Heat Sunday/Lines to Museums

Question

We are coming to DC for Monday's Stray Kids concert and are arriving a day early to sightsee on Sunday. We are very concerned about the heat. We know there can be lines to get into the museums and want to avoid standing outside for a prolonged period. Besides getting there early, are there any other tips? Which museums will have longer lines than others? We hope to get an Uber right from the hotel to the museum. Thank you!

Answer

Visiting Washington DC in the summer, especially on a Sunday before a concert or big event, can be hot and crowded. The Smithsonian museums along the National Mall are popular, and lines can form outside, especially for the most visited ones like the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. Since you are concerned about heat and waiting outside, planning ahead is essential.

Here are some tips to minimize exposure to the sun and long lines:

Arrive very early, ideally right when the museum opens. Most Smithsonian museums open around 10:00 a.m., but some, like the National Air and Space Museum, open at 9:30 a.m. Early arrival helps you enter before the crowds peak.
Check if the museum offers timed-entry passes online. While most Smithsonian museums are free, some may have optional timed passes during busy periods, which can help you skip the line.
Use Uber or another ride-share service directly from your hotel to avoid walking in the heat or waiting at bus stops.
Stay hydrated and bring a small, collapsible water bottle. Some museums allow refill stations inside.
Consider indoor queues. Some museums have covered or air-conditioned waiting areas; research the layout in advance.
Plan your museum visits based on popularity. Typically, National Air and Space and National Museum of American History draw the largest crowds. Museums like the National Museum of the American Indian or the Smithsonian American Art Museum often have shorter lines.

Suggested strategy for your day:

Choose one or two high-demand museums first to beat the crowds and heat.
Visit less crowded museums or indoor exhibits later in the day.
Take breaks in air-conditioned cafes or indoor public spaces along the Mall if needed.

Overall, getting there early, taking Uber directly to the entrance, prioritizing the most popular museums first, and carrying water will help you manage both the heat and lines efficiently. Ending the day at a less crowded museum or indoor space will make your sightseeing more comfortable before the concert the next day.

Heat Sunday/Lines to Museums

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