Reviews of United States National Arboretum. (Other) in Washington (District of Columbia).

United States National Arboretum

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Other

Arboretum

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

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Information of United States National Arboretum, Other in Washington (District of Columbia)

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Reviews of United States National Arboretum

Eduardo Moser

We visited during cherry blossom days. They have a great variety of cherry trees and magnolias. It is a complement to know different cherry blossoms from those of the Tidal Basin. There is no proper public transportation, so the place is fairly free of tourists. We came to this place by car on the recommendation of a friend who lives in DC. The Bonsai collection is amazing. There is much to walk and explore. On a plain they have mounted the original columns of the Capitol. Bring some snacks and drinks, because there is no service in the place. Access and parking is free.

Anushka M

Not a hidden gem but I feel like the U.S National Arboretum doesn't get talked about enough in DC! Gorgeous area with tons of trails to walk around and also cool stops like the bonsai museum, koi pond, the national capital columns, and so many fun gardens like the herb garden and friendship garden. I started out at the national capital columns and parked. After walking around I took a path towards the bonsai museum and spent a lot of time there. So many cool trees and lots of history. I didn't realize some of the bonsai trees are hundreds of years old! Next I walked over to the visitor center and grabbed some maps. There are several areas to have a picnic, or just enjoy the scenery. The museum and national capital columns were definitely my favorite stops. I also saw the herb garden which was cute, and inside the visitor center you there's a bald eagle cam and you can see what they're up to. I recommend going early in the morning when they open to avoid crowds. I went around 10am on a Sunday and it was easy to find parking, walk around and see everything without too many people. Overall it was a great way to start my day and get some nature in! I know there's more I could have done so I will definitely be coming back.

Adrian Willing

Very diverse and well labeled arboretum. Many different habitat areas, with signage and plenty of trails. You can get lost all day. Wish that the bonsai section was fully open, when I went you had to go with a tour group to view it. Some of the trail sections in fern valley portion were under construction as well, but overall very good gardens. A children's area with butterfly garden was great, not as many native plants as I would like, but very cool to see so many agricultural plants growing next to honeybee hives and can imagine that would be very educational. Not many outdoor rest facilities that I could find, so plan appropriately. Also a great deal of invasive species present, I think the arboretum could benefit from an Integrated Pest Management plan that includes invasives controls. Parking was good, and I had no issues getting there. Will definitely return.

Laurie Zabala

Beautiful landscaping. Very tranquil & relaxing walk through the extensive herb garden. The Bonsai museum is a must. Great place for a picnic. The National columns are stunning. Entrance is free. Be sure to use the restroom at the visitor center when you first arrive because you'll do alot of walking & that's the only restroom on the grounds. Bring a water bottle & snacks as there is no restaurant on site. Definitely a treasure that's worth the trek to the east edge of DC.

Saee Sansare

We were here on a Monday. It was nice and breezy and not at all busy. I parked right next to the where the capitol columns are, clicked some really pretty pictures. Walked around there. There were people picnicking right in front of the columns which I definitely would love to do next time I visit. The National Bonsai and penning museum was a 5 mins walk from the columns. Loved the gallery and the chrysanthemum stones are so beautiful; you mist go check them out. Really nice place to go walk, picnic, learn, sketch if you want. It closes kind of early though@4pm.

E Shaheed

Great setup, ample space, parking and diverse botanical collections. Perfect location for spending an entire day outdoors with family and young kids. We were lucky to be there on a community fair day. Kids enjoyed complimentary books, plants, school supplies, face painting, story telling, snacks and healthy tips! Don't miss the bonsai from 1625!!

Marty Shaw, Author

Great experience! Just go! I was there in early spring and the colors were amazing. So many different specimens of plant material I never see commercially. They have an amazing assortment of unique things you won't find anywhere else. It was a real treat.

Jozlantice Tucker

Okay so this is a perfect slice of peace. It is a huge park so you can walk and have picnics. I think it would be amazing to bike and jog here. The entire place was just plants and peace. Amazing vibes. Also here are some of my favorite bonsai.

Da-Wang Wu

We came here in late April, and the Azalea blossoming was pretty amazing! Walking on the trail with the Azalea blossoming along the way was very nice. Parking inside the park can be tricky, so we parked in the lot right next to the entrance and walked 5-10 minutes to the main campus. Overall, it’s a beautiful place, and I would definitely come back.

