Established in August of 1846, The Smithsonian was funded by the American government for the purpose of becoming a source of knowledge and learning for the people of America, The Smithsonian is a cluster of research centers, museums, and a zoo. It got its name from its primary donor, the British James Smithsonian. All in all, it houses approximately 154 million valuable items including architectural landmarks and historical artifacts. The Smithsonian is such a huge milestone in terms of academic advancement that it has facilities in other US states such as Maryland, Massachusetts, Arizona, New York, Pittsburgh, Texas, and others. Another cool thing about the Smithsonian is that it admits its visitors free of charge. You can stay at Capitol Hill, which offers many Airbnb vacation rentals and is close to the Smithsonian. Knowledge is free as they say. If you are planning a trip there in the future, check out this list of the best Vrbo vacation rentals near the Smithsonian, Washington DC.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on December 20, 2024.
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1. Modern two-bedroom apartment (from USD 690)
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Washington D.C. near the Smithsonian Museum then this fully equipped space is your best bet. The rental features heating and central air-conditioning, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere throughout the year.
The well-equipped kitchen boasts modern appliances, including a microwave, refrigerator with a freezer top, dishwasher, stove, and more. For entertainment, a smart TV with complimentary Netflix access is provided in the living room. The rental also includes a fitness room with free access, perfect for those who want to maintain their exercise routine during their stay. The location of this vacation rental is truly unbeatable, as it is situated in the vibrant Penn Quarter, known for its entertainment and dining options.
Washington, Washington D.C., United States
707 meters (0.5 ft) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
2. Warm and inviting vacation home (from USD 313)
Are you looking for the perfect place to stay in Washington DC? Look no further because this charming, newly renovated vacation home is now accepting bookings. It features a modern and chic interior design and exudes class and sophistication, but more than its beauty, the location is a big plus point as it is close to Stanton Park, the Senate, Library of Congress, Smithsonian, and other top visited sites and landmarks. On a different note, this house can fit up to six guests, housing three lovely bedrooms and a single private bathroom. You will also be delighted to see the modern kitchen and the fantastic dining area. The living room is so relaxing that you won’t even want to leave the place.
Washington, Washington D.C., United States
2.0 km (1.3 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Top guest reviews
Host:
The hosts were super accommodatingus Eric and Jason were super accommodating and helpfulWe rented bikes and went all over DC with themAfter a minor hiccup at the start Eric sorted it out and was very helpful and friendlythe owners were very responsive to all of my questions while booking and during our stayLocation:
Lovely neighborhood & walking distance to many placesIt's a walk to Union Station Supreme Court and Library of CongressExcellent location in a picturesque neighborhood within walking distance to the national mall and all its sightsThe location is great for DCIt took us about 15 minutes to walk to it from Union Station carrying our luggageCleanliness:
The place was exactly as advertised Very quiet and spacious Great location and good for the priceThe property was exactly as advertisedThe shower/water pressure was also goodRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
washer and drier Carpet in the master bedroom is old and could use some improvementso it was also nice that there was more than one roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and that there was a roll of paper towels in the kitchenThe Wi-Fi worked fairly wellThe beds are very comfortableThe home included two traditional beds and a sofa bed
3. Fantastic rental close to attractions (from USD 212)
This Vrbo accommodation is a wonderful place to stay in Washington as it provides guests with easy access to most of the city’s favorite tourists destinations such as the Smithsonian, National Mall, Library of Congress, the US Capitol, and a lot more. Other than that, exquisite restaurants and fabulous retail shops are positioned in every corner. You will definitely experience the best of Washington from this location. On a different note, this rental is fully furnished with a relaxing and homey ambiance. It includes a single cozy bedroom, a private bathroom, a modern kitchen, a dining space, and a living room area with a comfortable lounge seating, a flat-screen TV and a fireplace.
Washington, Washington D.C., United States
2.03 km (1.3 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Top guest reviews
Host:
Marina was fantastic to work with - very responsive to emails & extremely helpful/accommodating with check-inWhen I contacted the ownerThis is a jewel and helped to make our vacation a great successgood dishwasher and washing machineNicely decorated well kept and convenient location Close to the metro a small grocery store restraunts bike rental and many of the tourist hotspots in DCLocation:
Just at the end of the block were two restaurants and the metroPerfect place for a Washington DC get away Very convenient to everythingWe enjoyed walking around the neighborhoodjust a 4 min walkWe really enjoyed the locationCleanliness:
the apt was very clean and the location wonderfulThe location was perfect the place was very clean and safeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
The good points: location up-dated bathroom comfortable bedVery confortable and perfect situated nearby the metroWe had a wonderful time and would stay here again One thing I would say is that the apartment never cooled down much in the eveningThe only thing is the washer and dryer listed are European and you have to contact the owners for instructions how to use itfry pans need replacements Dryer not useful better to air dry the clothing
4. Cozy and luxurious stay for seven
Traveling to Washington DC with your family or group of friends? This fantastic and charming lodging near Smithsonian Museum with a cool and airy ambiance is a nice choice for your vacation in the city. It is fully furnished, with carefully curated decors, and wonderful amenities, to make your stay a delightful one. It houses three charming bedrooms, three private bathrooms, stylish and elegant living room area, a modern kitchen with cooking essentials, and lovely dining space. On top of that, it is conveniently located within a short distance from the US Senate, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museums, and other remarkable tourist spots.
2.12 km (1.4 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryAccommodates: 7
Minimum Nights: 31
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Host:
The host was wonderful to work withHe always answered my questions promptly and when we needed this or that someone was out to help us very quicklyso don't plan to drive yourself around During the weekDrugstore Liquor Store etc)The home was very well stocked with all the basics and check in and out processLocation:
This is located within walking distance of union station and a great restaurant and corner supermarketclose to everything corner store right around the corner plus lots of restaurants quiet neighborhoodHouse was amazing Amazing locationIt is a quick walk to Union Station which gets you anywhere using the Metro or busesThe property is in a terrific location and the neighborhood is charmingCleanliness:
The property was updated and very cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
The supply was pretty limitedThe entire home was very comfortable including the Master Bedroom bedComfy large fantastic locationIf you plan on cooking the kitchen is beautifulWe had plenty of space - it has a great kitchen as well
Washington Tour Guide

Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
Washington Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Superb suite accommodation for six
This Vrbo accommodation is a lovely place to stay for your Washington vacation. It is simple, fully furnished, with a wooden accent, stone brick walls, and carefully curated pieces of furniture. Aside from that, the ambiance makes guests feel right at home, and they will love going back to this place after a busy day immersing in the Washington culture. This house includes two cozy bedrooms, two charming bathrooms with shower facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining space, and a cozy living room with a flat-screen TV. To top it all off, it is WiFi ready and fully airconditioned. There is also an available parking space for guests traveling by their car.
2.18 km (1.4 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryAccommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Host:
He answered our parking questions as wellThe property owner was accessible and always answered any questionsI brought a few things to the attention of the property manager and he got right back to me and was very easy to work withWe had a last minute request and were so delighted that the property host was understanding flexible and accommodated our requestthe area is going to be even more lovelyLocation:
We walked to the Metro station every day to catch the subwaya neighborhood playground and several restaurantsThere was a grocers within a block of the subway stop which added an extra block to our walkbut it really didn't bother us and once the condos are finishedWe walked to everything from this houseCleanliness:
The townhouse was clean and as picturedThe property was very cleanIt was clean and very wellEverything was clean and comfortableand it is always very clean and well put togetherRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
Could use a few more dishesthere is inadequate seating in the living room for four adultsHad plenty of dishes towels pillows and sheetsit was not great that one person had to sit on the floor because the couch was really too small for 3The bathroom fixtures in the second bathroom were loose and the kitchen sink was not in good working order
6. Spacious and family-friendly home
If you are traveling with your family or with a rather large group of friends, you might want to check out this fantastic Vrbo accommodation situated only six blocks away from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. It features simple minimalist interior design and exudes a relaxing home away from home kind of ambiance that guests will surely love about this place. Aside from that, it is complete with delightful amenities that will make your stay worthwhile and more convenient. Three equally homey bedrooms, three charming private bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining space, and a comfy living room, are just a few of them. Basic essentials are also provided to guests for added convenience.
