Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Getting to the Smithsonian from the ROOST White House

From the ROOST White House, you can reach the museum in about twenty to twenty-five minutes on foot. The walk is comfortable and takes you through downtown streets toward the Mall. If you prefer to ride, take the Metro from McPherson Square to Smithsonian Station, which will drop you a short walk from the entrance. Rideshare and taxi options are also quick and affordable, usually taking ten minutes depending on traffic.

The museum sits right in the center of the Mall, which makes it an ideal starting point for a full day of exploring other nearby Smithsonian museums and D.C. landmarks.

What You’ll See Inside

The museum is home to more than 145 million specimens and artifacts. You won’t see all of them, of course, but the highlights alone can easily fill half a day. Each gallery is designed to draw you in, from enormous skeletons to immersive digital displays.

Here are several exhibits that stand out:

• David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – Deep Time: Walk through billions of years of Earth’s history. But more importantly, stand beneath life-sized dinosaur skeletons. This exhibit connects the dots between climate, evolution, and extinction in a way that makes the ancient world feel immediate.
• Hall of Human Origins: Follow the story of humankind from early ancestors to modern humans. There are plenty of interactive installations and exhibits to show the evolution of our species.
• Bone Hall: A vast collection of animal skeletons featuring everything from bats to whales. It’s one of the oldest parts of the museum, but still manages to be a real crowd-pleaser.
• Butterfly Pavilion: Step into a living rainforest where hundreds of butterflies fly freely. It’s one of the few paid exhibits, but this bright and lively experience is well worth it.
• Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals: A dazzling showcase that includes the Hope Diamond and other rare treasures, including rubies, topaz, and other rare, precious gems.  
• Cellphone: Unseen Connections: A modern exhibit that explains how everyday technology links to geology, ecosystems, and global trade. It’s thought-provoking and unexpected.
  
  Between galleries, the Atrium Café and Ocean Terrace Café offer food and drink options, with plenty of seating for a nice respite after all the touring. There are several gift shops throughout the museum for all sorts of souvenirs.

How Much Time to Plan

A quick visit can be done in ninety minutes, but three to four hours gives you room to explore comfortably. The layout makes it easy to pause for breaks or skip sections that don’t interest you. If you plan to visit multiple Smithsonian museums in a single day, the Natural History Museum pairs well with the nearby Museum of American History or the National Gallery of Art.

For the best experience, arrive early. The museum opens daily at 10 a.m., and the first hour tends to be quiet. Most afternoons get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays.

Nearby Smithsonian Museums and Sights

Once you step outside, you’re already in the heart of the National Mall. Everything you see from the steps of the museum can fill another day of exploring.

• National Museum of American History: Directly across the Mall, showcasing everything from important inventions to culture and politics that shaped the country.
• National Museum of African American History and Culture: One of the city’s most powerful museums, combining art, storytelling, and a complicated history.
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: This modern circular building features modern and contemporary works by some of the world’s most exciting artists, including Los Angeles painter Mark Bradford and Japanese mixed media master Yayoi Kusama, plus there is an outdoor sculpture garden, ideal for contemplative walks.
• United States Botanic Garden: A short walk toward the Capitol, where you can wander through greenhouses and tropical plants.
• Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool: A scenic stroll away and ideal for ending your museum day outdoors.

The proximity of these attractions makes it easy to create your own mix of indoor and outdoor experiences without ever leaving the Mall.

A Smart Way to Plan Your Day

If you’re staying at The ROOST White House, here’s one way to organize your time for a full Washington, D.C. day that balances culture and comfort.

• Morning: Have breakfast at the ROOST White House or one of the nearby coffee shops. Leave around 9:30 a.m. to arrive at the museum close to opening time.
• Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Spend two to three hours exploring the main exhibits at the Museum of Natural History. Break for lunch in the Atrium Café or at a food truck on Constitution Avenue.
• Afternoon: Walk across the Mall to visit the National Museum of American History or relax in the Sculpture Garden. If the weather is nice, wander toward the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool for open views and fresh air.
• Evening: Head north to Penn Quarter or Chinatown for dinner. These areas are less than a fifteen-minute walk and offer plenty of restaurants and bars before returning to the ROOST White House.

This simple route lets you see some of the best of D.C. without doubling back or spending time in traffic.

Tips for a Better Visit

• Arrive early to enjoy the quieter hours.
• Use a museum map or the Smithsonian app to plan your route.
• Focus on three or four major exhibits instead of trying to see everything.
• Bring water and wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking more than you think.
• Check the museum’s website before visiting for current exhibits and hours.
• Visit the Butterfly Pavilion or FossiLab if you’re traveling with children, because these are especially engaging for young visitors.

The museum is open every day (you can always check ahead online) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional extended hours during spring and summer. Admission is always free.

When to Go to the Smithsonian

Each season offers a different experience. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is lively but busy, so mornings are best. Winter provides smaller crowds and clear views of the Mall, ideal for visitors who prefer a quieter pace.

If you plan your timing right, you can enjoy the museum for a few hours and still have time to explore the surrounding area without feeling rushed.

Why the Smithsonian Natural History Museum Is a Must-See

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History captures the story of where we came from and what connects us to the world. And every exhibit you see, from the tiniest microbe display to the largest T-Rex fossil, is worth the visit.

From the ROOST White House, you can easily walk or ride to the museum, explore for a few hours, and return feeling like you’ve seen something truly special. The location makes it simple to combine with other Washington, D.C. landmarks, but even if you only visit one museum during your stay, this should be it.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is such a perfect fit for any D.C. itinerary. That is, of course, along with booking your stay at the ROOST White House.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guide to the Best Things To Do in Washington, D.C. — from iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, all just minutes from ROOST White House.