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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Traveler Reviews

600 Independence Avenue Southwest, Dulles, VA
(202) 633-1000
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Ranked #1 of 5 attractions in Dulles
Type: Museums
7 visitor photos
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42 reviews from our community

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Mountain View, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Awesome museum even if you're not an aviation buff”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2013

1. parking cost $15 but admission is free

2. ample parking

3. very well-designed museum. you enter on the 2nd floor and are treated to an overlook of the entire museum. the map and signage are easy to understand. need a bathroom? just look for a wall with a mosaic tile design. ample seating throughout the museum (2 seats built into the railings about every 20 feet) so you can sit if you like during the tour.

4. the tour guides are awesome. friendly gray-haired men who seem to be retirees from careers in military or commercial aviation. full of interesting stories and little known facts. their personable nature gives this cavernous airplane hanger a warm and friendly ambience.

5. huge gift shop with tons of books for adults and children, aviation related toys, apparel, games, lots of choices for affordable gifts and souvenirs

6. while I'm not a fan of McDonalds taking over the universe, I do appreciate that the McDonalds inside the museum had prices that were very slightly, maybe 20 cents, higher than the norm. nothing worse than the feeling of highway robbery when the only food around has jacked up prices.

7. oh, did I mention that 99% of these aircraft are the real, genuine article, not replicas? huge collection of aircraft and related items, beautifully displayed

Highly recommend!

Visited February 2013
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Ask Robin I about Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
“Wonderful Collection”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2013

If you love air and spacecraft it doesn't get any better than this. The exhibits are uncrowded and the signs are clear and concise. The star is Discovery- magnificent. Be sure to get a docent tour- the best way to appreciate what you are seeing. The docents are excellent.

Visited January 2013
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Ask Walter53 about Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Udvar-Hazy: Best of the Air & Space Museums”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 1, 2013

While the Air & Space Museum in DC is a great treat and a must do while in the city, take a little trip out to the Air & Space Museum at Dulles Airport for an unforgettable experience. We have been to this museum countless times at this point and it never gets old. Real fighter jets, the SR71, the Discovery Space Shuttle, the Enola Gay and the Concord are only a handful of impressive aircraft on display. You can also take an elevator ride up to the top of a flight control tower and watch planes take off and land on a clear day. I was lucky enough to also host an office holiday party here in December of 2012. What a venue! Highly recommended for adults and children alike. They also have a gift shop and McDonalds on site.

Visited December 2012
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Ask VA_Dawg_4 about Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jacksonville, Florida
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
“You CAN"T go wrong here”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2013

Even if you never fly and don't think about spaceflight, this place is a treat for anyone. Don't miss it!
BUT, take a shuttle. parking is ridiculous!

Visited January 2013
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Ask MikeTretick about Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
New York state
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
“Beautiful Experience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 19, 2013

My college friends and I appreciated the free admission! We arrived somewhat late in the day and weren't able to see the shows or extra experiences, but the exhibits were beautiful and it was amazing to see such historic artifacts. In general, we did have difficulty finding parking for the trip to D.C.

Visited January 2013
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