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    United States Botanic Garden

    4.6 (628 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Mary R.

    What an amazing place !!! Free to go in, ran by volunteers which is amazing. If you can donate it's definitely a great cause. So many different plants from so many different areas. This place definitely lives up to the 5 star reviews ! Will not disappoint.

    Cactus
    Ninh N.

    What a beautiful and easily access Botanical garden. There are several areas for each of the plants like tropical, desert, Hawaii, etc. Great place to sit and enjoy the flowers and some shades after a long day of walking around the national mall or capitol hill.

    Marie S.

    Close to the Capitol and spent about 45 minutes here. First, I walked to the fountain and the outside gardens (obviously nothing had started growing yet from the winter). Inside, there were different rooms from banana and cacao trees (tropical) to cactus, orchids, and Venus fly traps. Free and a good way to kill some time 2026 #16

    Hammed A.

    The United States Botanic Garden is a beautiful plant museum steeped in rich American history. Located adjacent to and within a few steps of the U.S. Capitol, it is one of the oldest continuously operating public gardens in the U.S. The garden has access points from First Street, Maryland, and Independence Avenues. Street parking is available and on most days is adequate, however, on weekends during the spring and summer, finding parking can be a challenge as large crowds converge. You can find parking along Maryland Avenue and adjacent to the Capitol Reflecting Pool. Visitor traffic spills over from the Capitol grounds and neighboring museums. I recommend using Metro and getting off at Federal Center SW or Capitol South. The Conservatory is open daily from 10am-5pm, however, the outdoor garden is open a few hours earlier. The exhibits are gorgeous, showcasing various gardens featuring diverse flora. The hydrangeas garden is stunning with view of the U.S. Capitol in the background. Some of the walking paths along the outdoor gardens are narrow, so keep this in mind if traveling with strollers. Some of the paths are uneven and difficult to traverse with a stroller or elderly. There are many seating areas throughout the outdoor gardens for relaxing, observing, and eating. The U.S. Botanic Garden participates in many plant conservation projects; many of which are done through partnerships with other botanic gardens and organizations. There are also many fun and educational activities for kids. Located opposite of the Botanic Gardens, across Independence Avenue, is the Bartholdi Gardens which is a 2-acres garden featuring a water fountain: the Fountain of Light and Water, commonly called the Bartholdi Fountain. The Bartholdi Gardens is a simpler, smaller scale garden compared to the Botanic Garden Conservatory. It features innovative plant designs and stainable features such as rain gardens, reused materials from the Botanic Garden campus, native plants, and locally-sourced furniture. Overall, an excellent experience for both tourists and locals.

    Entrance to the gardens
    Dana J.

    Make sure you stop in! There is something for everyone. I love how they have the different zones from tropical to desert. We enjoyed the scavenger hunt. Make sure to give yourself a few hours, or more if the outside garden is in bloom.

    Heather B.

    Small but beautiful. It is definitely a beautiful area both inside and out. It is free. It will be warm in some areas where the plants are. The temperature needs to stay warmer there so it can grow. The exterior of the building there is wild flowers throughout. It really is beautiful. It is very clean and organized throughout. There is an elevator if needed. There is a wide selection of plants for inside and out. The outside there was a a cute seating area that had a coffee truck. They had beverages and small snacks. It was nice to sit under a table in the shade. The bathrooms are nice. They were clean and have cute notes on the back of the door. I did take one star away due to the rudeness of the staff member working the gift store. I used the Incardi machine with coins from a different location and I was unaware of that. Its a whole story not meant for her. But, she could have really been nicer. Plus being on the cellphone instead of greeting us when we walked in. I was already maybe 4 cards in for the machine. If she was not on the phone she could have stopped me after one. Some employees were complaining about something, some were working hard and talking to visitors. So it was a toss up with employees for me.

    Meg M.

    I absolutely love these gardens! It's my second time while in DC and i always love going. While the outdoor gardens really hadn't started to bloom, everything inside is amazing. It feels like I'm transported to another word.

    Orchid
    Ray R.

    Dear reader, The United States Botanic Garden is an absolute treasure and one of the loveliest ways to spend your time in DC. It feels peaceful, fascinating, and quietly spectacular all at once, which is really a rather strong combination. From the moment you walk in, there is so much to take in that it becomes very easy to lose track of time in the best possible way. The large orchid exhibit was especially breathtaking. It had that rare quality of making everyone slow down a bit and simply look, which feels increasingly impressive these days. The colours, shapes, and sheer variety were amazing. It made the entire visit feel even more special. The medicinal plant section was another standout for me because there is genuinely so much to learn there. It adds a thoughtful and educational layer to the visit without ever feeling dry or overly serious. The atriums are amazing and full of interesting things to see like bananas(?!), and the large tropical area is particularly fun to explore. It feels lush, immersive, and just a little dramatic, as though you have wandered into a completely different climate for a while. The outdoor area is also wonderful and makes the whole place feel even more expansive and relaxing. A further point in its favour is the gift shop, which is absolutely worth a stop. It is full of interesting things and does not feel like an afterthought, which one must appreciate. Even better, the prices are pretty fair, so it is actually possible to leave with a little something without feeling entirely taken advantage of. They have a vending machine where you can get really fun art prints too! Overall, the United States Botanic Garden is beautiful, engaging, and very much worth visiting. Between the orchids, the tropical rooms, the medicinal plants, the outdoor spaces, and the charming gift shop, there is so much to enjoy. I would happily return again and again, and quite enthusiastically at that.

    Vanessa B.

    The botanical garden was a great visit. We went around the outside and my son played for a while. He enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels. The inside is large and nice to explore as well. We liked looking through the various areas and smelling flowers. They label ones that are super fragrant. It's a great place to roam around.

    Tamika D.

    This was an amazing experience! I absolutely love flowers and visiting the botanic garden was very educational. I was able to see exotic, tropical, medicinal, herbal and poisonous plants and their origins. The outside garden wasn't in bloom yet so I plan to return to see those flowers at a later date but the inside was still amazing! I would highly recommend stopping by on a DC visit.

    Plants
    Sarah G.

    The U.S. Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to explore and relax. The gardens are impeccably maintained, with an incredible variety of plants from around the world. The conservatory is especially impressive, offering lush tropical displays and seasonal exhibits. The staff was friendly, and admission being free makes it an even better experience. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful break while sightseeing, it's well worth a visit.

    Lynn N.

    Even in the winter, they do a great job of keeping the indoor plants beautiful and happy. There is a lot of to see inside their covered gardens. Not just the man atrium but branches off it. They also have an outdoor garden, but it's closed during the winter. Employees are friendly. No cost admission.

    Kay

    The Botanical Gardens is in my top 5 museums in DC and one that I always recommend visitor to visit. Depending on the time of year they have some rotating plants/exhibits but their permanent exhibits are awesome. It's not a huge museum but you can spend a good amount of time walking through the different biome rooms. Plus their main room has benches if you need a place inside to sit down for a little while. Definitely worth a visit!

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    Review Highlights - United States Botanic Garden

    If you are in the DMV or are visiting the DC you definitely need to put the US Botanic Garden on your list.

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

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    Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens

    Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens

    4.5(19 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Bartholdi Park is kind of forgotten about. It's right next to the Botanical Garden. These are both…read morenext to the National Mall, so it has a convenient location. It has a very beautiful fountain. The park is usually pretty quiet. It gets hidden among the National Mall. Since there's so many popular sites, it often gets overlooked. This is next to the Botanic Gardens, which can often get overlooked too. Look for this if you're close to the Capitol Building. The most obvious thing about it is the fountain. It has an interesting history that predates the park and where the fountain is currently. The fountain was created as part of the 1876 Worlds Fair. It was sculpted by Auguste Bartholdi. The fountain was given to the U.S. and placed near the Capitol Building, then moved to its current location. With so many parks around you could forget about it. If you're here to see the memorials and monuments, take a moment to see it. The fountain is as beautiful as anything on the Mall, and the park is often peaceful.

    I visited the United States Botanic Garden with a friend last weekend, and Bartholdi Fountain and…read moreGardens is one section of the Botanic Garden, and it ended up being my favorite. The Botanic Garden is free to visit (and the rest of it, including the conservatory) is across Independence Avenue from Bartholdi Fountain. You can just stop by Bartholdi Fountain and Garden, however, without visiting any of the rest of the Botanic Garden. It's a central fountain in a triangular shaped garden. On a July day, the gardens around the fountain were filled with colorful flowers and beautiful trees (including some beautiful pomegranate and fig trees). In photos, the Capitol building just peaks out from behind the statue, adding even more beauty to this park. There are rocking chairs and tables in different areas around the garden, making it a great place to eat your lunch or a snack or sit and read a book. It's a beautiful, peaceful space. I'd love to come back and enjoy it more.

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    Mary Livingston Ripley Garden - Day Lily

    Mary Livingston Ripley Garden

    4.9(8 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    One of my favorite gardens in the city. The Ripley Garden is beautiful and provides a bit of…read morerespite between the busy National Mall and the Smithsonians. This gorgeous garden is lushly landscaped and includes seating and a centerpiece fountain. I come here often for reflection. Tours are offered and I hope to take advantage soon.

    The national mall lined by Smithsonian museums was designed to evoke open vistas of this great land…read moreand to impress with its wide, open spaces stretching out. However, in truth, the scrubby grass fields in the middle seem non-functional unless you are a frisbee team. Lacking any distinguishing architecture for visual interest, shade for respite, or even whimsical snack stalls for gathering spots, the mall isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. That's where the gardens tucked into tight spaces between the massive museum blocks, provide a refreshing counterpoint. This Ripley Garden in particular, is an exquisite treasure trove of wondrous botany. You'll find it in a corridor abutting the Hirschorn Sculpture Gallery, and across the street from the historic carousel. A cornucopia of plants with staggered bloom times provide a dazzling array of textures and colors. Plant labeling makes the display more interesting. I feel that this garden could stand toe to toe with the best botanical gardens anywhere (well a miniature one at least!). I take lunch breaks in this garden, and despite the fact that it is a relatively small corridor, it has nooks and spaces with benches for people to pause and ponder the complex abundance of the natural world around them. Every time I walk through, my eye is drawn to a seemingly endless variety of curiosities that delight and amaze, more so because they are drawn from the ever-shifting, ever-evolving natural world, and are not man-made, predictable, and static. By design, it represents the infinite complexity and renewal of the natural world. It's funny how I easily tire of things, in general, but I return to this garden day after day, and find it novel. I've also been able to learn quite a bit about plants. I contemplate the vigor and complexity of plants from Africa and South America and compare them to the native plants of this continent. There's much here to open your mind in wonder. The best part of this garden might be that its a free gift thanks to the Smithsonian! What's not to like? Tip to tourists: Grab lunch from the l'Enfant Plaza food trucks, about 2 blocks away, and bring your grub to eat here.

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    US National Arboretum - Ikebana

    US National Arboretum

    4.6(376 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    Dear reader, It is…read moreonly fair that I report the National Arboretum remains one of the coolest places in DC. It is massive, gorgeous, and the kind of place that makes you feel like you have briefly escaped the city without actually going very far. There is so much space to walk, relax, and just be outside for a while, and it never really feels crowded. Every time you turn a corner there is something new to look at, which makes the whole place feel like a very peaceful little adventure. The bonsai museum is easily one of the crown jewels. It kind of blows my mind every time that there are so many bonsai there, and some of them are up to or over 400 years old, including the famous Yamaki Pine. It is one of those places that really makes you slow down and pay attention because the amount of care, history, and detail in everything is just incredible. A very quiet flex, if you will. I also love that the Arboretum is not just about plants, although those alone would be enough. We saw bald eagles, there are beavers on the grounds, and it always feels like some kind of wildlife cameo could happen at any moment. Between the trees and plants from all over the country and the world, the Capitol Columns, the bonsai, the gardens, and all the open space, there is so much to take in without it ever feeling overwhelming. Dogs are welcome too, which feels very civilized, though they cannot go into the bonsai museum. Overall, this place is just such a gem. Beautiful, relaxing, and full of little surprises. I will absolutely keep going back, and frankly, I think society should too.

    According to their website, this is a collections-based research facility and public garden of the…read moreUS Dept of Agriculture. The Arboretum is home to the world's first museum dedicated to the art of bonsai, and that's where we started. These bonsai trees are between 30 to 100-200 years old. There is one that is 400! This section alone is impressive. We also walked over to the columns that were once a part of the State Capitol building. With 451 acres the collections are based on categories which is nice. You want to look at conifers all day? Go right ahead. Azaleas and magnolias? Knock yourself out. Pick your spot. Don't feel like you can see everything AND enjoy it in one day...because you can't. Pick 1-3 things and enjoy the day. Stop by the the visitor center for a map and events for the day. Today there were Ikebana classes. Do a restroom call with the gang there before you venture out. There are portables throughout if you need to go. Read the website for areas that are wheelchair accessible or you could drive through to assess your beginning and endpoints.

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    Ikebana

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    National Museum of the American Indian - Spacious lobby

    National Museum of the American Indian

    3.6(529 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    One of my favorite national museums…read more The museum makes a strong first impression, with sculptures and a rushing waterfall surrounding the exterior. Inside, the soaring ceilings create a grand sense of scale. The walkways were accessible and easy to navigate, though the elevators were a bit slow. During our visit, the museum was not particularly crowded, allowing us to take our time reading the exhibits and fully appreciating the displays. What I appreciated most was the museum's emphasis on the differing perspectives of American Indians and Americans throughout history. Many exhibits presented both viewpoints side by side, highlighting how dramatically interpretations of the same events could differ. The timelines were thoughtfully organized and I learned about numerous Indigenous nations and communities that were rarely discussed in my prior education. The Americans exhibit was particularly memorable. It explored the representation of American Indians throughout popular culture, including television, sports mascots, advertising, food branding, and more. At the end, visitors were invited to write postcards reflecting on examples of Indigenous representation in modern life. Pocahontas was a recurring figure throughout the exhibit and I gained a much deeper understanding of both her historical significance and how her story has been commercialized and reinterpreted over time. The Nation to Nation exhibit focused more on cultural and historical artifacts, showcasing clothing, household items, tools, and musical instruments. Meanwhile, Water's Edge explored the importance of water through both artistic expression and its relationship to Indigenous life and traditions. The gift shop was easily one of the best I encountered among the national museums. It featured a wide variety of unique and meaningful souvenirs, and the lighter crowds meant several items sold out elsewhere were still available here. I was surprised by some of the lukewarm reviews, as I found this museum engaging and informative from start to finish. It easily filled two to three hours and I left with a far greater appreciation for Indigenous history and perspectives. I would love to see future exhibits further explore Native American music, art, and cultural expression.

    I came for the taco and stayed for the art! After researching a few places for lunch, the reviews…read moreof the Mitsitam cafe here were amazing for their fry bread taco. The museum itself is gorgeous, inside and out. The grounds area has lots of plants and shrubbery to observe. It's kind of serene and takes you away from the capital craziness which isn't too far away. Inside, you'll find multiple floor with displays about history, conflict, and art. I took the elevator to the top then worked my way down each level via the stairs. It's an awesome place and the gift shop had some of the coolest stuff too. It's right next to the super popular Air and Space Museum so if you don't feel like walking too far after exploring that one, check this one out.

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    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - She's looking right at me... it's a she, I peeked

    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

    4.5(1.4k reviews)
    0.8 mi

    I grew up in the DMV going to all the amazing museums. Now it's my kids turn to visit the same…read moremuseums. I visited recently after 20 years and a lot had changed, but a lot had stayed the same. The staff are still helpful and we were lucky to have several volunteers share their knowledge with us. Big thanks to them for sharing their time. The Wooly Mammoth is still there and several awesome dinosaur fossils. The museum is still free and easy to get to with our metro system. The dinosaur section has gone through a redesign that offers a lot more dinosaurs and interactive displays. My daughter loved it. I very much appreciated being able to see the scientists at work with fossils. My daughter loved that! The ocean and modern animal sections were also great. I feel like those areas have grown. We used the restrooms several times and they were rather clean. The good options downstairs were typical American cuisine and a bit over priced, but that was the only down side. I love this place and I hope to be back in the future.

    Ok I hate that I am giving this 4 stars because it was so cool. I think just having been to the one…read morein London jaded me a bit. There is a lot of cool stuff here. Gorgeous building. But the whole thing was just screens and words to me. The animal parts were really fun, but the rest felt super super modern and basically like a textbook was printed on the wall. It didn't have any of the magic. I did not feel like reading paragraphs on the wall, I wanted to see actual stuff. And there was some stuff, but all the screens and modern-ness kinda killed it for me. As someone who didn't want to read or be in the middle of a pre-school field trip, this museum only took me 45 min. If you have never been to a Natural History Museum, definitely go. If you have been to any of the other ones, you can skip.

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    United States Botanic Garden - gardens - Updated August 2026

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