Lisa S

This museum is directly across from the Ford Theater where Lincoln was shot. The first floor is where Lincoln finally passed, and the upper floors (starting from the 4th floor down) are dedicated to all historical facts and memorabilia. Even though this museum is free, you need to go to the Ford Theater to get a timed ticket to enter. The staff, including the one stationed at the museum, is friendly and very knowledgeable about that period in American history. This museum is a definite must-see while visiting DC. Also, be sure to check out the cute gift shop before leaving the exhibit.

I am totally shocked that this museum, along with the other ones I have visited while staying in DC, is free (with the exception of the planetarium). This place is truly fantastic. It has so much to see, some of which are interactive. The exhibits are well maintained, organized, and clean. My favorite exhibit was that of all the planes. I thought it was so cool to see the very first "flying car" that was ever created. Word to the wise though....even though this museum is free, you do need a timed ticket to enter. Don't be discouraged for the long lines as they move rather quickly, and you can be inside the museum within 10-15 minutes after your timed ticket. They have a cafe and gift shop that is definitely worth checking out. Overall, this place is great for all ages, and it could really bring out the nerd in all of us.

I love Natural History Museums and this one is truly fantastic. It is just as great as the one I visited in New York City, and what makes it even better is that it is free, with the exception of the butterfly exhibit. They have so much to see that you can literally spend the entire day here. Kids would not only enjoy the butterflies but the live bug and interactive cell phone exhibits as well. The museum itself is well maintained and clean, and there really isn't too much of a wait time to enter once you get past security. Be sure to check out the nifty gift shop before you leave to pick up a souvenir or two. I definitely recommend anyone visiting the area to check this place out.

This is truly one of the must-see museums in all of Washington. I visited this past 4th of July holiday, and I was blown away by all the fantastic exhibits that they have on display. A person would need two visits in order to see everything. This museum, which is under construction, is very large and well maintained. Security can be very strict, which is understandable. This place has a lot of pieces from well-known artists. They also have several cafes and gift shops to check out during your visit. Overall, if you are an art lover, then I recommend checking this place out. It is absolutely spectacular and the price of admission is even better.....free.

This is the first souvenir shop I stopped in when I first arrived in Washington, DC. It is a smaller, well stocked, and spacious store with a lot of great gift ideas for both conservatives and liberals. Prices were pretty reasonable here as well. I definitely recommend and will certainly stop in again the next time I visit DC.