Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Trip ideas while visiting Washington, D.C. in District of Columbia

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Welcome to the Smithsonian museum on the National Mall! This incredible museum boasts a vast collection of over 147 million items and is a must-visit for millions of people every year. You’ll be amazed by the stunning Sant Ocean Hall, where you can admire replicas of gigantic whales and other fascinating marine creatures. As you explore further, don’t miss the captivating Butterfly Pavilion, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of colorful bugs fluttering around. And of course, make sure to visit the renowned David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - “Deep Time” exhibit, which showcases around 700 impressive specimens, including the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops dinosaurs. The museum also offers permanent exhibits that delve into captivating subjects such as human evolution, ancient Egypt, and geology. There’s so much to discover and learn here!

This museum offers something for everyone and is particularly popular among families. To avoid crowds, it is advisable to visit on a weekday or during the offseason instead of weekends, holidays, or the busy summer season. Visitors recommend making sure to allocate time to see the impressive Hope Diamond, showcased in the geology exhibit.