What a great place to learn about the aviation history of our country and the rest of the world. Very fitting that some of the most iconic aircraft of generations past are housed at our capital. It was really cool to see an authentic space shuttle, concord, blackbird and some many war birds including the Enola Gay herself. Living history that you can see with your own eyes, all with fascinating stories to share with those who visit. My kids had a great time exploring each nook and cranny, lots to see here. I will admit that I lasted longer here than my family, but I really enjoy aviation history so I was like a kid in a candy shop. As a plane enthusiast, I appreciated seeing some very unique, one-of-a-kind prototypes and test aircraft. Some of the planes housed in this museum are found nowhere else in the world. Very cool. On top of the great museum, staff are very welcoming, helpful and engaging. You can tell they love the planes and their history just as much as any other enthusiast. The gift shop was pretty big and offered a lot of items to browse through. There is a cafe that serves deli and quick grab and go items and a Shake Shack that has an exclusive menu to this location. The museum is free and close to the Dulles airport. You can't walk or bike into the museum, so you will either need to drive our get a bus/car app ride to visit. Well worth it though, especially if you are looking to spend some layover time from the airport. read more

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This was a free and fun place to visit. I came with my sister, brother and his family. He had two young children, both under the age of 5, and they were pretty entertained. A staff member told me they usually have something for children, but with a busy holiday weekend, they didn't have those activities available. The volunteers that work there are very knowledgeable about the topic they are explaining, and it makes for a great learning experience. It's worth coming back when the children's activities are available. read more

This is like the overflow of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, but just as cool, if not cooler. I mean look at that gorgeous plane from Lockheed Martin (I think). Usually I think of Steve Martin when I think of Planes (and Trains, and Automobiles, and Two Pillow), but that is a think of beauty! USA! USA! USA! It's off the beaten path near the Dulles (IAD) airport so if you're in DC Proper, it's a bit of a haul. But I was lucky enough to be in Leesburg for a bit and stopped in. The museum is Free, but there was a $15 per vehicle parking fee, which is probably good for a clown car, but I was there myself so I ate the $15 myself. Speaking of eating $15, there's a Shake Shack on-site which was convenient. I didn't give it a try as I was heading to dinner after my visit. The two highlights for me were the Space Shuttle which is always cool AF to see (and you can get close), the Enola Gay which is historical, that Black Plane, the "Big Joe" Mercury Spacecraft (and all of the other space stuff), and the fact they don't give you a math test. It wasn't as crowded as the main attraction in DC Proper, but just as cool and awe-inspiring. I rushed through in about an hour but could easily spend more time here! Oh, and don't miss the tower where you can see for miles around the area! Cool, but not the highlight for me. read more

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This is a super cool museum to check out especially if you don't want to drive into DC! It is huge and admission is free. They charge $15 to park, but the fee is waived after a certain time in the afternoon each day. Lots of employees there to assist and help to give you a great experience. They have old space shuttles, fighter planes, and so many other cool things here! The observation tower was my favorite (and free) attraction. We went up an elevator to the tower and could see Dulles Airport and watch the planes take off. It was an INCREDIBLE view!! Check out this awesome and interactive museum! read more

Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center - Observation Tower - Museums Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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My sister, mother and I went here for a visit on a Monday. They had wheelchairs to borrow for my mother which is really helpful. The museum had a space shuttle Discovery. Concorde plane and a variety of Japanese, German and US Allied planes. The entrance per person is typically free. There is a parking fee of $15. There were a series of tour buses that arrived around 2 pm today (Monday) read more

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This museum is part of the Smithsonian network and it's free to enter! You do have to pay for parking. It's close to the Dulles airport and was one of my first stops when arriving to VA. I really appreciated the layout of the museum. There are upper and lower floors. The observation deck was cool and provided multiple panoramic views of the area. I was surprised to see some memorabilia from Amelia Earhart and also NASA and Disney ! read more

