National Museum of Natural History

A large elephant statue in a grand building with ornate architecture and a sign reading "OBJECTS OF WONDER".
A grand atrium with marble columns, a large elephant statue, and various shops including the Ocean Hall Human Origins exhibit.
A large dinosaur skeleton exhibit in a museum.
A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton exhibit at a museum.
A grand building with a large elephant statue, multiple floors, and a central atrium.


Plan a trip to see National Museum of Natural History

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Eurostars Saint Gregory Dupont Circle Georgetown
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
Phoenix Park Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near National Museum of Natural History

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW Washington DC
Washington Plaza Hotel
Hotel Lombardy

Hotel Lombardy

4 out of 5
2019 Pennsylvania Ave Nw Washington DC
Hotel Lombardy
The Henley Park Hotel

The Henley Park Hotel

4 out of 5
926 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC
The Henley Park Hotel
Conrad Washington, DC

Conrad Washington, DC

5 out of 5
950 New York Ave NW Washington DC
Conrad Washington, DC
Moxy Washington DC Downtown

Moxy Washington DC Downtown

3 out of 5
1011 K Street NW Washington DC
Moxy Washington DC Downtown
Hotel Washington

Hotel Washington

5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW Washington DC
Hotel Washington
Arlo Washington DC

Arlo Washington DC

4 out of 5
333 G St NW Washington DC
Arlo Washington DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW Washington DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

3 out of 5
839 17th St NW Washington DC
Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Museum of Natural History

Shopping

The closest shopping option is CityCenterDC, located 966m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with various shops and dining. Union Station Shopping Center is 1.6km away, featuring a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, the Fashion Center at Pentagon City is 4.8km away, providing a larger shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience the excitement of Nationals Park, where you can catch a thrilling baseball game. Enjoy the cultural ambiance at the Kennedy Center, offering captivating performances. For a touch of luxury, unwind at the exclusive Cosmos Club, perfect for relaxation and socializing in a sophisticated setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of The Capital Wheel, offering stunning views 11.3km from the museum. For a quick adventure, play tennis at East Potomac Tennis Center, located 1.4km away. Explore the scenic landscapes on a hiking trail at Soapstone Valley Park, situated 6.4km from the museum.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the National Museum of Natural History offers a vibrant atmosphere with trendy bars and restaurants. Explore the nearby Penn Quarter for lively spots like The Hamilton, where you can enjoy late-night dining and craft cocktails, or visit the nearby jazz clubs for some live music entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near National Museum of Natural History

Explore the National Museum of Natural History and its surrounding attractions, including memorials and historic buildings. This area offers a vibrant cultural experience perfect for families and travelers alike. Don't miss out on visiting other nearby Smithsonian museums, as they are among the largest and most fascinating destinations in the city. Make the most of your trip by discovering the diverse offerings within and around this iconic museum.

  • White House: A symbol of American history and government, the White House is located 1.1km from the National Museum of Natural History. This iconic building offers a glimpse into the nation's political heart and embodies rich cultural vibes, making it a must-see for any visitor.
  • National Mall: Just 161m away, the National Mall is a sprawling open park that features stunning views and iconic monuments. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation while soaking in the scenery of the nation's capital.
  • Smithsonian Institution: Situated 1.6km from the museum, the Smithsonian Institution is a vast network of museums and galleries. It's an enriching cultural experience for families, showcasing diverse exhibits that celebrate history, science, and art.

Best time to go to National Museum of Natural History

The best time to visit National Museum of Natural History can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Museum of Natural History falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Museum of Natural History 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 LowSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly 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 SunnyAverageAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to National Museum of Natural History

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to National Museum of Natural History.
  • Consider traveling to National Museum of Natural History during the low season (December to February) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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