National Air and Space Museum Tours and Activities

National Air and Space Museum which includes interior views
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum


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 Theatre 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 Centre near Washington Dulles International Airport. The centre 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

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
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Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
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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
YOTEL Washington DC

YOTEL Washington DC

4 out of 5
415 New Jersey Ave Nw, Washington, DC
YOTEL 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
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
State Plaza Hotel

State Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW, Washington, DC
State Plaza 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

Discover a wealth of activities at the National Air and Space Museum, including engaging photo tours and fascinating museum tours. Don’t miss the chance to explore the best attractions featuring astronaut training experiences. Nearby, you can also enjoy art, shopping, and theatre, making it a perfect destination for a well-rounded visit in Washington, D.C.

Shopping

For a shopping experience near the National Air and Space Museum, visit Union Station Shopping Center, just 1.6km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. CityCenterDC is also close at 1.4km. If you're up for a drive, Union Market, located 3.2km away, features a unique public market vibe.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Capital One Arena, only 1.1km away, where you can catch a game or event. Enjoy luxury vibes at the Cosmos Club, located 3.2km from the museum. For outdoor fun, the East Potomac Golf Course, 1.4km away, offers a great golfing experience.

Adventure

For a thrilling adventure near the National Air and Space Museum, explore the scenic hiking trails of Soapstone Valley Park, located 8.0km away. If you're up for some energetic fun, visit the East Potomac Tennis Center or Rock Creek Tennis Center, both offering fantastic outdoor activities within 1.6km of the museum.

Nightlife

In Washington, the Kennedy Center offers a blend of culture and romance just 3.2km from the National Air and Space Museum. The Anthem and Ford's Theatre, both 1.1km away, provide vibrant entertainment, making for a lively nightlife atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike.

*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 in Washington, D.C., you can explore a variety of attractions, including memorials, historic government buildings, and urban parks. This area offers a rich cultural experience suitable for families, featuring the iconic space museum, the Washington Capitol, and other top attractions. Don't miss the chance to appreciate the unique museum building and the national museum's extensive exhibits.

  • National Mall: A stunning national park located 483m from the National Air and Space Museum, the National Mall offers a blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Stroll through iconic monuments and memorials, enjoying the vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
  • White House: Situated 1.6km away, the White House is a historic civic government building that embodies American culture. Take in its grandeur and explore the rich history surrounding this iconic symbol of democracy.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Located 1.6km from the museum, this event venue is a hub for business activities. The Convention Center showcases modern architecture and hosts various conferences, making it an essential part of D.C.'s vibrant business scene.

Best time to go to National Air and Space Museum

The best time to visit National Air and Space Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

For a budget-friendly visit to the National Air and Space Museum, consider travelling during the off-peak season from December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Fridays typically offer the best rates for stays, while Tuesdays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia to search for eco-friendly hotels and take advantage of package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to explore free attractions in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the National Air and Space Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia