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    US National Arboretum

    4.6 (376 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    US National Arboretum Photos

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    Featured bonsai
    Mark W.

    We decided to visit to look at the featured bonsai. Some if these trees have been in training for hundreds of years. There are so many different types of bonsai to look at and there are also lots of other features. They had an art demonstration inside one of the buildings and a tour guide explained what the artists were trying to accomplish with their work, and why each piece was a little different. This place is amazing. You can easily walk around this place for hours on a good day. Definitely like to come back on a day when it's not rainy, so I can see the rest of it. I would recommend visiting if you're in the area.

    Jordan C.

    A wonderful place to spend as much or as little time as you want. There's plenty of places to park to walk around, or you can drive to the different areas and get out. Great place to read, have a picnic, or just explore.

    Lauren M.

    After weeks of cold weather and being snowed in, today was the perfect day for a little exploration. With three kids under ten in tow, this spot could not have been better. It truly feels like a secret garden tucked away in the middle of the city. The Capitol Columns have become an unofficial playdate hub--bring your little ones and let them run, explore, and even make new friends. I hadn't realized just how dog-friendly it was either; it was genuinely nice to see so many pups out enjoying the space. For those looking for something quieter, the arboretum offers plenty of benches where you can read a book, enjoy a snack, or catch up with a friend. A perfect mix of playful and peaceful.

    Rachel S.

    Such a beautiful place! We came here on my birthday and had a fantastic time! So much to see and do! Lee could have spent all day here but we had other plans that night. Super convenient to get to and we drove around to the different areas. We also found a picnic table to eat our packed lunch. Beautiful trees and flowers everywhere! Was disappointed we don't get to see the koi fish in the koi pond but maybe next time!!

    Bonsai/ tropical plants
    Makaylah S.

    What a great way to spend a nice day out in the NE part of DC! I was out at Eastern market with my mom, and younger siblings for a stroll and to stop for a snack, then popped over to the Arboretum with our goods. We were pleasantly surprised at how well maintained it is. The grounds were in pristine condition, its a peak spring oasis (spotted a wedding being set up!!) It's really quite the space to take in nature and have a picnic, or even for professional photos which we also saw plenty of. Wear comfy shoes its a walking about situation for sure! We will be back for future picnics

    Capital Building Columns circa 1837
    Jeremy G.

    A DC gem for the outdoor aficionado. The National Arboretum was a much needed find, as I was literally having Longwood withdraw, since the move back to the DMV. I braved 495 and tourists, but I'm so glad I did. The Arboretum is laid out interestingly. Not all of the gardens are consolidated into one area - they are spread out a bit - which makes it fun for those of us who like to take time to explore (like me). I managed to scope out only two of the many areas on my first visit. There were many interesting subjects for photography, and plenty of picnic options as well. If you're solo, and you want an interesting and pleasant afternoon, this place is for you. If you are looking for a family outing, this place is for you. If you want something different than a bar for a date, this place is for you. Oh, and did I mention that its free??? No - you're right. Well, its free. Put this one in your "definitely going" queue.

    One of a few dozen Bonsai trees in exhibit.
    Randy B.

    Great place to walk your dog. Although I don't have a dog, I saw a dozen or so people walking their dogs around. With its gently rolling hills and roads, it's a nice place to walk, jog, or run. It's wheelchair and walker friendly. Many acres to roam here.

    Kaya E.

    Who knew this beautiful outdoor space was at the edge of DC? I certainly didn't until recently! I went out to the Arboretum to take some outdoor yoga photos for a friends project and fell in love. Parking was really easy to get on a Sunday afternoon (it was actually Easter Sunday when I went). The Arboretum is huge with different monuments and flowers all throughout. Some of my favorites within the park was the National Capitol Columns. I didn't get to visit the Dogwood or Asian Collections but I hear that they're also beautiful. 10/10 recommend if you'd like to get outdoors or maybe event enjoy a picnic.

    Totyana H.

    Beautiful, peaceful park ground with plenty of trails and parking. I highly recommend checking out the Arboretum when you need time away from the hustle and bustle of DC life.

    athena z.

    Came here at 4 pm on a Sunday but they close at 5 pm. Parking is free and we parked near the visitor center. The arboretum is free as well. They have bathrooms and water fountains. We wanted to go to the bonsai museum but it closes at 4pm which was disappointing. So we walked to the Abraham Lincoln inauguration columns and Washington youth garden. It is a lot of walking on grass so wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. We got to see so many butterflies at the garden which was so pretty.

    Art J.