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If you haven't been to Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, aka the National Air & Space Museum right next to Dulles Airport, go!! It will NOT disappoint. First off...the museum offers free extra large storage lockers, large enough to fit a large rolling suitcase, so it's a super cool spot to check out before heading to the airport. And the displays! The Challenger Space Shuttle is always one of my favorites. You can't fully appreciate the size until you stand under and walk around it. Displays range from history of rockets to air balloons, early winged aircraft, military planes, commercial flight (there's a Concord on display), small aircraft and satellites. So much to take in!! The displays do change, so there's always something new to see when we've gone thru. All the docents are super friendly and engaging and they have several small interactive displays to help stoke the interest in air & space for the youngins as well! read more

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Without a doubt worth the drive out of DC. This is the BEST Smithsonian museum hands down. The size and scale of the hangers is awesome. Every plane was a crucial part of history with their own story. Such an assembly of epic pieces of aviation history in a single place must be unique the world over. We went almost exclusively to see the SR-71 Blackbird but I didn't even realize the Enola Gay was there until I was standing next to it, almost close enough to touch. To think of the mindset of the men who flew that mission, knowing full well what the order meant and the horror they would unleash that would change the world instantly and usher in a new era where the human race was capable of civilization ending destruction. Whether you see nuance or have a strong opinion, one way or the other, the presence of this aircraft is undeniable when you're a mere ten feet away. This is a place for aviation fans, young children, and any curious mind who wants to see the incredible and awesome history of both civilian and military aviation, all in one ginormous hanger. read more

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Amazing! Incredible! These just scratch the surface of what you can experience at this museum. Having been to the National Air & Space Museum in the past, I remember when this extension opened near IAD. The big draw at the time, the Space Shuttle Columbia and a Skunkworks SR-71. Both highly impressive, more on that later. We arrived on a Monday just after it opened at 10am. It was like Romper Room with all the unruly kids blocking the entrance and cause a disturbance. Sadly the chaperones didn't seem to care. No entry fee to visit the center, there's even a free bus of you have an extended layover in IAD, but parking is $15. Still well worth the cost without the crowds in DC visiting the other museums. There are some great exhibitions! Lots of aircraft from a SPAD to a JSF. It was neat to see some private aviation aircraft along with lighter than air and aerobatics. The commercial side of aviation was a bit lacking. Yes, the Concorde is very impressive but neurons that and a Dash-80, annotation seemed to end about 1995. The space exhibitions were excellent. The Columbia was highly impressive to walk around and take in this has been to spaces numerous times and the first shuttle in space. Satellites, modern mission equipment, like Mars explorers AB's various heavy boosters. Was neat to see equipment from the early years of NASA, Mercury, Gemini and the legends who made history. The Vietnam and Korean displays were some of the best from MiGs to F-14s to the JSF. Really awesome to get up close and personal with these aircraft AB's pilots who flew them. The SR-71 is attire the display in the middle of the center with lots of information on its, little more than hour flight time from LAX to IAD. Just so much to see. But something you can do in a few hours, or all day off you want to read AB's experience all there is. Not as overwhelming as the Air & Space Museum but still highly impressive from young kids to aviation enthusiasts and everyone in between. Highly recommend this stop! read more

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If you are interested in aviation, space, or airplanes this museum is a great place to spend the day. The layout is fabulous and the history of aviation is explained well. Start on the left if you are seeking a chronological experience. The museum covers early pioneers, balloons, helicopters, general aviation, home built, commercial passenger, cargo, military, space, and have sims and an observation tower. There are several famous aircraft from history on display. Every airplane on display has a information plaque so you are never left wondering "what is that". Bathrooms are located throughout the exhibit floor, along with elevators and ramps to access the second and thord level viewing areas. The walk ways are wide so you don't feel like it's that crowded. There are seats built into the railings along the display so you can rest as needed. They offer free guided tours at the top of the hour and they have a gift shop and a shake shack of you get hungry. Parking is paid upon exit but it is free to enter the museum. This is a companion museum to the Smithsonian Air and Space location in downtown DC. This is a very large hanger building sitting next to Dulles and not in downtown DC. Getting here can be a challenge without a car but is possible with the metro. It is worth the visit if you decide to make the trek. read more

