry is free.

Plan a trip to see National Air and Space Museum

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Top National Air and Space Museum Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

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

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

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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
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

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Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
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
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
State Plaza Hotel

State Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW, Washington, DC
State Plaza Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington, DC/Downtown

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington, DC/Downtown

3 out of 5
500 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington, DC/Downtown
Salamander Washington DC

Salamander Washington DC

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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 on aviation and space exploration. Nearby, you can enjoy art museums, indulge in shopping, and catch a show at local theatres. Don't miss the chance to tour the iconic Capitol Building for a taste of history and politics while experiencing the vibrant cultural scene that surrounds this renowned museum.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near the National Air and Space Museum, visit CityCenterDC, only 1.4km away, for a vibrant city atmosphere. Union Station Shopping Center is also nearby at 1.6km, offering family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore Union Market, located 3.2km away, for a unique public market experience.

Recreation

Check out Capital One Arena, 1.1km from the museum, for an energetic sporting event. Audi Field, 1.6km away, offers a lively atmosphere for soccer fans. For a larger venue, RFK Stadium, 4.8km distant, hosts various sports events, perfect for an exhilarating day out.

Adventure

At East Potomac Tennis Center, located 1.4km from the National Air and Space Museum, you can enjoy vibrant tennis matches amidst adventure vibes. For a scenic trek, head to Soapstone Valley Park, 8.0km away, featuring picturesque hiking trails and outdoor beauty. Southeast Tennis & Learning Center, 6.4km away, offers more thrilling tennis experiences.

Nightlife

After exploring the National Air and Space Museum, head to The Anthem, only 1.1km away, for live performances. Alternatively, enjoy a show at Ford's Theatre, also 1.1km from the museum. For a grand experience, visit the Kennedy Center, 3.2km away, showcasing diverse cultural events.

*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

When visiting the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., you'll find a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy. Explore various memorials, historic buildings, and other museums that offer cultural insights and family-friendly experiences. Don't miss the nearby Washington Monument and the National Mall, as well as the impressive museum building itself, making for a well-rounded visit filled with enriching experiences.

  • National Mall: A sprawling expanse of green, the National Mall offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Enjoy outdoor activities and immerse yourself in the rich history dotted with iconic monuments and memorials, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • White House: As the official residence of the U.S. President, the White House is a symbol of American culture and government. While you can't enter without a tour, the grandeur of its façade and the surrounding gardens are a must-see for any visitor.
  • Smithsonian Institution: This vast complex of museums is a treasure trove of knowledge and exhibits. Perfect for families, the Smithsonian offers engaging displays that cater to all ages, making it an enriching experience for everyone.

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

If you're planning a visit to the National Air and Space Museum, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation prices. Fridays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to customise your hotel options and sort by price to find the best deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also save you money. Don't forget to look for cheap hotels and airport shuttles nearby to keep your travel costs down.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your options, including your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some cash by combining your hotel stay near the National Air and Space Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.