    Well returning to Maryland Washington DC area for memorial Day weekend vacation my niece and her boyfriend took me to the national arboretum here. Beautiful exhibit especially the coy in the ones I exhibit as well as the Corinthian ancient ruin pillars I would recommend anybody to come here best of all it's free it's not as big as the ones in Chicago but it's also a good exploration

    Alice L.

    A great & memorable place to get away from all the hub-bub of DC. Started off at the Capitol columns & stopped to wander around whatever caught our attention at the different plant/tree collections. The highlight was the bonsai garden with an assorted collection of bonsais ranging in age from centuries old to just a decade. Came in the morning, so it was cooler & peaceful.

    Azalea gardens.
    Karen F.

    Wow, was this place beautiful in the spring. My friend and I stopped by because I had heard that many things were in bloom. If I lived close by, I would be here every week; taking walks, having picnics, riding my bike, etc. We went into the visitor's center first. This is a must so you can get a map, and look at their daily sign showing what is in bloom. The woman at the front desk actually wasn't very helpful when we asked where we should start-all she could do was point at the maps and the sign. Fortunately, another gentleman heard the question, and gave us directions to start at the bonsai exhibit, which we happily did. This exhibit was tucked away, but had a wide variety of cool trees to look at, with descriptions on them of what kind of tree and how old they were. From there we wandered around, eventually finding ourselves at the huge set of twenty two sandstone columns, that were moved here from the U.S. Capital. Many pictures later, we continued on a random path until we found massive amounts of flowering shrubs - the azalea collection. It was just stunning, with meandering paths throughout. We then headed back to the car to drive out, only to realize we must stop and look at the blooming dogwoods and camellia garden. This was worth a stop. This area is beautiful. This is definitely a must visit garden, and with free parking and free entry, there's every reason to go.

    My dog at the arboretum

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    Ask the Community - US National Arboretum

    Is it dog friendly ? Can I walk my dog here?

    Dog friendly? Absolutely. Dogs must be leashed, however. Two private security cars drive the winding roads to ensure this.

    Where is the best parking?

    There is ample parking not only on the grounds, there are two lots and there is street parking as well in the surrounding residential neighborhood. I've never had an issue parking, no issue with finding space nor getting ticketed which DC is famous… Read more

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    Review Highlights - US National Arboretum

    The Arboretum is home to the world's first museum dedicated to the art of bonsai, and that's where we started.

    Mentioned in 97 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    United States Botanic Garden - Annual holiday train set

    United States Botanic Garden

    4.6(621 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    What a beautiful and easily access Botanical garden. There are several areas for each of the plants…read morelike 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.

    Dear reader, The…read moreUnited 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.

    Photos
    United States Botanic Garden - Botanical Garden main entrance

    Botanical Garden main entrance

    United States Botanic Garden - Orchids

    Orchids

    United States Botanic Garden - Monument display

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    Monument display

    Dumbarton Oaks - Cherry blossom tree (and engagement ring!)

    Dumbarton Oaks

    4.5(141 reviews)
    5.3 miGeorgetown

    Most everyone in my office is off today due to the holiday, so I mad a plan to visit this museum…read more I also wanted to see the adjoining garden, but it doesn't open until much later in the afternoon. They have quite a few notable collections that I liked. The Byzantine Collection featured different artwork from the fifteenth cwntury. There were also several large sculptures that originated from the Byzantium empire which is known as Istanbul today. According to their information, the museum is continuously acquiring different works if art from this time period. There were also some pretty cool grave markers dating back to the 11th century. The museum is sort of hidden off of the main avenue in Georgetown so you will probably need to search for it. It is also free and open most days to the general public.

    I purposely visited recently (winter season) because entrance to the gardens is free, otherwise…read moreit's $15. The gardens are interesting even in the cold months. The couple most closely associated with this Georgetown estate, Mildred and Robert Bliss, clearly loved and thought deeply about this parcel of land when they owned it (1920/30's). Their efforts to preserve and share the space with the public are to be commended. It must have been quite something in its heyday. There's a lot of research that's supported here, as well as other activities. The website explains all that. It's a low-key sightseeing spot; quiet, contemplative.

    Photos
    Dumbarton Oaks - Wisteria in bloom 4/12/26

    Wisteria in bloom 4/12/26

    Dumbarton Oaks - Music room

    Music room

    Dumbarton Oaks - "Child at a window", 1901 by Edouard Vuillard

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    "Child at a window", 1901 by Edouard Vuillard

    Mary Livingston Ripley Garden - Day Lily

    Mary Livingston Ripley Garden

    4.9(8 reviews)
    3.5 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.

    Photos
    Mary Livingston Ripley Garden
    Mary Livingston Ripley Garden
    Mary Livingston Ripley Garden

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    US National Arboretum - gardens - Updated June 2026

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