Nothing is better then free except free museums. The Smithsonian has a place for every person in the family. Their collections are astonishing and they are continually bringing new exhibits to the Smithsonian. You can't visit DC without visiting at least one Smithsonian Museum and picking up some astronaut ice cream at Air & Space.

Too many museums to rate but the favorites are Air & Space, Natural History, and American History (which will be closing after Labor Day 2006 for a few years--see it now!)
Hirschorn is an interesting donut-shaped modern art museum and the Smithsonian Castle building houses some interesting items as well--the oldest building on the National Mall, and the original home of Smithson.
All museums are national treasures.

Wow, which one! Of course the space and science is the most visited and rightfully so...it is awesome. With reletives near DC, I have been several times (though not recently) and still am amazed.

Don't go unless you have time--there is just too much too see. It is really impressive and makes you feel proud to see it.

The thing that most people think about the Smithsonian is that it is one museum in one building, but the Institute is rather a collection of about 5 seperate museums, such as the Museum of Natural History, American History, American Indian, Air & Space Museum, and there may be more that I can't think of right now. I was in DC for 4 days and still didn't get to do everything I wanted. It's all a lot to take in, but every second is worth it. The museums are all free of charge and there are rarely any lines to get in. All of the museums are breathtaking and a whole lot of fun, but be prepared to do a lot of walking. A experience you will not soon forget!

I know giving the Smithsonian less than 5 stars is sacrelidge, but the problem is twofold- (1) you will never see everyting in one day and (2) people in a group always want to see different things. By yourself or with one other person it's 5 stars, but a group tends to pull in different directions and drag the experience down. The exhibits are first class and a great place to kill 2-3 hours if you're waiting for your next business meeting. . .

Worth a look. Extremely educational!

You'll never see it all, even if you live there. Go with a plan and enjoy as much as you can.

Museums galore, for every interest. You can spend hours just browsing around gaining tons of information. Best of all, they're free!

We're just back from DC. We only got to the National Zoo and the Air & Space, and barely scratched the surface of either museum. There's literally dozens of individual museums or galleries or sculpture parks, or anything. If you can't find something that interests you in the vast Smithsonion collection, you must be brain-dead!!

Definitely a MUST-SEE if you're going to Washington D.C. The best are the American History and Natural History museums. Air and Space isn't as great (at least when I was there in 2001), but they are definitely worth a see.

HUGE and FREE

A wonderful celebration of our nation's history, heritage and culture. The Air and Space Museum was quite interesting, espescially the Flight Simulator which will definately be popular with the kids. The Natural History museum is a wonderful attraction which consists of fantastic exhibits from our natural history. The Art gallaries are great- of course, as long as you like art. The American History Museum is definately my favorite- I spent most of my time in the American Presidency exhibit alone. The Presidential Speechmaking Interactive exhibit and all of the videos and items preserved from the past make for a wonderful museum. And what's an extra bonus to all of this? Every museum is FREE!!! I could spend weeks and weeks in these museums and never get bored- unfortunately, I only had a day. All Americans should visit this wonderful institution at least once in their lifetime to get a feel of our nation's culture and heritage.

I hate to be repetitive, but the fact is, from the ever popular Air & Space to the gorgeous little Botanic Gardens to American History, Natural History, and every sort of art museum there is definitely something here for you. The big bonus, of course, is that all the facilities are free. If you're coming for a visit, make sure you plan plenty of time--you could spend a week and never see it all!

It's a cliche, but there truly is something for everyone here! With no admission fee, it's a crime not to stop by. But watch out; there are a lot of different buildings, and you'll be hardpressed to see it all in one day. Spread it out and enjoy!

History rules!

We were there this summer! We had no idea that it was free to enter.We had a great time!

You could spend days there. It's a museum with something for everyone. I can't give it less than 5 stars, because of the volume of wonderful exhibits, but when my kids tell their kids about Washington, I don't think there's any one thing about the Smithsonian that they found so riveting that it will just stand out in their minds.

There's something for everyone at the Smithsonian Institute. Pop culture, science, history, you name it, it's there. An educational and entertaining stop for people of all ages and backgrounds.

This is our museum, folks. Everything and anything, and much of it not even on display. I especially love the Botanic Gardens and the less well attended small galleries.

The Smithsonian is interesting, educational, and enjoyable all in one. Its a great place to go on a Sunday afternoon. Ideal for tourists and DC residents as well.

Smithsonian is such a great resource that not enough DC residents take advatage of.

Smithsonian is a great American institution.

The Smithsonian Institute has a museum for everybody. Its art museums have great collections of varied background and type. Best of all, most of the museums are free.