CJ

Depending on when you visit the US National Arboretum, something different is peaking. In mid April, the fruit trees were just past peak, but the lilacs shrubs were close to full bloom. As I strolled thru the lilac grove, the soft lilac fragrance permeated the air. One of the US National Arboretum’s most prominent and a little puzzling landmarks is the old Corinthian National Capitol Columns residing on the Ellipse Meadow. The US National Arboretum was not the column’s intended home when they were quarried back in the early 1800s. Originally, the columns were built as a part of the east portico of the US Capitol Building now located about 3 miles away from the US National Arboretum. By the 1860s, when the dome of the Capitol was completed, the columns were deemed inadequate to support the new dome. It wouldn’t be until the mid 1980s before the columns would find their final home at the US National Arboretum. Twenty-two of the original 24 columns are on majestic display in Ellipse Meadow. During our trip to the US National Arboretum in mid April, the Azaleas were just starting to bud and bloom. So no good pictures this trip. Peak time for the Azalea garden at the arboretum is late April. I hear the Azaleas are a beautiful sight when the hillside is painted with splotches of different colors.

Brittany Ledger

Such a beautiful and peaceful place! The only thing is when i visited we made the mistake of coming in July so it was insanely hot and hard to enjoy the place. I would definitely love to come back in the springtime or in September. Also it is a bit hard to get to by public transportation, I underestimated my ability to walk up hill on the July sun so by the time I visited I was exhausted. Definitely somewhere thats better to get to by car.

N -

Like someone else mentioned, at the end of summer the plants and flowers seem to be dead. Enjoyed the koi pond at the entrance. The bonsai tree museum is outdoor and there are so many variations that it was almost overwhelming and a bit repetitive but still nice to walk around. Not a lot of shade mid day so be prepared with umbrella or hat. It seems most get around in a car or bikes. Plenty of space for picnics by the state trees. State trees were disappointing because I thought they would be organized but they seem to be scattered in different places and I didn't get to see them all. Bathrooms are spacious and clean.

Allison VonIns

I'm a travel couples/engagement photographer & one of my couples had professional pictures taken at the Arboretum. The area was absolutely gorgeous with so many beautiful spots for pictures & just viewing the area. I can't wait to be back soon for more pictures!

Barbara O Photography

I just wanted to pop in here and mention that apart from being an awesome place to visit, the National Arboretum is a stunning backdrop for a wedding! If you didn't know that the Arboretum hosted weddings, here's a few photos to show you how awesome it was and can be! Loved this wedding!

Sue Hansen

Beautiful but alittle worn. Due to the massive size, alot of care is needed to maintain the plantings and trails. I recommend getting a volunteer group to assist. We had a great time and truly appreciated the thought and effort that went into establishing the columns.

Omar Abu-sabha

It is a great place to walk and enjoy the area's vegetation. The Japanese and Chinese pavilions are very interesting, although they are closed in winter. The old columns of the capitol are without a doubt a must if you like photography.

Chandler Arrington

I had high hopes for this arboretum however it's a bit rundown, still the Capitol columns were pretty and impressive, but a lot of work can be done to improve this park, for instance the signs on the state trees were faded and some of the state trees were located on the side of the road where unless you're walking down the road you wouldn't be able to read about them. Hopefully this park can be improved as it has great potential.

Sarah Petri

Enjoyed Bonsai exhibits, koi pond, and some gardens. Parking at visitor center was tough because they had an event staff using the disabled persons parking spaces for unpacking tables and catering. Several places where signage and tree labels could be repaired. Drove back to the Asian Collection for the first time. Nice. It's worth driving to other parking areas beyond the visitor center for more exploration, since the place is big.

Karthikeyan Rajaram

Luck is when you run into a beautiful place like this without planning. Better luck is when you get into it in the company of a person who used to volunteer at this place. We didn’t really plan to be at the arboretum, considering that the Spring is still not Springy enough. We had seen enough of Cherry Blossoms in the Tidal basin area that we thought we could do something else. We just made it to this place on recommendation from one of our relatives, who also accompanied us. Since he was a volunteer here, he helped us navigate and gave us so much insights about the different kinds of plants, flowers, bonsais and the what the lovely people who work here, do. We drove around this place and still got to see more cherry blossoms, along with different other species of flora. The enchanting Bonsai museum is a must visit as it did take our breathes away. The old columns of the capitol and the grove of different state trees are some of the special features of this place. The flowers were not in full blossom and we definitely look forward to checking this place again in summer.

patti howell

Take your camera and walking shoes. This place was fabulous. Very big. There is a garden. I couldn't believe how big and beautiful the vegetables were.

Logan Heilman

Visited for the Bonsai event they were having and had a blast. All the vendors were great and the museums bonsai and penjing exhibit was phenomenal. Will definitely be back.

Elisabeth “Beth” Ostrander

We only had about an hour and headed to the bonsai area. Wow! To see living gifts from Japan and China that were started and cared for since before the birth of our nation was truly outstanding. Befitting our National Arboretum! Will return to see more treasures!

missy

if you are visiting DC and enjoy the outdoors, the Arboretum absolutely the place to be. so much to see, and there are several nature paths to walk down. they have a rose garden, herb garden, medicinal garden, as well as random indigenous plants on shaded paths.

Patrick Moreland

A great hidden gem in a city where there is much to desire. I’ve been here multiple times and each time it feels like a great experience that most people tend to overlook when exploring the area. Would love to come here one day and go for a run and maybe I must just do that once the heat cools off.

Moxa

Beautiful area for walking, jogging, picnicking, and a good place for dogs and kids to run and play. On a sunny weekend day - it's a good idea to go there.

Raymond Powell

It would take weeks to explore the various collections and endless trails. Whether mid summer or December there is an abundance of plant species with greenery and a spectrum of colorful blooms. The arboretum is peaceful and feels entirely away from the city.

Josiah Keilson

There’s so much more to explore here than just the front section with the columns that most folks never make it past. Do yourself a favor and go further into the park! Highly recommend the Asian garden and dogwood areas.

Galen Oettel

You could spend all day here with so many different collections to see. The Bonsai and Penjing museum is a standout, along with the columns. Walking between collections is pretty exposed to the sun and hot during the summer, so bring lots of water and sunscreen.

Jeffrey Blander

A wonderful way to spend a Spring time afternoon. Walk amongst the azaleas or by the famous Corinthian columns from the U.S. Capitol Building. A treasured and true Washingtonian adventure with friends, family, or solo. Of course don’t forget to perhaps pick up some tomatoes or sunflower plants for the garden at one of the vendors along the way. It is a bit off the beaten path. Car pooling is probably the best way to enjoy the day.

Gary Connor

An out of season visit so things were brown and dead. But thecolumns are impressive and the grounds organized for walking or driving. A bit off the beaten path. But I look back to a visit when things are green. Saw an odd sign about Photography permits that will require some research.

K Rose S

Beautiful. If you like being in nature and enjoy seeing a wide variety of trees, come! Don't bother visiting the ghetto outside of the park, you will be disappointed.

Claire Casher

Peaceful, lovely place. Great trails for biking or long walks, and a picnic in the middle field would be awesome. The bonsai museum is a highlight.

Bianca Chang

Plenty of free parking space spreading out of the park with handicap access. There are various walking trails with plants from ranges of habitats in the park. It's very relaxing and refreshing by simply trolling around the park. Many gorgeous gardens with spotlight exhibitions like Bonsai which is one of its kind. The picnic areas and well maintained lawn are perfect spots for taking in the peaceful and quite time on a busy day. The National Capital columns display is attractive and historical. This one-day trip is perfect for all families.

RV

A nature filled place to visit close the city. The gardens with highly descriptive plant plates are great. The columns are cool to see as well.

Ed

The arboretum it’s a mostly unknown place for tourists but it’s a good place to visit especially if there is good weather, plenty of places to walk, run or just camping. Good recommendation if you are looking for a place that it’s not too crowded.

Hannah Mirviss

Great way to spend a few hours walking around. I love the Chinese gardens and bonsai trees. I just followed the map and walked around the whole arboretum. Cherry blossoms were a great bonus.

Debra Johnson

What a great place to take a family and have a picnic. So beautiful and free. There is a place to donate. So peaceful and educational.

Reiki Master Raisa

Such a gorgeous place. Loved all the colorful vibrant flowers, and the carefully crafted exhibits of bonsai. Would recommend bringing bug spray 🦟 Also, it can get really hot and there’s not a lot of shade in some areas, so prep for that! …

Alexander Herbert

The collection of bonsai trees was nice, and the old pillars were cool. It was however disconcerting to see security harassing people for taking selfies and group pictures. I could understand requiring someone to pay a fee to take pictures for commercial purposes, but wow.

Ina Nichols

National bonsai collection is outstanding. One from 1625 and Nagasaki when the bomb was dropped. It survived and was given to the United States. The capital columns are there as well.

Aarón Enrique Almada

Beautiful escape in the middle of a bustling city! If the weather is nice, grab your sneakers and head out for a leisurely stroll. Ample parking and pet friendly!

Lauren Hunt

Beautiful spot for a picnic. Really enjoyed the azaleas in April! Bonsai tree exhibit is a lot of fun!

Nishad Hassan

Very beautiful place with amazing scenery. Has some historic areas with Bonsai plants that are as old as 120 years ago.

Bob D.

If you live in or around, or are just visiting Washington DC, I hope you've spent time at the US National Arboretum. It is one of the finest, pristine attractions in the area and if you haven't been there, your dog will never look as happy as mine does! Nilla (pic below) just loves the place, amazing stuff to sniff and places to explore. You will love it too! And your dog will smile and then be really sleepy when you get home.

Karin E

Make sure to go with comfort shoes and outfit to enjoy the walk. Going early may help skip the hit as well. Exquisite experience of Japanese and north American bonsai gardens, including white pines, maples. Don't forget cameras!

X

Beautiful in any season. Photographers need permits for commercial & special occasions. Bonsai section closed from November on.

Anna Reed

Amazing place to take the family or just you and the hubby. I went with some friends on a nature walk. You won’t be able to take it all in on one trip.

Cleveland Eastsider

Overall it was an enjoyable first visit for the 3 of us. There are a few natural hiking & walking trails, but the Koi pond and the bonsai museum were the highlight of our visit. There is a surprising lack of trees throughout. Most of the place looks more like a meadow, field or grassland than an arboretum — after all, the word “arboretum“ literally means garden of trees. And surprisingly much of the walking paths are concrete or asphalt. The only exception was the Fern Valley; it was small, but lush, tree-lined with a natural walking path. Tip #1: In the summer, go very early or late afternoon and bring ice water as not only is there not much shade, few places to sit down, but only vending machines for bottled water, refreshments & snacks; they only have a small water fountain offering free room temp water which had no water bottle filler. At an arboretum I expected a more environmentally friendly option than a one-time use plastic bottle of water for people to get a cool glass of water. Tip #2: Many of the plants & tree specimens are not labeled as they apparently rely on their online app. to provide this information, so download that and become familiar with it before going. It would be nice if they offered guided tours on Saturday mornings for a fee and/or some public education gardening programs such as: Creating a rain garden, benefits of a rain barrel/composting, encouraging bees & other pollinators, using native plants, xeriscape landscaping, basics of good tree pruning, etc. I also didn’t see any information on volunteering, but hopefully they offer such a program to offset costs since many ppl would love to have the opportunity to garden/weed in a National Arboretum. I’m sure it would be more enjoyable in the Spring, especially when the cherry trees are in bloom or early Summer. We went on a hot mid-July morning, which clearly influenced my review. I did enjoy the educational information posted in the lobby of the visitor center lobby such as how to plant/trim a tree, but an expansion of this concept in the form of classes or videos and detailed displays of bad tree pruning would be even more useful & educational. In summary, we had a pleasant, though quite warm, experience…but short of what I expected from an National arboretum. This could be far more beautiful, inviting & functional with more natural trails, shade trees, and sitting areas, as well as tours and other educational public programs for a small fee. Having a rain-garden installed or other similar water-preserving methods with information on a plaque would create a wonderful educational opportunity for children & adults.

Brian Impson

A seldom talked about treasure in our nation's capital. Nice place for a hike or a picnic. Love the bonsai gardens. We saw nesting eagles a few years ago during our first visit. I wonder how many know about the original columns from the capitol being replaced and on display here.

Alex Smith

A beautiful and peaceful place to enjoy with the family, and completely free. Lots of walking and smooth paths to make this place very accessible to strollers and wheelchairs

ChinLin Pan

Get ready to walk and hike for hours and hours. I enjoyed the Bonsai Museum, the Asian Collection, and National Capitol Columns! The Tropical Conservatory was closed when we went (mid to late Oct 2021). The map labels the roads but IRL there werent a lot of street markers so it is easy to get lost if you're not paying attention to the forks in the road. Bring water to stay hydrated! There are also plenty of parking lots spread out throughout the National Arboretum.

