5 Reasons The Air And Space Museum Is The Best In Washington DC

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The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is located in Washington DC. As one of the many Smithsonian museums in Washington DC, this one sits on the National Mall just before the US Capitol. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC is being remodeled and reopening in Fall 2022. This is a must-see museum in Washington DC for any space lover.

Planning A Trip To Washington DC?

There is so much to see and do in Washington DC. Covering everything from Smithsonian museums to tours of The White House, you will not want to miss out on any of these exciting sights.

The complete guide for what to do in Washington DC covers the must-see landmarks in our nation’s capitol.

1. It Is A Smithsonian Museum

When I visited Washington DC, my bucket list included visiting a Smithsonian museum. I did not research ahead of time and just dropped in while visiting the National Mall. The Air and Space Museum in Washington DC displays parts of our history in aviation. Even though I went into this just wanting to visit a Smithsonian museum, I walked out having a newfound appreciation for this industry and the trailblazing so many people did in the 1900’s.

Want more Smithsonian experiences? Here are 3 reasons to tour the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

2. It Is Free

The exterior of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum — The exterior of the ***Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum***

Washington DC can get expensive. Fortunately, there are many tours and experiences that are FREE. The Smithsonian museums are no different. Entry is FREE. On top of this, we visited in the middle of May. It was hot and humid. The museums provide an escape (air conditioning!) from the heat for FREE. You can pop in, take a look around, and cool off before your next stop.

Are you looking for more free things to do in Washington DC? Important! Read how to book FREE tours in Washington DC.

3. Learn About Amelia Earhart

I love everything surrounding Amelia Earhart. She was a force to be reckoned with. Independent, strong, and wanting to create history, especially as a woman. I wish she was around in the 21st century.

She is also well known for the mystery surrounding her disappearance. I love a good conspiracy. Did she somehow survive her flight and live happily ever after? Or, did she meet her fate that day? I do not think we will ever know.

Nonetheless, it is more important we focus on everything she did to pave the path for aviation, women, and history. On display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed 5B Vega.

According to the Smithsonian’s website, this is the plane Earhart flew solo across the Atlantic then across the country non-stop. She was the first woman to do both of these! What a badass. I loved seeing her plane and other tributes to this pioneer.

Amelia Earhart's Lockheed 5B Vega at the Air and Space Museum — Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed 5B Vega at the ***Air and Space Museum***

Amelia Earhart's flight coat and flying goggles — Amelia Earhart’s flight coat and flying goggles

4. Witness The Reality Of Space Travel

Space travel has become one of my obsessions. Our generation is seeing Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson and more in the space race. There is a chance that recreational space travel will become a reality in our lifetimes. Soon, we will be visiting mars, the moon and so much more!

Well, we did not get where we are overnight. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum displays the events that have shaped where we are now.

A tribute to the Space Shuttle Challenger at the Air and Space Museum — A tribute to the Space Shuttle Challenger at the ***Air and Space Museum***

Yuri Gagarin's Space Suit on display at the Air and Space Museum — Yuri Gagarin’s Space Suit on display at the ***Air and Space Museum***

A mock Hubble Space Telescope at the Air and Space Museum — A mock Hubble Space Telescope at the ***Air and Space Museum***

The V-2 Missile at the Air and Space Museum — The V-2 Missile at the ***Air and Space Museum***

5. See The Evolution Of Flying

Air travel is so common nowadays we probably do not give it a second thought. In the 1900’s, however, many “firsts” were happening. On display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the Fokker T-2 plane. According to the museum’s official website, it was this plane that completed the first non-stop flight across the country. Look at how tiny this plane is! They did it without extra leg room.

The historic Fokker T-2 on display at the Air and Space Museum — The historic Fokker T-2 on display at the ***Air and Space Museum***

In 1923 in this airplane, U.S. Army Air Service pilots Macready and Kelly made the first nonstop flight across the United States, from Long Island, New York, to San Diego, California

Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the Air and Space Museum — Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the ***Air and Space Museum***

Things To Know

Before you go, there are a few things to know about the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has two locations. This post outlined the museum located at the National Mall. There is also the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. This facility is outside of Washington DC. This museum is a large hanger with several airplanes on display.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC is closed the summer of 2022, reopening Fall of 2022. It is sure to look much different after this remodel.
The collections and exhibits are constantly being rotated from the Museum at the National Mall to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and vice versa. If you are wanting to see something specific before visiting, visit the museum’s website to see where it is currently being shown.

Plan Your Trip Now

Whether you are planning a trip to the Washington DC or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC and tell me how you liked it.