Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum · National Mall
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
Highlights
Dinosaur fossils, Hope Diamond, gems, mammals, and more.
Dinosaur fossils, Hope Diamond, gems, mammals, and more.
"A major natural history museum in D.C. with large-scale exhibitions and programming (including sleepovers with crafts and games) that engage visitors of all ages in topics from paleontology to biodiversity." - Sarah Bruning Sarah Bruning Sarah Bruning is the special projects and surveys editor at Travel + Leisure, where she has been on staff since 2018. She assigns stories across the magazine, primarily for the Experiences section and feature well. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A hugely popular Smithsonian museum that routinely draws long lines; plan to visit during shoulder or low seasons to avoid crowds and take advantage of typically calmer galleries that are ideal for indoor exploration on colder days." - Nicholas DeRenzo Nicholas DeRenzo Nicholas DeRenzo knows where to eat, stay, and play in almost any locale. A travel writer and editor, he has contributed articles to Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Travel, Travel + Leisure, New York magazine, The New York Times, and Sunset. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A vast natural history museum on the National Mall that oversees the largest collection of natural history specimens in the world—about 148 million—featuring attractions like the Butterfly Pavilion, the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond, and an 11-ton African bush elephant in the rotunda; admission is free and the museum is open 364 days a year." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A museum in Washington, D.C. visited by Ryan Ratino." - Nancy DePalma
"A favored museum for a leisurely museum day on the National Mall, recommended for visitors wanting to explore natural science collections as part of a broader cultural outing in the city." - AFAR
