National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum which includes interior views
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum


Heaven for aviation enthusiasts, this museum takes you on an uplifting journey through the history of flight and space travel.

You’ll find the largest collection of air and spacecraft anywhere in the world at the National Air and Space Museum. The exhibits are all originals or back-ups of originals, adding an authentic aura to hundreds of impressive displays.

Explore 22 different galleries featuring craft from every arena of aviation, from the rickety contraptions in the Early Flight section, through to the space age in the Apollo to the Moon gallery. Milestones of Flight is the showcase gallery, featuring the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St Louis in which Charles Lindburgh made his first journey across the Atlantic, and the Apollo 11 Command Module.

Education takes fun and thrilling turns at the interactive exhibits. At the hands-on How Things Fly exhibit, children discover how something as heavy as a Boeing 747 becomes airborne. Climb into the cockpit of a flight simulator and steer a modern jet into combat, or tour the expansive cosmos on a futuristic spacecraft.

The museum also has an IMAX Theater and the Albert Einstein Planetarium, both of which run several daily showings of flight and space related cinematic experiences. Screenings cost extra but are an excellent way to relieve tired legs and keep younger members of the family entertained. A food-court-style eating area also provides a chance to relax and refuel.

Besides the numerous exhibits, the Air and Space Museum also runs a number of events and lectures throughout the year, such as the excellent Ask the Expert lectures every Wednesday evening. Many of the events are free, so ask at the reception desk to see what coincides with your visit.

The museum does get busy, so arriving early is often a good idea. Aviation buffs should also visit the museum’s companion facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport. The center displays the thousands of artifacts not able to be displayed at the National Mall site. Both facilities are open daily, except Christmas Day, and admission is free.

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Things to do near National Air and Space Museum

Visitors to the National Air and Space Museum can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring nearby art galleries, shopping in vibrant districts, and catching a performance at local theatres. Additionally, a tour of the iconic Capitol Building is a must-do experience, providing insight into the nation’s history and architecture. Make the most of your trip by immersing yourself in the rich cultural offerings surrounding this renowned museum.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the National Air and Space Museum, L'Enfant Plaza is only 249m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops. Union Station Shopping Center is 1.50m away, and the Fashion Center at Pentagon City is 1.9km away, perfect for more extensive retail therapy if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

Capital One Arena, a lively sports venue 435m from the National Air and Space Museum, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Nationals Park, located 621m away, provides a vibrant setting for enjoying baseball games, while the Howard Theatre, 1.2km away, showcases captivating musical performances.

Adventure

At the National Air and Space Museum, you can enjoy the East Potomac Tennis Center, located 559m away, for an exhilarating game. For a scenic hike, explore Soapstone Valley Park, 3.1km away, or engage in activities at the Southeast Tennis & Learning Center, 2.5km distant.

Nightlife

For a delightful evening, catch a performance at the Kennedy Center, only 1.2km away, or enjoy a show at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, just 311m from the museum. If you're in the mood for a film, Regal Gallery Place cinema, 497m away, offers a charming atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near National Air and Space Museum

When visiting the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., explore nearby attractions such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum, and the iconic Washington Monument. This vibrant area offers a mix of cultural experiences, historic civic buildings, and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and excitement of aviation and space exploration.

  • National Mall: A sprawling national park, the National Mall is a must-visit for its breathtaking outdoor scenery and historic monuments. Just 186m from the National Air and Space Museum, it offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation amidst iconic landmarks.
  • White House: Located 621m away, the White House stands as a symbol of American culture and history. This iconic civic building invites visitors to appreciate its stunning architecture and the rich stories behind its walls.
  • Smithsonian Institution: About 559m from the museum, the Smithsonian Institution is a treasure trove of culture and family-friendly exhibits. Explore its vast collections that celebrate art, history, and science, making it a delightful stop for all ages.

Best time to go to National Air and Space Museum

The best time to visit National Air and Space Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Air and Space Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Air and Space Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Air and Space Museum

To save on your visit to the National Air and Space Museum, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Fridays generally offer the best hotel rates, compared to Tuesdays. Use Expedia to compare prices, filter for eco-friendly options, and book a package deal that combines flights, hotels, and activities. Additionally, take advantage of the museum's free admission and explore Washington’s public transport for economical travel around the city. Walking is also a great way to discover the area without spending a penny.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Air and Space Museum are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Air and Space Museum is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around National Air and Space Museum is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences with ease. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the National Air and Space Museum with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.