Lauren Jelle

It's still gorgeous in the beginning of December (I went Dec. 4, 2022). Go when it's nice outside and you won't be disappointed!

Serene Place

Fall colour was great in here. Large area for picnic. You can take so many good photos cause there is so much sunlight.

Netsanet Legesse Tefera

Loved this hidden little gem! It's a big park with various plants, fun mini trails and historical architectural columns. Perfect for dates, fun family weekend, or solo adventures. I just wish they'd allow people to bring their cameras and tripods to take professional pictures.

Tayler Engel

Joyful place to explore! I was there on a very hot day and didn’t really notice the temps among all the beautiful trees.

Rachel Anderson

The Arboretum has been my source of sanity during the pandemic!! Huge, beautiful park with so much to explore. I love the wooded trails around the azalea collection and the Asian collections. Great place to walk, run, or bike…I just wish the M Street gate was in use.

Sharon Wright

It was my first visit, but not my last! I loved it!! It's a beautiful place that appreciates nature!

Tj Gervais

My favorite stop for my whole trip. Worth the trip off the mall. Great place to enjoy the weather and relax for a day!

Samuel Grindstaff

A fantastic, quiet place to spend a few hours outdoors among the trees and flowers. My favorite part were the banzai trees. It is amazing how intricate they are, and how old many are (one is almost 400 years old). It wasn't busy, and parking was a breeze; however this was on a weekday afternoon, so your milage may vary.

Allie Berg

Always a wonderful place to visit! The Bonsai and Penjing Museum is exquisite, the capitol columns are statuesque, and the wide variety of plants means that something is always in bloom, regardless of season.

Tenny Kristiana

Came here during Fall in mid November. It is pretty dead around. Not much to see. Will come again next time during spring, heard it is pretty here during that season

Jennifer Healey

Why doesn’t everyone go here? My main regret is not going early enough to see the bonsai garden. We should have allowed more time! It’s big!

John Milleker Photography

Free to enter, plenty of parking. Great Japanese Pavilion with well manicured Bonsai trees. The outside grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) are open daily to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Diane Flagg

The gift shop was closed which was disappointing because I love gift shops. The youth garden is really nice. The Capitol Columns are pretty striking but the area could use a restoration. I didn't get to see the bonsai garden and I would like to go back for that.

Francisco Cappai

Beautiful place to enjoy nature, different kinds of gardens including a bonsai garden and a Chinese area. The Greek columns are amazing.

Darth Skitty

Was beautiful,.might have to come in the spring to see more in bloom

David L

We visited on a Wednesday afternoon in August and the arboretum was nearly empty, which may or may not be what you're looking for. The bonsai museum was fun and the herb garden was pretty. It was cool to see peppers, oranges, etc. being grown. Be sure to bring a car or bike if you want to see all of the arboretum, as the gardens and collections are somewhat far apart from each other.

N KB

A WONDERFUL place to roam and explore any season. Tons of cool plants scenic views, and great trees to see.

Amanda Dennis

We got to visit the bonsai pavilions today and OMG, it was just mind blowing! How is this not a lauded, tourist destination of the city?! It was fantastic. Beautifully arranged, with small garden walks between collections. There is a tree there that survived the bombing of Hiroshima and was then gifted to the United States as a token of good will. It is 400 yrs old! So go! Go see the bonsai!! :D Came again, 2022, still amazing!

Lance K

The National Arboretum is truly a must see if you’re looking for something to do on a day with nice weather. There are informational placards describing the flora in detail, as well as historical information about the area. Not to mention the stunning views of the columns!

Kathy W

Delightful place to visit. Family friendly. Bonsai museum is still closed at time of our visit due to covid. Hopefully it will open soon!

Emmanuel Ofili

If you love nature you should definitely visit and it’s a nice place for hosting you’re wedding events

Kris Bell

The national arboretum is a gem. Parking is free, the grounds are beautiful, and I can't seem to find a downside. We enjoyed seeing the capital columns and found some trails in the woods to walk. There were beautiful fall leaves because of the time of year, and we look forward to going back in all the seasons. We saw a couple of doe deer in the woods which was fun.

Pamela Goins

A beautiful Park...in need of some TLC ! The the buildings were all closed except for Restrooms ! Why ? A great place to visit, walk, bike, have a picnic lunch....!

Howard Chow

Really great place with a lot of different stuff to see. The bonsai exhibit was particularly awesome, they have so many different ones on display. especially seeing the age of some of them and how it takes decades to grow and create, it’s quite impressive.