1.39 km (0.9 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryTop guest reviews
Host:
Property owner was wonderful with communication and accommodating special requestswas very communicative and helpfulwho was most helpful and accomodating to our arrival and departure needsall mix match towels random papers & things around etc) With that being saidgrocery store or Warf for ice cream and the splash padLocation:
We walked many miles a day sightseeingThe location was also convenient and the neighborhood pleasantThere is a free SW neighborhood shuttle pick up location a couple blocks away that runs every ten minutes and drops off at the National MallThe Safeway is close by too DebraThe location was perfect for our family to walk to the metroCleanliness:
The house was clean and comfortableThe house was clean & size of the rooms were great alsoLatte machine doesn't work)Read more reviewsAmenities & Room:
The master bedroom has a large comfy king-sized bed with a twin-sized daybed if neededI feel it could use some updating (fresh paintThe beds were super comfortableThe property has everything you need to call it home(it was daytime highs of 87-97 while we were there); at night we wound up cranking the AC down to 70 keeping the bedroom doors cracked open and using the ceiling fans in the master and 2nd bedroo...
7. Splendid Vrbo accommodation near the mall
If you are visiting this side of Washington DC for the sights and the sounds, this Vrbo accommodation is a fantastic choice for you as it is close to most of the frequently visited spots in the city including the mall, Smithsonian museum, and public transits. On top of that, it can house up to eight guests, featuring three lovely bedrooms with king-size beds, four sparkling clean bathrooms, cozy living room area with sofa beds, a kitchen equipped with cooking essentials and lovely dining space. Plus, this accommodation provides guests with a private parking space for their vehicle. Basic essentials are also provided for added convenience.
1.18 km (0.8 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryTop guest reviews
Host:
Deborah was very generous and big help when neededSuper nice easy to communicate with owner Highly recommend the homeFinally the owner of the property seems genuinely committed to helping her temporary tenants have the best vacation possiblebut Deborah gave us a code that workedwas attentive and flexible with arrival time Would definitely book this one againLocation:
The free DC Circulator stops a few blocks from the house and there's a grocery store about a 10min walk awaybut still a doable walk to the Mallit was a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing OwnerIt is within walking distance of the Wharf with great restaurantsIt was great to have a designated parking space Close to Safeway and CVS Close to Metro and trainsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
I think the mattress in the upper front bedroom needs to be replacedThere was plenty of room to spread outOne of the closet doors is off and just leaning in the closetDedicated off-street parking spot a bonusThere were not enough towels The four poster bed is falling apart
8. Cozy pied-à-terre (from USD 215)
Nestled in Downtown Washington in the NoMa neighborhood, within a short distance from the Union Station, and NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station which takes you to the Smithsonian, this Vrbo accommodation is a good choice for your Washington DC vacation. This area is clustered with exquisite restaurants, luxurious retail shops, and other top-visited tourist attractions. Aside from that, the house boasts of stylish furnishings with wooden flooring, charming stone brick walls, and well-curated decors. It is ideal for a maximum of three guests, featuring a homey single bedroom, two-and-a-half private bathrooms, a cozy lounge area, modern kitchen, lovely dining space, and a relaxing backyard space.
Washington, Washington D.C., United States
2.51 km (1.6 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
9. Awesome apartment in a convenient location
Featuring a beautiful minimalist interior with a wooden accent and pleasing amenities, this Vrbo accommodation is located conveniently within a short distance from the Stanton Park, Lincoln Park, Senate Park, Library of Congress, Smithsonian museums, National Gallery of Art, and more. Aside from the beautiful location, one thing to love about this rental is its homey ambiance that will give guests the feeling of comfort and coziness. Ideally, this accommodation is for two people, housing a single bedroom with a spacious bed, a charming private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining space, and a living room with a cozy sofa and a flat-screen TV. This house is also fully airconditioned and is WiFi-ready.