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Massive hangar with over 3,000 air and space items including actual planes and actual real life replica spacecrafts. Even when busy, there is plenty of space to wander and appreciate the size, scale, and background. They also had experts joining via teleconference to answer visitor questions. While we appreciated the many items, the activity and engagement was minimal as the focus was on looking at the items. Parking was $15 and there was an up charge for the space simulator. Worth a visit and if going with kids, we found the novelty starting to wane after about 30 minutes. read more

Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center - Museums Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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I have seen four SR-71 Blackbirds in my travels - Museum of Aviation at Robins GA, Pima Air & Space Museum Tucson AZ and Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum Ashland NE - and this makes four. It's a powerful and dark aircraft that is more engines and flat planes than anything else. But there are 20 of those on display around the world. Even more rare, I've never seen a Space Shuttle in person before. There are only FOUR Space Shuttles on display including Enterprise, Atlantis and Endeavor. This is Discovery and it was the most flown orbiter of the fleet with 39 missions. It was magical. From no more than ten feet away, you can see the scarred re-entry tiles and the huge thrust engines, this has seen things. It's magical. the display includes the Canadarm and other accessories and stories. And yes, the rest of the museum is fabulous. Fighter planes, aerobatic planes, a Coast Guard helicopter suspended from the ceiling, old planes and new planes and even, yes, a Concorde*. Lots and lots of memorabilia and many docents on tour telling stories and pointing out the interesting bits. Including the famous Enola Gay that dropped the first atomic weapon**. Expect to spend a few hours here at least. Entry to the museum is free. Parking is $15. There is a Shake Shack here if you need to eat. [Review 1030 of 2025 - 1514 in Virginia - 24584 overall] *There are 18 Concorde aircraft on display. I've been inside the one at the Sinsheim Auto & Technik Museum in Germany and the twin Soviet Tu-144. ** I've also visited Bockscar, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton OH. read more

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I've been coming to this museum since I was a little kid and today was the day I was finally able to take my two toddler sons. They loved this museum and it was such a wonderful experience! Every exhibit is thoughtfully curated and the kids just went wild for the jumbo jets and outer space exhibits. The Observation Deck was a big hit too. I'm looking forward to coming back again and again as there is just so much to explore each time. read more

My main reason for visiting was to see the Enola Gay. The bomber which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Along with the second bomb dropped on Nagasaki, this was the reason for the end of the Second World War. The museum is huge, entry is free, parking is plentiful and $15 after 30 minutes. There is a snack shack, flight simulators, imax and a gift store as well. The museum will take atleast 5-6 hours to cover. I was hunting around to find the Enola Gay, but it was inconspicuously hidden among the many other ww11 jets. Silver in color and larger than expected, I spent several minutes absorbing the sight of this history changing bomber. It was breathtaking and chilling at the same time. There is space section as well, though much smaller than the air section, it houses the discovery space shuttle. It is the oldest and most utilized orbiter. It entered service in 1984, flew on 39 missions and ended service in 2011. The kids had a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed my time as well, there are some simulator rides which are around $10-15 for 10 minutes or so. Young and not so young kids will enjoy these. They didn't induce any motion sickness. read more

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This place was so cool! I won't say anything, just enjoy the pics! Parking was $15 and they have a theater as well as a shake shack on the grounds. You can easily spend 2hrs here if your kids are engaged enough. It's a bit of a drive from southern Md but worth it if you find other things to do in the area. read more

