Museums
History BuffNational Museum of African American History and Culture
FreeA powerful journey through African American history and culture, from the slave trade galleries to Motown and beyond.
Photo: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
MuseumsIconicFamily favoriteRainy-day pick
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Smithsonian National Museum of American History is a museum in Washington, DC, part of the Washington DC guide. Cost: free.
1300 Constitution Ave. NW · Washington, DC
Why you should go…
This is where the flag that inspired the national anthem hangs in a dramatic low-lit chamber, the actual Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814. Nearby: Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Julia Child's home kitchen moved intact from Cambridge, First Ladies' inaugural gowns, and Abraham Lincoln's top hat. Free admission, open daily except December 25, and directly on the Mall between the Washington Monument and Natural History.
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What's around here?
The closest stops to Smithsonian National Museum of American History, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Steps awayMore like this
- MuseumsIconic
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
FreeThe Hope Diamond, the Nation's T. rex, and Henry the elephant, the Mall's busiest free museum packs the whole natural world under one green dome.
0.2 mi awayMore like this
- MuseumsRainy-Day Pick
National Museum of Asian Art
FreeWalk two connected Smithsonian galleries of Asian art on the National Mall, including the Peacock Room.
0.3 mi awayMore like this
- SightseeingIconic
Washington Monument
FreeRide 500 feet up the world's tallest stone obelisk for the only aerial panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Mall.
0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
- Sport & OutdoorIconic
National Mall
FreeWalk the long green lawn from the U.S. Capitol toward the Lincoln Memorial, past monuments, memorials and Smithsonian museums.
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor
- SightseeingIconic
National Cherry Blossom Festival
FreeAnnual spring celebration around DC's Tidal Basin with cherry blossoms, a parade and cultural events.
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
