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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryvsArlington National Cemetery
Both Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and Arlington National Cemetery are rated very highly by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History ranks marginally better than Arlington National Cemetery. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History comes in at #13 in Washington DC with approval from 7 sources such as Frommer's, Time Out and Michelin Guide.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Frommer's
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Time Out
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Where
Atlas Obscura
U.S. News & World Report
Fodor's Show All Reviews
10th Street and Constitution Ave., Washington DC, DC 20560
From $0/night
Frommer's "The National Museum of Natural History is the largest of its kind in the world and one of the most visited museums in Washington." Full review
Lonely Planet "The Smithsonian’s second-most popular museum clogs with kids, but adults will find lots to love here too." Full review
Lonely Planet "The castle houses the Smithsonian Visitor Center, which makes a good first stop on the Mall. Inside you’ll find history exhibits, multilingual touch-screen displays, a staffed information desk." Full review
Time Out "The gem at the heart of the Museum of Natural History is a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema and an 80,000sq ft brushed steel and granite Discovery Center housing a cafeteria and exhibition space." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The National Museum of Natural History investigates the world and its creatures, examines ancient rituals, and explores the unfolding universe." Full review
i
Be sure to see The Last American Dinosaurs, the Hall of Mammals, the Hope Diamond display, and the walk-through butterfly house.
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, ranks as one of the most visited museums in the world." Full review
Where "Exhibits track the natural world since prehistoric time (anthropology to zoology)." Full review
Atlas Obscura "The 28,000-year-old specimen is remarkably intact. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"With more than 126 million artifacts on display, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year." Full review
Fodor's "One of the world's great natural history museums offers 18 exhibition halls...there are more than 145 million specimens in the collection. Marvel at the enormous African bush elephant" Full review
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Orkin Insect Zoo (don't miss the daily live tarantula feedings).
Arlington National Cemetery Frommer's Lonely Planet Fodor's Time Out
Not For Tourists Michelin Guide
National Geographic Where U.S. News & World Report Frommer's
Entrance at Arlington Memorial Bridge, Arlington, VA 22211
From $0/night
Frommer's "Service is continuous and the narrated commentary is informative; this is the only guided tour of the cemetery offered. If you've got plenty of stamina, consider doing part or all of the tour on foot." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"The county's best-known attraction is the somber final resting place for more than 300,000 military personnel and their dependents, with veterans of every US war from the Revolution to Iraq." Full review
Fodor's "While you're here, there's a good chance you might hear the clear, doleful sound of a trumpet playing taps or the sharp reports of a gun salute." Full review
Time Out "It is the right of anyone killed in action in any branch of military service, or who served for 20 years, to be buried at Arlington, along with their spouse." Full review
Not For Tourists "Visit again and again--just not during tourist season."
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The most revered burial ground in the US, this vast military cemetery is one of the capital's most poignant sights." Full review
National Geographic "Tomb of the unknown soldier; more than 100 graveside services each week; JFK gravesite eternal flame...final resting sites of astronauts, explorers, Presidents, and military personnel. " Full review
Where "Interred here, thousands of veterans and government personnel." Full review
U.S. News & World Report11.0
"Visitors should be sure to spend some time at the Memorial Amphitheater, the John F. Kennedy Gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. " Full review
Frommer's "This shrine occupies approximately 639 acres on the high hills overlooking the capital...more than 400,000 people are buried here, including veterans of all nation wars" Full review