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This is holy ground for any fan of aviation. I was driving a moving van back from NYC and the specter of bad weather had me heading towards I-40 and better weather so this was the perfect place to overnight and indulge in my aviation obsession. There are so many aircraft in this annex that I would need at least 10,000 words to even begin to scratch the surface. From the Enola Gay to the Space shuttle and all manner of aircraft in between it is must see. Each display has been meticulously restored with one glaring exception. The Horten Ho-229 has its wings sitting a long side it. Not really sure why they have not fully restored her. The only example of a jet powered flying wing from WWII should merit a full restoration. As with most museums like this it is the docents that make a huge difference. Many either flew or helped design or maintained many of the aircraft and their wealth of knowledge is unmatched and the stories are fantastic. This one had a Shake Shack inside as well. Tons of parking and planes. What more could you ask for read more

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Since the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum is being renovated, the incredible Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is housing & displaying thousands of aviation & space artifacts. This 760,000-sqft, 17-acre facility was made possible by a $65 million donation in 1999 to the Smithsonian Institution by Steven F. Udvar-Házy, a Hungarian immigrant & co-founder of an aircraft leasing corporation. We took the silver line metro to the Washington Dulles International Airport; train fair was $6.75 one way. In front of the metro station we went to the terminal to find the bus 983 which will take us directly to the Air & Space museum. We never saw the bus & spent $21 for a 7 minute Uber from Dulles. We walked to the hangar, admission was free parking costs $15. It was a very large Shake Shack actually inside and the tremendous Smithsonian NASA Museum shop. They were complementary lockers, and we set our own combination and locked up our coats, umbrella and bags. We see that there are free tours on the hour. There is self guided tours on our phone. We purchased our IMAX tickets for $10 each. Roger Glazer was our docent, he was very knowledgeable and informative. He took us through the airplane hanger starting with early flight, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and space flight We wandered around seeing the first in flight, World War II planes, German Russian and European fighters. There was an airspace section. There was a large area where we watched the planes getting repaired. We wandered above and below the Space Shuttle Discovery, Grumman Tomcat, Spirit of Columbus, Gemini 6, Friendship 7, Northrop N-1, Langley Aerodrome A, Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, Hindenburg, Clipper Flying Cloud, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde, in 2 huge hangars. read more

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It's a pretty cool place. I didn't try the food. I enjoyed my docent tour. It was a 2 hour tour which was unexpected but very thorough. The controversial enola gay plane is there. That was unexpected. Loved the space craftsvas well. read more

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If you're wondering if the drive over to VA is worth it or the difference between Air and Space in DC vs here; this is the review for you! Parking is $15 flat rate, there is no street parking nearby to park for free and walk over. You can pay inside the museum or when leaving. The museum itself is free. If you like aircraft, this is the place for you. The aircraft / aviation section is huge and covers a range of time periods, planes, and aviation memorabilia. If you like space, their space section is small. Smaller than air and space in DC. This is my primary interest and why I made the drive out here so this was a bit disappointing. The highlights of the space section include the Discovery, a dozen plus satellites, one of the Mars Rovers recreations, and space memorabilia. After coming here once strictly to observe space stuff, I would not return (whereas I would at Air and Space in DC). I came on a weekday morning at 10 am and there was already a long line to get it and the place was overrun by teenagers on what appeared to be a class trip. Prepare for loud noises related to this and being bumped into and disturbed from reading about the museum's collection. They offer 3 types of paid simulators; 2 flight motion ones where you sit in and the machine will move you around. And a third space VR one. I had previously thought the $10 red machine one (pictured) was a space simulator but learned when I was on it it's a WW1 fighter pilot sim. The ride is slow moving and did not induce motion sickness. It's not especially scary so I think it would be appropriate for young kids. The museum shop carries the following that is unavailable at Air and Space; 3 new stickers + Discovery merchandise. If you like stamps; there are 6!!! available at the welcome center by the entrance. read more

