We love when friends and family visit us in Washington, DC! There is so much to do and see (and eat!) here that it is a tourist hot spot for Americans and international visitors throughout the year. Hosting guests gives us the perfect excuse to explore the city, but we’ve learned that it can be a balancing act. We’ve done the all-day museum visits with friends and family in town, and while it’s super fun, it can also be overwhelming as the host. Between planning the itinerary, keeping everyone energized, and navigating the crowds, it’s easy to feel the pressure. That’s why having a game plan makes all the difference—allowing everyone to enjoy the adventure without the stress.
What do we focus on? Where do we park and eat? Which museum should we visit first?
The Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., are some of the most visited attractions in the world, and for good reason. With 19 museums, galleries, and the National Zoo, there’s something for everyone. If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, here are five tips to make your visit enjoyable and stress-free.
My 5 Tips for Visiting the Smithsonians with Out-of-Town Guests
1) Before you go:
- Ask what their goals are! Show them a list of museums and ask what they want to visit. If they don’t have a preference, check out the Museum Matchmaker post that might help them decide! More Smithsonians here too.
- Are they art lovers, history buffs, or science enthusiasts? Popular choices include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Use the Smithsonian’s website to check hours and any special exhibits.
- Pro Tip: Some museums, like the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Air and Space DC, may require free timed-entry tickets, so reserve these in advance. You can see the list of which ones require advanced tickets here on my 20 Museums in DC for Children blog post.
2) When you go:
- If doing the great duo of Natural History/American History, I highly recommend going to Natural History FIRST and then going to American History. The Natural History Museum is very popular and gets busy by late morning. Going there first for a couple of hours and then American History is a great morning at the museums! (And check out my Food Options blog post near each museum that is not just inside the museums!)
- Pro Tip: This is my favorite parking garage near the National Mall.
- A great parking tip from a friend of mine that works well with 2 adults and a larger group is to drive next to the Sculpture Gardens on the corner of 7th St NW and Madison Drive NW. Drop off 1 adult and kids at the fenced-in gardens to look around while the driver finds parking. Kids are contained and look at beautiful gardens and art and you are centrally located to most of the museums!
3) Pack Light and Be Prepared for Security at the Smithsonian Museums
All Smithsonian museums have security checkpoints. To make the process smoother, pack light and avoid bringing large bags or prohibited items like food and sunscreen in aerosol containers, knives etc. Full list here of prohibited items. Water bottles are usually allowed, and many museums have refill stations.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers—you’ll do a lot of walking, and museum temperatures can vary.
4) Take Advantage of Free & Fun Amenities
One of the best things about the Smithsonian is that admission is free. Additionally, many museums offer free programs like guided tours, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Be sure to pick up a map or download the Smithsonian’s app for navigation and information on exhibits.
Pro Tip: Use museum cafes and gift shops as a break. The National Museum of the American Indian’s Mitsitam Café is a standout, offering indigenous-inspired cuisine as well as the Sculpture Garden's Pavillion Cafe. (With Ice Skating in the Winter!)
5) Combine Your Visit with Nearby Attractions & Know Where to Eat
The National Mall, where many Smithsonian museums are located, is also home to iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Pair your museum visits with a stroll along the Mall (easy walking tour in that blog post) or a photo-op at the Lincoln Memorial. If you have time, the Tidal Basin Paddle Boats are in walking distance!
Pro Tip: Know where to eat! Check out this blog post for restaurant options near each of the Smithsonians!
And check out my full Museums in the DMV for kids blog category here!
