Virtual Visitor Center
Need help planning?
Talk with one of our expert volunteers via Zoom to discover things to see and do that match your interests!
Tours and Reservations
Many of our locations offer group tours, which can be arranged by appointment only. Visit the websites below for details:
- African American History and Culture Museum
- African Art Museum
- Air and Space Museum and its Udvar-Hazy Center
- American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery
- American Indian Museum, D.C.
- American Indian Museum (New York)
- Anacostia Community Museum
- Asian Art Museum: Freer and Sackler Galleries
- Cooper Hewitt (New York)
- Hirshhorn Museum
- National Zoo
- Natural History Museum
- Portrait Gallery
- Postal Museum
- Smithsonian Gardens
Field Trips
Need information on planning and scheduling a field trip? Many locations provide self-guided tours and additional educational resources to support your visit. Visit Smithsonian Field Trips for more information.
Public Transportation
Metrobus and Metrorail Washington's bus and subway system link the city with communities in nearby Maryland and Virginia. Every subway station is equipped with an elevator and/or escalators. For information on Metrobus and Metrorail schedules as well as parking at Metro stations, call 202.637.7000 (voice) or visit the Metro website at www.wmata.com. DC Circulator operates commuter buses around the National Mall and monuments on its red line/National Mall route. For rates and schedules, visit the DC Circulator website at www.dccirculator.com or call 202.962.1423.
Parking
The Smithsonian does not operate any parking facilities except at the National Zoo and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Parking is available for free at the Anacostia Community Museum.
Tour Bus Parking Near the National Mall
There are several areas where tour buses can park on a first-come, first-served basis. For information on bus parking sites, contact the National Park Service Mall Operations Office at 202.426.6841. On-street parking for buses is available at the Anacostia Community Museum.
Car or Van Parking Near the National Mall
On-street parking for cars and vans on Jefferson and Madison Drives on the National Mall is limited and the metered 3-hour regulations are enforced. Parking is available in nearby commercial lots and garages. Reserved parking near the museums can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz.
Parking at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Free tour and school bus parking is available. Car or van parking costs $15 per vehicle; free after 4 p.m. There is a 30 minute grace period if you are just dropping off passengers.
Parking at the National Zoo
Visit the Zoo's website for information on parking and online reservations.
