Since 10 of the Smithsonian museums are located on the National Mall, you'll see them on most Segway, bus, bike, and walking tours of Washington DC, some of which include free time to enter the museums of your choosing. Many visitors get their bearings on a guided city tour and then head back to the Smithsonian Castle, home to the Smithsonian Visitors Center, to pick up free guides and maps before heading to a museum.
All of the museums are free, though be aware you'll need a timed entry pass for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (bookable online and offered with some Washington DC/Smithsonian tours; a small number of same-day walk-up passes are also available on weekdays).
Cameras are allowed, but leave the selfie sticks and tripods at home, as they're prohibited.
Avoid bringing large bags and packages, as they'll be subject to a lengthy search process. Lockers are available for small items at some museums.
All museums are wheelchair accessible.
You can grab a cup of coffee at the Smithsonian Visitor Center café.
To avoid crowds when exploring a museum, start on the top floor and move toward the ground floor, rather than starting at the first level.
All of the museums are easily accessible via public transportation, with most on the National Mall and a few others in downtown DC locations.
The museums are open year-round, and each has its own hours. You can expect to have company no matter the season, though the busiest times tend to be weekends, holidays, and during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. To avoid the biggest crowds, start your visit early in the morning on weekends or later in the day on weekdays.
It's impossible to see everything, so do a little research before you go. Does the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History top your list? The flight simulators at the National Air and Space Museum?
Or perhaps you have to see the collections at the National Portrait Gallery, the Freer Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, or the Renwick Gallery. Each has something special, so choose what's most appealing to you.
