Fodor's Expert Review Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

This is the one of the country's most visited museums. Between its two buildings, it attracts 6-8 million people annually to the world's largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft. The 23 galleries tell the story of aviation from the earliest human attempts at flight to supersonic jets and spacecraft. The museum has begun a multiyear renovation process, though it will remain open throughout the whole process, closing only construction areas. Renovations on the first part, which include the main store, are scheduled to be finished in 2022, with the entire project completed by 2025.

Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall, which traces the evolution of air and space travel, captures visitors' excitement as soon as they enter the museum. Highlights include the Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis, Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis, Viking planetary explorers, SpaceShipOne, and Mercury Friendship 7. It's here where you can even touch a moon rock.

In the kid-friendly and very hands-on How Things Fly Gallery, exhibits explore the principles of gravity and air, supersonic flight, wing technology, aircraft and rocket propulsion, and space travel.

On the second floor, you can see the 1903 Wright Flyer that Wilbur and Orville Wright piloted over the sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Climb into one of the museum's six motion simulators to experience the thrill of barrel rolls, space walking, and aerial combat, or immerse yourself in space by taking in an IMAX film. The movies—some in 3-D—employ swooping aerial scenes that make you feel as if you've left the ground, as well as fascinating high-definition footage taken in deep space. Buy IMAX theater and planetarium tickets up to two weeks in advance or as soon as you arrive (times and prices vary); then tour the museum.

Free docent-led tours leave daily at 10:30 and 1 from the museum's welcome center.

The three-story museum store is the largest (and one of the best) in all the Smithsonian museums. You'll find souvenirs, clothing, books and movies, kites, and loads of collectors' items. It is closed during construction, but two satellite stores are available. And if you have time, stop in at the Public Observatory on the museum's east terrace for a chance to peer through telescopes for a daytime look at the universe. It's open Wednesday through Sunday noon–3.