Tatiana Chichilla

The bonsai museum is a huge highlight of the arboretum! Just take note that it opens later and closes earlier than everything else. They have bonsai trees that are hundreds of years old and you can learn so much about them. Just as an FYI it is HOT and not a lot of shade but they have plenty of roads for driving from place to place. Beautiful visitor center with koi pond. Definitely worth at least stopping in or driving through since it's free.

Montre Stewart

Visited for a photoshoot. Although it is the winter ..so no flowers.. the park is still very BEAUTIFUL and the signs for directions were extremely helpful when exiting.

Robin Brown

It's not possible to see this amazing place in one day. There are many themed gardens (Azalea, Fern, Youth, Herb, Friendship, Boxwood, Dogwood, Conifer, Asian, China, etc!) and all have hundreds or perhaps thousands of plants to admire. Many plants have identifying name plates. There are grassy fields dotted with trees between many of the gardens which are beautiful in themselves. It gets really busy on weekends, so best to go during the week if you can.

Lola Beez

The Chinese pavilion was calming and absolutely breath taking. Highly recommend.

Christian Camacho

This a hidden gem, follow the directions is not in the best neighborhood but its worth it to go and look for it. If you like bonsai go for it

Chad Spangler

Wedding at the Arboretum We could not imagine having a more perfect day and a more perfect place. The Arboretum is a truly astonishing setting with multiple sites on the venue to hold your reception, ceremony and cocktail hour -- based on the size of your party. We had almost 200 guests so we held our ceremony in the 'meadow'... a field overlooking the Capital Columns. You reach the meadow by walking through the Knot Garden and adjacent herb garden. Our cocktail hour was then at the 'water pond', a deck outside the main building wrapped with a coy pond and water fountains. Our ceremony was held under a tent in the Northern Terrace, located just on the other side of the main building in a clearing. Weather is definitely a factor but we lucked out and had one of the most gorgeous days an October has ever seen, and given the season we had nice bright pops of yellow and red as the tree colors had begun changing. Everything looked incredible and we (and our guests) were just in awe of the natural beauty around us. The downsides with the Arboretum is the tent requirement, including generator, some lighting, etc.. but the tent was absolutely stunning with lights underneath. We did rent heaters but didn't need them since it was such a beautiful day. Natalie is the event coordinator who worked with us the entire time, helping to recommend vendors and make other great suggestions along the way. She was super fun and easy to communicate with, incredibly responsive, and was there to make the magic happen on our wedding night. She saved the groom's shirt from a permanent stain with a timely tide pen during the reception as well! 10/10 want to get married again so we can do it all over at the Arboretum.

Sam Hurd (Photography)

one of my favorite locations to make photos with couples! a very underrated location in washington dc that’s almost never too crowded ig @iamthesam

Elmer Atienza

I only recently learned that the U. S. National Arboretum has many more collections than its renowned azalea exhibit that blooms each May. Earlier this spring I visited the park's flowering dogwood, camellia, magnolia and cherry tree collections in parts of the park that I had overlooked. Those visits since mid-March provided a continuous spectacle of flowers throughout spring. Another remote area dedicated to conifers has also become a newly discovered favorite for recreation and education among infinite hues of green. The azaleas bloom abundantly from May into June since many of them are of the Glenn Dale variety that was cultivated by the Arboretum's first director, B. Y. Harrison, specifically for its large flowers and hardiness for the coastal mid-Atlantic region climate.

Rachel Brower

Nice place to spend an afternoon. Biking this place is the way to go- you’ll see much more that way. Beautiful trees and flowers everywhere. Mask mandate still in effect and mostly everyone abided by it. Parking is difficult in here and the place closes at 5pm so make sure to keep that in mind.

Allison Elder

The National Arboretum is one of DC's hidden treasures--even when the azaleas aren't in bloom! It's amazing to get away from city life and walk through gorgeous and diverse collections, like the Asian hillside and the conifer collection. There are miles of roads and small, paved trails to safely walk without encountering much traffic, if any. The Arboretum is pretty accessable to people using wheelchairs and strollers, but be prepared to encounter hills. Leashed dogs are welcome and there are plenty of convenient trash cans so you don't have to carry the poop bags too far.

Justine Rehak

A huge place with different areas sorted by types of flora (azaleas, Asian valley, holly, etc), parking available at each. Rental bikes available. Indoor areas like the museum are closed. Masks are required and dogs have to be leashed, but people take liberties with both. A lovely way to spend a spring day!

