The 5 best museums in Washington, DC, you haven't heard of
Washington, D.C., is a paradise for museum lovers. No first trip would be complete without hitting cultural icons like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Free, walkable and filled with world-renowned exhibits, it's no wonder these perennial favorites resonate with every age group.
If you are planning a second trip to Washington, or you just want to branch out from the classics, these lesser-known museums are entertaining and educational, but without the crowds — and often overwhelming scale — of the city's famed heavyweights.
International Spy Museum
- Getting there: The nearest Metro station is L'Enfant Plaza, which is a five-minute walk away.
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
- Cost: $28.95 for an adult ticket (ages 13-64), $18.95 for a youth ticket (ages 7-12), and $25.95 for college students and members of the military with proof of ID. Child tickets (ages 6 and under) are free.
- Great for: Ages 7 and older.
With a steep admission price, you may be tempted to skip the International Spy Museum and hit D.C.'s free institutions, but this family-friendly crowd-pleaser is well worth a visit. The immersive experience reveals just what goes into being a spy — and whether you have what it takes.
Even those who often find museums to be stifling will be enthralled with the world they encounter. After arriving at their specific ticket entry time, visitors are ushered with their group into a separate room to assume their spy identity for the day and receive a badge that will unlock their own personal mission as they move through the exhibits. The entire experience takes an average of two to three hours, but visitors are free to wander at their own pace.
Highlights include fascinating exhibits on spy missions throughout American history, from how George Washington recruited spies to win the Revolutionary War to the use of cyber espionage to help eliminate threats today.
Engaging multimedia displays reveal how spies are recruited, the ways they disguise themselves and the risks inherent to their work. Diverse collections of artifacts allow visitors to focus on whatever stories pique their interest. Learn how massive government secrets have been revealed during wartime and how one Chinese corporation tried to steal the formula for making Oreo cookies.
Popular cultural touchstones are everywhere here. Explore a Stasi office and immerse yourself in Cold War-era Berlin, check out James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin, and learn how weapons have been disguised as everyday items, like a tube of lipstick.
And, of course, test out your own spy skills by stopping at the "Undercover Mission" stations throughout the museum, where you can scan your secret identity badge to unlock different challenges. Ultimately, you'll learn whether you are cut out for the job as well as how real spies have historically honed the skills you demonstrated. And if you want to bring home your own cypher wheel or lipstick tool, make sure to stop by the gift shop before you leave.
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
- Getting there: The nearest Metro station is Union Station, which is a five-minute walk away.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Cost: Free.
- Great for: Older kids and adults.
Don't let the name fool you — this museum isn't just one big stamp collection. (Although it does contain a really impressive one, if that's your thing.) After entering, you can check out the current feature exhibit along with a massive stamp collection on the top floor. Then, you'll ride an escalator down to an impressive display of postal planes, trains and truck models from years past, like a fully restored 1931 Ford Model A Parcel Post truck and a recreation of a Railway Mail service car.
On the lower level, you'll find exhibits that detail the important role the U.S. Postal Service has played in various wars and national threats, as well as its vital role in keeping citizens connected across the globe.
This museum has fewer family-friendly exhibits than some you likely have on your list, but kids will enjoy the chance to identify counterfeit mail on an interactive screen, write a postcard and climb into the railcar on display. Plus, this less popular museum is a welcome reprieve from the crowds of the more popular museums you've probably hit earlier in the day. And, as a part of the Smithsonian museum collection, it's free.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum — Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Getting there: You can find public transportation directions on the museum website, but you'll likely want to visit on your way to or from Dulles International Airport (IAD) or go with a rideshare option if you can. If you are driving, there's a $15 parking charge before 4 p.m.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
- Cost: Free.
- Great for: All ages.
You're probably familiar with the much loved National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall, but AvGeeks shouldn't miss the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center by Dulles Airport.
It has two large hangars, so there's plenty of room to just wander around and look at the more than 150 aircraft on display, including the space shuttle Discovery, an SR-71 Blackbird and a Concorde. If you want to learn more about what you're seeing, you can also stop by the many exhibits scattered throughout. Kids, especially, will enjoy sitting in the cockpit of one of the display planes.
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
- Getting there: The nearest Metro station is Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter, which is a three-minute walk away.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Cost: Free.
- Great for: All ages.
Located on the National Mall, the Sculpture Garden can be easy to miss, but it's a great place to stroll between the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art. It boasts unique sculptures by illustrious artists, including a circle of granite seats (Six-Part Seating by Scott Burton) and a giant eraser (Typewriter Eraser, Scale X by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen), as well as a walking path to follow through the garden.
Plus, you can stop at the Pavilion Cafe for a perfect lunch alternative to the food trucks lining the National Mall. If you're visiting in the winter, don't miss the ice skating rink in the park. And in the summer, you can catch a Friday night jazz performance in front of the cafe.
U.S. National Arboretum
- Getting there: You can find public transportation directions on the museum website, but note that your journey will involve both the Metro and a bus. If you are driving, there's free parking.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Cost: Free.
- Great for: Anyone comfortable with considerable walking.
The National Arboretum is a breath of (really) fresh air in a busy Washington itinerary. You can drive or walk through the arboretum grounds to see a vast selection of trees and other plants. One of the best spots is the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum (also free and open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), where you can see over 300 types of trees on display, many of which are hundreds of years old.
You can also check out the National Capitol Columns, a collection of columns that formed part of the Capitol in 1828; unable to bear the weight of the dome, they were removed and now they live out their days in their own exhibit in the National Arboretum.
Bottom line
Washington, D.C., truly has a museum for everyone. Whether you're looking to add more excitement to your educational experiences or take a break from some of the busier attractions, these museums are great additions to your next Washington itinerary. You'll have a great time seeing them, but you may have an even better time wowing your dinner companions with fun facts and anecdotes after your trip.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.