I think I was more excited to come here than my nephew was. He is a big plane buff and at his age seems to know more about them than I ever will. This was our last stop before I returned him home. Prior in the week we had gone to the American History Museum in the city and he was actually excited to see the very small Titanic exhibit. He was visibly upset that it wasn't bigger and the employee working that area and myself started talking. He noticed my nephew and asked about what else he was interested in and we got onto planes. He informed me of this spot and really hyped it up. I thought my nephew was going to be excited, spoiler alert...he wasn't at first, but it really grew on him. If you are interested in anything to do with flight, then this is the place for you to stop at. Every single type of flight is represented here. From airplanes to helicopters. Space shuttles to satellites. Planes of every era, and select countries. You will be able to see every aspect of what makes a plane, helicopter, shuttle or satellite fly. There are engines broken down to show you just how massive they are. There are retired planes of all sorts here and more to keep you coming back. Highlights of this place include a Air France Concorde, which is just so massive and interesting to look at. The design of it is just jaw dropping. The retired Space Shuttle Discovery makes you wonder just how fast you were to be going for that thing to lift off and just how cold space truly is. A Goodyear Blimp car. A plane painted to look like it is in a Disney movie. But what really caught my eye was the WWII era planes. Not just from the United States, but you will see planes from Germany and Japan. The most historic, and in my opinion, the most notable plane here was the Enola Gay. I have read many things about this plane, the impact it had on the world, and exactly what was carried on this plane. I never knew that this was in a museum so close to where I now live and not that far from where I grew up. Other notable things here that make it just a bit more special, and not trying to overlook anything here are short listed. The catwalks, definitely take advantage of this. Don't just walk around the floors. Take the ramps or elevator if you do not want to take the stairs. Take some time to look in on the shop area. Go out into the overlook area, don't just look out the windows on the walkway. You will get a sneak peak at what they are working on that will soon be on display. If you are lucky, and have nice weather, take in the view of planes taking off and landing at nearby Dulles. Remember, this is all free, aside from parking. No need to worry about parking once you pay, ample spaces. Gift shop, Shake Shack, and small refreshments available inside. read more

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Are you kidding me, if I could give out a 10 star review this would be it. My friend and I spent about 3 hours at Udvar-Hazy of which two hours was a wonderful guided tour through the exhibits. Our docent was well spoken, super bright and gave us so much information of the displays that afterward I felt so much more knowledgable on flight and aviation history. And the items in the museum almost made the Air and Space Museum on the Mall kind of look less important. Given the size of UH, we saw the Shuttle Discovery, the Concorde, the Enola Gay, the SR-71A Blackbird spy plane, the early history of flight, oh and so much more. Take the ride out to Dulles and be emersed in aviation history. read more

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Amazing experience. This place is HUGE! If you have the time, definitely visit this instead of the one right in DC. It had flight simulators and IMAX and so many historic planes AND the Discovery space shuttle. Absolutely minimum should be 3 hours but if you like to experience it all and read up on all the history, I would suggest at least 4-5 hours. They have a really nice gift shop, ShakeShack if you need food, and a little concession stand for smaller items. I hope to visit again soon! Oh, and it's free to the public and only $15 for parking. Not too bad if you ask me! Everything was clean and laid out in a way that encourages you to roam around and explore. read more

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It's been awhile since we've been here. Udvar-Hazy remains the best air and space museum in the country. Amazing selection of aircraft from WWI, WWII through current. Includes some of my favorites like the SR-71 and a Blue Angels F-18. Space Shuttle Discovery is a bonus. They always have a mix of great aerospace documentaries running in the IMAX theater there. We came to see "Deep Sky" about the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Logistics: Entry is free. Parking is still $15 as it has been for years. Adult tickets for IMAX are $12. They sell the typical food items including popcorn for the theater. Shake Shack has replaced McDs as the restaurant option. That's a step up imo. read more

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This is a wonderful museum and has so much to see and learn about for everyone no matter their age. The museum is free, but parking was $15. They have historic aircraft of all types: the invention of flight, war planes, sport planes, commercial planes, and a massive space exhibit. Personally I loved the space exhibit tge most and it has so many interesting things that I could spend an entire day just there. Every display has information and even interactive computers to help explain all the great exhibits. There are also friendly staff walking around to answer any questions and explain things, and they are all incredibly knowledgeable. In addition to the exhibits they also have a gift shop, a shake shack, and flight simulators (for an additional cost). read more

