Smithsonian for Science Buffs: A Journey Through Air and Space

For those who believe science should be experienced, not just observed, this single-museum itinerary offers a thrilling exploration at one of the Smithsonian’s most expansive and awe-inspiring institutions: the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Located just 40 minutes from downtown Washington, DC, this museum is more than a collection of aircraft—it’s a soaring tribute to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration. With free admission and no timed entry required, visitors are free to chart their own course through decades of aviation and spaceflight history. Prepare to spend several unforgettable hours face-to-face with icons of innovation: stand beneath the Space Shuttle Discovery, marvel at the sleek SR-71 Blackbird, and reflect on the legacy of the Enola Gay. The Concorde, with its supersonic silhouette, rounds out a lineup that captures the imagination of all ages.

Midway through your journey, take a break at the on-site Shake Shack. It’s the perfect spot to refuel before diving back into the hangars.

With doors open daily (except December 25) from 10 am to 5:30 pm, this itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to go deep, look up, and leave with a renewed sense of wonder about what humans can achieve when we dare to fly. Admission is free.