The 11-ton African Bush Elephant rears its trunk in the beaux-arts building’s magnificent three-story Rotunda.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., maintains an astonishing collection of more than 145 million specimens — ranging from hundreds of butterflies flitting around their tropical Pavilion to the brilliant blue Hope Diamond, rotating behind three inches of bullet-proof glass in the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.
Its building features one of the city’s most elegant museum interiors, with marble floors and columns, balustraded balconies, and semi-circular clerestory windows. Lining the Museum’s perimeter are an Urban Bird Habitat and a Pollinator Garden, which feature trees, flowers, and a sculpture of the head of a triceratops.
More than 4 million people visited the Museum in 2019, the last calendar year before lockdown. I’ve been many times over the years, with friends and family, and I could still explore more.
Like most Smithsonian venues, the National Museum of Natural History is located on the National Mall. There are lots of suitable hotels within walking distance:
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Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.
★★★★★
This historic Hilton property took over the Old Post Office Pavilion building that once housed the Trump International Hotel. It boasts spacious rooms, excellent service, and a spectacular lobby bar displaying an enviable collection of crystal decanters. The hotel is a four- to five-minute walk from the National Museum of Natural History. It is also within a mile of eight other open Smithsonian museums on the Mall.
Riggs Washington D.C.
★★★★★
This historic Preferred hotel occupies one of the few remaining Romanesque Revival buildings in Washington. The hotel used to house a leading bank, where presidents and embassies conducted their financial business. The hotel is a five- to ten-minute walk from the National Museum of Natural History. It is also close to Ford’s Theater, where you can see a show, take a guided tour, and view the flag-draped (no-longer-used) Presidential Box.
Willard InterContinental Washington
★★★★★
The historic IHG property is one of Washington’s iconic hotels. It has hosted every president since Millard Fillmore. Julia Ward Howe wrote “Battle Hymn of the Republic” within its walls. Ulysses S. Grant drank whiskey and smoked cigars here, and legend has it that the term lobbyist was coined to describe the favor-seekers who approached him. I’ve enjoyed drinking and dining at its historic Round Robin Bar for decades. The Willard is a five- to ten-minute walk to the National Museum of Natural History.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Washington D.C.
★★★★-1/2
This historic IHG property occupies a 19th-century building that once housed the General Post Office. It features high ceilings, grand hallways, and a stunning lobby with complementary coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. It is a five- to ten-minute walk to the National Museum of Natural History. It is also catty-cornered from the Capital One Arena.
Hotel Washington
★★★★-1/2
This upscale hotel is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the National Museum of Natural History. It is also steps away from the White House. Its rooftop bar VUE is iconic, offering spectacular views of Washington. When I worked nearby, it was a favorite spot to meet friends or take out-of-town guests. It appeared in the Cold War thriller No Way Out.
Eaton D.C.
★★★★-1/2
This modern hotel is a 15- to 20-minute walk from the National Museum of Natural History. It’s a good choice if you want something contemporary with a woke hostel vibe. It is located downtown very close to where I worked for several years in a fun job that fueled my wanderlust with travel from Ontario to El Salvador. Accommodations range from cozy rooms to small suites. They are equipped with books, smart TVs, and turntables and vinyl records, but no coffee makers.
J.W. Marriott Washington D.C.
★★★★
This upscale hotel is a five- to ten-minute walk from the National Museum of Natural History. The hotel boasts elegant, spacious rooms with views of the city, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and multiple dining options.
Hilton Washington D.C.
National Mall the Wharf
★★★★
This upscale hotel sits in L’Enfant Plaza, midway between the National Mall and the Wharf, a vibrant waterfront strip teeming with lots of restaurants and shops. The building formerly housed the Loews L’Enfant Plaza Hotel (where my parents used to stay when they came to visit me in college). It is a five- to ten-minute walk to the National Museum of Natural History. It is also steps away from the International Spy Museum.
Grand Hyatt Washington
★★★★
This upscale hotel boasts spacious rooms and several restaurants. The hotel is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the National Museum of Natural History. It is also within a mile of several art museums, including the National Gallery of Art.
Hyatt House Washington D.C. | the Wharf
★★★-1/2
This extended-stay hotel is a 15- to 20-minute walk to the National Museum of Natural History. Its H Bar offers light bites, and there is a complimentary breakfast buffet daily. Many suites boast beautiful views of the Potomac River.
Homewood Suites Washington D.C. Convention Center
★★★-1/2
This extended-stay Hilton hotel is a 15- to 20-minute walk to the National Museum of Natural History. It offers complimentary breakfast daily and a reception on Wednesday evenings.
What to Know before You Go
to the Smithsonian’s
National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is located at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., midway between the U.S. Capitol building and the Washington Monument. The closest Metro stops are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Parking on the National Mall is limited, and I don’t recommend trying. I usually ride-share.
As a Smithsonian venue, the Museum is free of charge to explore, but tickets are required for the Butterfly Pavilion.
There are four gift shops selling everything from stuffed sloths to genuine jewelry. The large Atrium Café offers an over-priced buffet of mediocre, lukewarm dishes like burgers and barbecue, as well as wine, beer, and whiskey. The smaller cafeteria-style Ocean Terrace Café offers more suitably room-temperature sandwiches and grain bowls.
The Museum can be very crowded, especially during spring and summer. Unfortunately, the beautiful building’s acoustics are terrible, magnifying the enthusiasm of spirited young naturalists on field trips or school breaks. Fortunately, if the crowds and their cacophony become unbearable, there are plenty of other sites to see within walking distance.
Wear loose layers and comfortable walking shoes. Limited locker storage is available on the ground floor. Allow two to four hours.
After my misspent youth as a wage worker, I’m having so much more fun as a blogger, helping other discerning travellers plan fun and fascinating journeys. Read more …