923 5th St NE
2.61 km (1.7 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10. Modern-retro, two-bedroom accommodation
If you are in Washington DC for the sights and eats, or probably, the Smithsonian, this modern-retro Vrbo accommodation may be the right one for you. Situated in the busy U Street/North Shaw area, guests have access to most of the wondrous things Washington has to offer. One excellent thing about this accommodation is that it has a beautiful patio adorned with lovely plants where guests can relax and enjoy peaceful mornings. On top of that, the chic furnishings and convenient amenities are other things to be delighted about. It houses two cozy bedrooms, two charming bathrooms, a modern fully equipped kitchen, a dining space, and a homey living room area.
2.82 km (1.8 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryTop guest reviews
Host:
Host is superb and accommodatingWhen we arrived Paul met us personally to show us around the house and to tell us about the neighborhoodThe owner was very responsive and we especially appreciated the wine coffee and chocolates to welcome us after a long trip Highly recommendedThank you Paul for being so wonderful to work withLet us extend checkout to accommodate our flightLocation:
Easy access to anywhere Also offers 2 block away access to unlimited restaurants and barsbut we never took it outWe walked to a different restaurant for dinner every nightabout 10 00 to 12 00 per rideMetro station is close (less than 2 blocks) and Uber was never more that 5-10Read more reviewsAmenities & Room:
The unit is the lower floor of the buildingparking included and have everything you need to make a nice mealthe beds in the condo are excellent with good bedding tooEverything was perfect and nothing was missingThis feature was very much appreciated by these 2 retired couples 2BR (1 is small) and 2BA
11. One-bedroom space with pool and gym access
This Vrbo accommodation is one of the best accommodations you can book in Washington DC as it features almost everything that you will hope for a vacation home. It is stylish, chic, modern, with a classy and sophisticated ambiance, and fantastic amenities that guests will surely love. It is ideal for a group of four guests, featuring a cozy bedroom and a charming private bathroom. There is also a modern kitchen with a dining space where you can whip off your culinary specialty. Aside from that, the living room area will make you want to stay at home all day. This Vrbo accommodation even has a pool table, and guests have access to the communal pool and the fitness center in the building. Plus, this rental is WiFi ready and fully airconditioned. It is also close tot he Smithsonian museums.
1.64 km (1.1 mi) from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryTop guest reviews
Host:
I was harrased by homepless people calling me honey and where r u going baby give me some moneythe experience was not pleasant(they didnt bother me)Exactly what I needed Here for a convention and the convention center was 14" walk for memy son was sick and we were sleeping to make him feel better and vent cleanersLocation:
The location is perfect as well with many restaurants and Walmart within blocksjust let themselves in we were not notifies by the lyric rental companyit is in a building where other people have dogs and so I ran into them a few times in the buildingWith all the things we needed and good location to walk to or get access to easy travel around the cityThe appartment is close to attractionsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
very comfortable Although it is a pet free roomThe pictures dont do this apartment justiceit is very nicely finished with all of the amenitiesThen groups trying to fight each other was enough for police to show up When I would leave to get something for my son
Hello Smithsonian
Washington DC is always a delightful place to explore. It has so many fascinating landmarks, vibrant culture, exquisite restaurants, jaw-dropping shopping centers, and it houses one of the biggest academic institutions in America, The Smithsonian. Whether you are a scholar or a regular Tom, visiting museums and marveling at the beauty of architecture and historical artifacts never get old. So, if you are in town, for the Smithsonian or not, this list of the best Vrbo accommodations in Washington, close to the Smithsonian, will make your mini-vacation more convenient and worthwhile. If you’re traveling on a budget, then check out some of these affordable Airbnbs.
Frequently asked questions about Vrbo vacation rentals near The Smithsonian, Washington DC
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