Smithsonian Museums on HOHO Routes — Where to Spend Your Time

Smithsonian museum stops and HOHO — Expanded

The Smithsonian complex is huge; HOHO helps you prioritize and move efficiently between the museums that match your interests.

Which museum for whom

• National Air & Space Museum: Families, aviation enthusiasts — allow 1.5–3 hours.
• National Museum of American History: Culture, politics, and artifacts — 1–2 hours.
• National Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs, fossils, and the Hall of Gems — 1.5–2.5 hours.
• National Portrait Gallery / American Art Museum: Art and presidential portraits — 45–90 minutes.

Planning tips

• Check for timed-entry reservations on the Smithsonian website; some special exhibits require them.
• Bring a small daypack and avoid large bags for security screening.
• Use HOHO mid-morning to move between museums and avoid long midday walks in summer heat.

Suggested pairings

• Air & Space + Natural History (morning and early afternoon).
• American History + Portrait Gallery followed by a Capitol Hill hop-off.

Family-friendly notes

• Look for hands-on exhibits and designated family spaces; many museums offer scavenger hunts and activity booklets for kids.