As we all deal with staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us who love to travel are finding new and creative ways to feed our wanderlust from the comfort of our homes, until we are able to travel in person again. Happily, many destinations are making it super easy to do that, and I want to take some time over the coming weeks to highlight some fun ways to virtually vacation.

Today’s “trip” is to my hometown of Washington, DC, and a visit to the world’s largest complex of museums, education, and research: the Smithsonian Institution.

Note that I said “complex” because many people don’t realize that the Smithsonian is not just ONE museum but a collection of eleven museums and galleries on the National Mall  in Washington DC, plus six other museums and the National Zoo in the greater National Capital Area. (Fun fact: there are even 2 in New York as well!)

Of course, the Smithsonian Institution’s museums, galleries, gardens and National Zoo are currently closed as a public health precaution, but happily for all of us, they have made it easy for anyone who loves to explore – and maybe even learn a few things – to experience its offerings from home.

So what will you find among the many treasures that the Smithsonian offers?

The most famous museums, and the ones that most people immediately think of, are probably the Museum of American History, the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum that are all on the National Mall. Here you’ll find among other things, Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, the Apollo 11 Command Module, along with gorgeous gems, all kinds of cool animal info, and one really large elephant.

But this is really just the tip of the iceberg! Among the most recent additions are the Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Museum of the American Indian. All of these are fascinating and fun places to explore both in person as well as virtually.

And of course, there’s the National Zoo, where among many other creatures, you’ll find the lovable pandas.

And if art galleries are more your thing, there are several that are worth visiting, including the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the National Portrait Gallery.

You can find a list of all of the museums and galleries of the Smithsonian here. Click on your favorite to go to that museum’s site, and then explore! You’ll also find a link to “Online Events” under “What’s On”, as well as some interesting ways to “Explore and Learn”. (Perfect way for your kids to have some great at-home learning that is fun too!)

If you enjoy virtually visiting the many offerings of the Smithsonian, you will definitely want to consider a visit to Washington DC in the future: one of the many great things about visiting the Smithsonians is that they are all FREE!

Happy virtual vacationing!

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