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What a great free attraction! Even if you are not into planes or space, there is a lot of walking around to do (and a Shake Shack). You do need to pay for parking ($15), but totally worth it. Maybe keep your child away from the gift shop -- there is some fun stuff in there that would make this free-experience not so cost effective :) Personally, if you need a break from the hot summer weather this is a great place to escape the heat. There is also an IMAX here! read more

This has been one of my favorite museums since I first visited -- I like it better than the Air and Space Museum because it's less formal, less crowded and it seems like there are more planes and more exhibits in general that are more accessible. Anyway, the first time I came here, I was shocked that the Enola Gay is just sitting there. It's hard to believe one of the most historic planes ever is there for everyone to see, literally a plane that changed the world. I'm awestruck every time we visit. We've also been out to Wright Patterson and seen Bockscar but there's something special about the Enola Gay. There's so much here to see from the iMax, the simulators, the amazing view from the observation tower, and all the amazing exhibits. And, oh yeah, the Shuttle Discovery and the Blackbird. Who can forget those? There are a few places I will never tire of visiting and Udvar-Hazy is one of them. read more

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Located at Chantilly, VA, this Smithsonian museum is free. Went here after lunch on a Saturday. Parking costs $15. It has an IMAX theater and boasts of a huge collection of aircrafts from different eras and different countries. The space section is small. Free guided tours are offered. The Shake Shack inside the museum is beside a decent-sized museum store where shirts, keychains, bags, books, and other merchandise are available. Kids (and adults) will enjoy this. read more

Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center - Museums Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

The museum itself is wonderful - as you would expect from the Smithsonian. It's jam-packed with exhibits - from the Wright Brothers to the Space Shuttle. We only had a couple of hours - got a great overview. Would love to return to see the IMAX and the simulators. We had a most exceptional tour guide - Larry M ! I wish i had his last name. Very friendly and knowledgeable - very engaged with his tour group. read more

Amazing place filled with US service history! Very well put together and informative. We learn a lot and saw so the progression of engineering and history throughout the museum. read more

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Great museum. Lots of parking and also handicap accessible. Shake Shack inside if you want to grab food without leaving. The building is beautiful, clean and looks brand new. I've also seen several movies here in the IMAX theater. The concessions aren't great (popcorn, candy, beer, wine) and the seats are basic but overall very good experience. I'd come here again. Parking is free after 4. So if you're coming to see a movie after that time, you won't have to pay for parking. read more

Free museum with lots to see ($15 parking per car, no charge for drop off). Even has an imax movie theater and Shake Shack inside. Highly recommend for individuals, families, and large groups of all ages. My fave is the blackbird (top speed Mach 3.3). Observations deck is cool but has limited hours. read more

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This air and space museum is located in Chantilly, Va. it has a movie theater inside that has the largest screen in the area and shows some great informative movies. While visiting we got to watch a thirty minute movie on oceans. It was neat to also be able to see Dulles Airport from the Observation Tower. read more

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Favorite place to go with guests in town and our kids. Always easy to park, easy with a big stroller, tons of bathrooms. Very clean and a shake shack next to the impressive gift shop. read more

One of the top Smithsonian museums and uniquely amazing to see so many planes in an interior setting. Space shuttle Discovery, the Blackbird, the Concorde, X-35 prototype, the list goes on an on. Docents are super helpful and fun to chat with - learned cool things about space shuttle, spacesuits, and WW2. Lovely observation deck too, and there's the most spacious Shake Shack which is much better than standard museum food. Totally worth the trip as its harder to get to. Admission is free and exhibits are much better than most paid aviation museums around the country. Liked Udvar-Hazy a lot more than the flagship Air & Space museum, which is more crowded and requires pre booked reservations. read more

