
National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C. (must see)
If you're a nature lover and wish to delve into the fascinating story of our planet, from its fiery beginnings through billions of years of transformation, then The National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. is where you should head!
Otherwise known as The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, for being administered, when opened in 1910, by the Smithsonian Institution, this museum boasts the largest natural history collection in the world!
Indeed, here you can indulge your passion and explore life on Earth in the vast 325,000 square feet of exhibition space, featuring more than 146 million objects and specimens of plants, fossils, minerals, rocks, animals, meteorites and other artifacts. Some of the most valued collections are presented in the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, the Hall of Paleobiology, and other exhibitions.
Among the permanent exhibits on site there are the Hall of Human Origins exploring the epic story of the human species evolution over 6 million years; the Sant Ocean Hall demonstrating intrinsic connection of the ocean to the daily lives of people around the world; the Ancient Egypt mummies; some 300 vertebrate skeletons; and the African Voices exhibit examining the diversity and global influence of Africa’s peoples and cultures.
Additionally, the Museum incorporates an IMAX Theater and a fun Discovery Room on the first floor.
Why You Should Visit:
Great choice for eclectic viewing as there's much more on display than expected, including, for instance, the Hope Diamond and other treasures from the National Gem Collection. Also, a great place for kids, as they will be in awe the whole time with the many levels to check out. The gift shops are awesome – one gears towards children and the other more towards adults.
Tip: If you don't mind walking outside, the food trucks on the Mall will give you a better deal on food items.
Opening Hours: Daily: 10 am-5:30 pm
Otherwise known as The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, for being administered, when opened in 1910, by the Smithsonian Institution, this museum boasts the largest natural history collection in the world!
Indeed, here you can indulge your passion and explore life on Earth in the vast 325,000 square feet of exhibition space, featuring more than 146 million objects and specimens of plants, fossils, minerals, rocks, animals, meteorites and other artifacts. Some of the most valued collections are presented in the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, the Hall of Paleobiology, and other exhibitions.
Among the permanent exhibits on site there are the Hall of Human Origins exploring the epic story of the human species evolution over 6 million years; the Sant Ocean Hall demonstrating intrinsic connection of the ocean to the daily lives of people around the world; the Ancient Egypt mummies; some 300 vertebrate skeletons; and the African Voices exhibit examining the diversity and global influence of Africa’s peoples and cultures.
Additionally, the Museum incorporates an IMAX Theater and a fun Discovery Room on the first floor.
Why You Should Visit:
Great choice for eclectic viewing as there's much more on display than expected, including, for instance, the Hope Diamond and other treasures from the National Gem Collection. Also, a great place for kids, as they will be in awe the whole time with the many levels to check out. The gift shops are awesome – one gears towards children and the other more towards adults.
Tip: If you don't mind walking outside, the food trucks on the Mall will give you a better deal on food items.
Opening Hours: Daily: 10 am-5:30 pm
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Washington D.C.. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
National Museum of Natural History on Map
Sight Name: National Museum of Natural History
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Washington D.C., USA
Create Your Own Walk in Washington D.C.
Creating your own self-guided walk in Washington D.C. is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Arlington National Cemetery Tour
The largest military cemetery in the U.S., Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 veterans from the fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan, World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, the Cold War and America’s Civil War. Open 365 days a year with free admission, it is visited by more than four million people each year, and conducts between 27 and 30 funerals... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
DC Monuments and Memorials Walking Tour
Washington D.C. is a city of historic memorials and monuments that commemorate key chapters in American history. They are dedicated to all the noteworthy generals, politicians, statesmen and artists who played a major role in shaping the American nation. This walking tour will offer you a glimpse into the history of the U.S.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Georgetown Walking Tour
Georgetown is an area located in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River waterfront. Despite its proximity to downtown Washington, this former port has preserved its own distinct character. Many of the buildings along the tree-lined streets here are over 200 years old. Take this walking tour to reveal some of the cute secrets of this part of the U.S. capital.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
DC Museums Tour
Washington D.C. is well-known for its world-class museums. The Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum complex in the world, maintains most of the official museums in Washington, D.C. and the entrance is free of charge. Explore some the outstanding museums in D.C. by taking this self guided walking tour.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Federal Buildings Walking Tour
Washington D.C. is a federal district and serves as the permanent capital of the United States. As such, it is filled with numerous buildings of federal importance, most of which are the nation's historic monuments too. This self-guided walk will tour you around the most vital federal buildings found in the downtown of Washington D.C.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Washington D.C. Introduction Walking Tour
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia or simply The District, is the capital of the United States and, in many senses, America’s front yard. After the American Revolution, the need for the newly independent nation's federal government to have authority over a capital city and not rely on any state for its maintenance and safety, came in the wake of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
10 Chocolate Destinations in Washington D.C.
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Traveler's Guide to Washington DC: 16 Souvenirs to Bring Home
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10 Unusual Things to Do in Washington DC
You might be inclined to think that the capital of the United States consists solely of museums and monuments, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As a local, I’ve found that there are so many more things to do in this city than just the main tourist highlights. Read on to learn 10 of...