Choosing a Smithsonian museum sounds easy until you see how many options there are.

Several museums sit close together around the National Mall, so it may look possible to visit three or four in one day. In reality, they are much larger than they appear. Once you include security lines, walking, lunch and time inside the exhibits, the day can disappear quickly.

If this is your first visit and you only have time for one Smithsonian museum, the National Museum of Natural History is the best overall choice. However, the right museum for you depends on who you are traveling with and what you are most excited to see.

How Many Smithsonian Museums Are There?

The Smithsonian Institution is home to 21 museums and the National Zoo. This total includes two new museums that are still being developed: the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.

The main Smithsonian museum locations in Washington, DC and nearby Northern Virginia include:

• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• National Museum of American History
• National Museum of Natural History
• National Museum of the American Indian
• National Air and Space Museum
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
• National Museum of African Art
• National Museum of Asian Art
• Smithsonian American Art Museum
• National Portrait Gallery
• Renwick Gallery
• National Postal Museum
• Anacostia Community Museum
• Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
• Smithsonian Castle, currently closed for renovation
• National Museum of the American Latino, still being developed as a full museum

The Smithsonian also operates two museum locations in New York City: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian’s George Gustav Heye Center.

That is far too much to fit into one trip. If you only have one day in Washington, the goal should not be to enter as many museums as possible. Choose one that matches your interests and give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

Which Smithsonian Is Best for Most First-Time Visitors?

The National Museum of Natural History is usually the easiest choice for first-time visitors, families and groups with different interests.

You can see dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, ocean life, animals and exhibits about human origins inside the same museum. Children can enjoy the large displays without needing to read every detail, while adults still have plenty to explore.

The museum also does not normally require an entry pass. Admission is free, and it is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except December 25.

Allow at least three hours to see the most popular exhibits without feeling rushed. You could stay much longer, but trying to visit every gallery may leave you too tired to enjoy the rest of the National Mall.

Other Smithsonian Museums Worth Considering

Natural History is the best all-around recommendation, but one of these museums may suit your interests better.

National Air and Space Museum

Best for: Children, aviation fans and anyone interested in space

This museum is home to famous aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module Columbia. The large objects make the museum exciting even for visitors who do not know much about aviation.

Admission is free, but the Washington, DC location currently requires a free timed-entry pass. Reserve one before your visit, especially if you are coming on a weekend, holiday or during a school break.

Be careful when reserving your pass because the museum has two locations. The main museum is on the National Mall, while the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is in Chantilly, Virginia.

National Museum of American History

Best for: American history, culture and famous national objects

This museum tells the country’s story through real objects. Popular highlights include the original Star-Spangled Banner, George Washington’s uniform and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

It is a good choice if you want your museum visit to connect with the White House, U.S. Capitol and monuments you may see during the rest of your Washington trip.

Admission is free, and no entry pass is normally required.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Best for: A deeper and more reflective historical experience

This museum explores African American history, culture and achievement through powerful and carefully organized galleries. Its History Galleries alone can take approximately two hours and involve about one mile of walking.

This is not a museum that should be rushed. If you choose it, make it the main part of your day and allow yourself time to understand and reflect on what you are seeing.

Admission is free, but all visitors currently need a timed-entry pass. Advance planning is strongly recommended because passes are limited.

Can You Visit Two Smithsonian Museums in One Day?

Yes, but choose one as your main museum.

For example, you could spend the morning at Natural History and visit a few selected galleries at American History in the afternoon. These two museums are close enough to combine without spending much of your day on transportation.

Still, do not force yourself to visit two simply because admission is free. Visitors often walk much farther around the National Mall than they expected. One museum enjoyed properly is better than rushing through several just to say you saw them.

If you finish the first museum with enough time and energy, treat the second one as a bonus.

Tips for Visiting a Smithsonian Museum

Arrive near opening time when possible. The museums usually become busier later in the day, especially on weekends, holidays and during school-trip season.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring only what you need. Smithsonian museums require security screening, and carrying a smaller bag can make entry easier.

Check the museum’s official website on the morning of your visit. Hours, entrances, exhibitions and timed-entry requirements can change.

Metro is usually more convenient than driving because parking around the National Mall is limited. Also leave time for lunch, photographs and a short rest instead of filling every minute of your schedule.

Make One Museum Part of Your DC Story

When you only have one day in Washington, it is easy to feel as though you must see everything. But rushing from one building to another often means remembering very little from any of them.

Give yourself time to stop in front of the objects that interest you, read the stories that catch your attention and enjoy the museum without watching the clock every few minutes.

You may not leave Washington having visited every Smithsonian, but you can leave with one experience you will genuinely remember. The museums you miss will still be waiting when you return.