To start, this museum is beautiful! It was touted to us as better than the one in DC, which I don't quite agree with, but that doesn't detract from how great it is on its own. There are great displays, though nowhere near the interactive pieces the DC counterpart has (I didn't see any, but I might've missed one or two). The VR and simulations were the highlight of the visit though. An extra $34 per person, you can ride the flight simulator $12, the VR space walk $10, or the most popular plane simulator with 360 rotation $12. The flight simulator was fun, barely any wait, very cool. The VR was surprisingly detailed and the view of earth and the International space station was phenomenal. The 360 plane simulator was the biggest draw though, and for good reason! We actually managed to stay upside down deliberately for a few seconds! There were pieces on the ground and hanging from the ceiling, all of which looked impeccable, and the display cases with air force memorabilia were informative and cool. Lots of repeated loudspeaker announcements of closing, when it felt like one announcement would have sufficed (rather than 3). They also don't have those hours of operation for all parts of the museum, since we had hoped to hit the gift shop on the way out, but the ropes and guard announced it was closed. They chose the hours and announced them, but they can't adhere to their own hours? That's what irked me as we left. So it is because of the closing practices as well as the lack of interactive pieces that a star was lost. Overall worth it, but not one of the best Smithsonian options available. read more

Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center - Museums Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

While visiting DC we figured out how to take public transportation here. Silver line to innovation center metro to Fairfax connector. All part of the smart trip line. This place is housed in a blimp hangar so it's really big. Planes from all generations military and private. There is a space shuttle area in here as well. Lots of cool stuff to see. It was not busy the day we were here so a huge plus!! There is a Shake Shack restaurant in the building for some food. Also museum shop. This is all part of the Smithsonian air and space. Located it chantilly VA read more

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Even though the center was crowded on a weekend, there was plenty of room on the second and third levels. I recommend getting the views from all platforms as well as the ground level. The paper map is handy and guided tours are available as well. Kid-friendly live demonstrations were being held, along with a book signing event with veterans. There is a little construction affecting the parking lot. Parking costs $15 per car. I hope to be back for the observation tower, and imax movie and more! read more

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Stopped here just before departing Dulles. We had a good 2 hours to spare and this seemed like a natural stop before the airport. What a wonderful experience. We spent the full 2 hours, and probably could have added another hour. When we got there a tour was just starting so we joined that, but quickly discovered the tour was going to drag some and that some of the people on the tour liked to hear themselves talk and were slowing it down. So, we split off after the first items and began our self-guided experience. The signage at every exhibit offered plenty of information and if not, we could always google for more. We loved every segment, from the private aviation, to the birth of aviation, to commercial, to military (especially WWII), to space exploration. It gave us chills to stand right next to the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay. We loved seeing a concord and the very first FedEx jet. The satellites were amazing. Some of the private planes, some very very small were so interesting. I cannot recommend this strongly enough. If near Dulles - GO. Make the time and you will be happy. Entrance and exit are a breeze and the airport entrance is just a few minutes away. read more

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Awesome aviation museum out in Chantilly! I loved the space exhibit, seeing the Discovery shuttle was insane and looked so massive. All of the side exhibits in there and trinkets to see were very interesting as well. Went on a Saturday afternoon, and it was crowded, but nothing too crazy, especially considering the museum is so massive. It took us about 3ish hours to explore the entire place, but I could definitely see it taking longer for others, especially if you enjoy reading all of the information. I loved that you could take ramps/stairs to get a higher view of the planes too, very cool! Entry is free but you have to pay $15 for parking. Plenty of parking to choose from. Don't forget to check out the observatory tower to see lots of greenery and Dulles airport. The gift shop was pretty congested but they had a lot of items in there at a fair price. I loved all of the Snoopy merch they had there! Shake Shack was pretty crowded, and they apparently have two exclusive shakes there, would love to try it next time! read more

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4/7/24 Free entry and no advance ticket needed. The Air & Space in DC does require timed tickets. Put your walking shoes on because it is huge! There are so many different types of air transport throughout. There is even a 2nd level with a walkway with planes hanging from the ceiling. Take the tour with a docent you will learn so much! read more

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