5 Museum Tours in Washington DC to Build a Day Around

1.Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,180 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

Spend about three and a half hours tracing African American history in Washington, DC, from Black Lives Matter Plaza to the MLK and Lincoln memorials. Guides such as Dre, Elvis, and Jeff add lively context before you receive museum entry for independent exploration.

“Enjoyed the company of the guide/driver as well as the travelers on the tour, very nice and welcoming”

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2.Museum of the Bible General Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 494 reviews · 1 day · from $34Best value

Visit the Museum of the Bible near the National Mall for a full day of artifacts, manuscripts, Bible translations, films, and interactive exhibits. Arrive at 9 AM for early entry, except Sundays. Add the six-minute Washington Revelations flight simulator if you meet the 42-inch height requirement.

“This entire experience far exceeded our expectations. It was both intellectually and spiritually profound. You exponentially get out of it what you are willing to put in to it.”

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3.Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Exclusive Guided Tour

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

See the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with a private guide in about two hours. Expect major displays such as the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, Henry the elephant, and Phoenix the 45-ton whale replica, with morning and afternoon departures.

“My friend and I had our own private tour Amanda, the tour guide was very informative and we enjoyed the time spent with her seeing the Capital the Library of Congress”

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

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

Join Kenny for a 3.5-hour small-group tour of African American Washington, from the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial to LeDroit Park, Howard University, and the Frederick Douglass site. The tour ends with same-day entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“The tour was very informative and an overall enjoyable experience. Kenny was our tour guide and he shared a plethora of information and was personable and accommodating. I highly recommend this tour.”

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5.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 guide such as Leigh, Rebecca, Stephen, or Donna. Follow a thoughtful route through major works by da Vinci, Van Gogh, Monet, Raphael, Picasso, and O’Keeffe, with room to shape the visit around your interests.

“Leigh our tour guide was possibly the most knowledgeable & engaging fine arts tour guide ever. I’ve done tours in three countries & this was by far the best explained. My teenage son commented after on how it really made the gallery visit a better experience. This was a bit pricey compared to others, but worth the money.”

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