Jose Ortega

This is a great site. I went on a Monday so the crowds were less then on a weekend. So much places to roam and get lost in nature and not far from the capital. Do yourself a favor if your in town and visit this national treasure.

Chris Finney

It was okay. Seemed like a lot of plants were dead at the end of the summer

A MEN

Such a beautiful place to explore and don’t forget to stop by to see the Koi.

Tomeka Gueory

Since moving to DC many years ago, the Arboretum has become a staple in my life. I love going there for a quick bike ride or I take leisurely rides with my kids. We enjoy watching the calm koi fish near the bonsai gardens. There's also a trolley you can take to tour the grounds and learn wonderful history facts. Whenever I visit the Arboretum, I feel peaceful.

Bhavini Patel

I visited there for fall colors. November second week there is some colors not much vibrant but something is there.

J

This place is amazing. Was looking for a Covid friendly activity in the DC area and this was recommended. Was a super peaceful retreat in the urban jungle offering great "forest bathing". Nice hiking and opportunities to get close to native plants and trees from all over the globe. Highly recommend.

Harvey Tillipman

We visited the Fern garden. We wanted to see the woodland flowers and plants that were growing in the spring since we had visited in the fall. Unfortunately a number of the paths were blocked off because of storm damage. We'll visit again a little bit later in the year. But at least we got to see some beautiful ferns and flowers with ideas for our garden.

C. O'Brien

One of the most beautiful areas of DC! I highly recommend the Arboretum for tourists or even for people like me who live 10 minutes up the road. I go frequently and always find something new and wonderful there.

Henry Su

Beautiful anytime of the year! Support the park by becoming a FONA member.

Matthew Klein

A gem, just north a bit, from the the capital. Visited in the spring at the height of lilac blooms. You can drive around and so we did, stopping to take it all in. So many beautiful examples of outdoor foliage. There's also a fantastic bonzai garden, not to be missed.

Yumi

Absolutely gorgeous place to visit. Just miles and miles of beauty. I'm sure it'll look even better once more bloom. There's a public bathroom along the route which is convenient. A busy place on the wkends with some people parking on the sides of the roadways. I'd recommend using the parking lot at the entrance if you can cuz its easier and safer rather than driving through crowds of people walking. Theres still a couple sections we didn't get to visit cuz we got pretty tired and hot but we will be back. Suggesting comfy walking/running shoes!

mahnoor t

Looks like straight out of movies. Me and my husband had a great time. It’s a great place to take photos. I wish I knew that we have a gem nearby so I would get my wedding photo shoot done here

R C

Love this place. I will definitely return!

Andira Watson

Beautiful landscape. Nice place to visit with children, pets and family. Free entrance and huge space to keep safe practicing social distance.

Krys M Gatmaitan

The US National Arboretum is like an oasis in a desert of office buildings and tourists. It's a silent retreat close to the eastern corner of the district and might be easy to miss upon first glance. Think of the arboretum as a botanical garden featuring mostly trees, and it definitely felt like a sprawling, outdoor museum. Be sure to come prepared as there might be a lot of walking involved, although there are parking lots close to each of the outdoor exhibits. They have a lot of unique exhibits, the ones that we enjoyed a lot are the bonsai collection and the herb garden. The National Capital Columns area is a very solemn and picturesque place and is a great spot to relax and reflect. We did not have a chance to explore the other areas, but we do plan on doing so soon. The arboretum is open everyday from 8am to 5pm, and is only closed on Christmas Day. Parking and admission are both FREE(!) and they do take donations if you feel compelled to do so. We were pleasantly surprised with the beauty and tranquility of the arboretum. It's away from the hustle and bustle around the National Mall, but to us, that's a good thing.

Beverly (Beverly)

Flower Explosion. This was my first time going during peak bloom. The colors were so rich and vibrant. There were many delicious smells.

Not Mike

Serenity; come here and find your inner sanctuary. A extremely well-kept arboretum with tranquil walks through magnificent gardens. Free to enter and hundreds of parking spots. A nice little escape from the inner city life. Visitor center has restrooms if need be, as well as helpful staff members for any questions you may have. There's a lot of history to take in here. Would recommend to most anyone.

Melissa Glover

Beautiful and well kept. There was a grass exhibit which I thought was really cool. Of course, my friends loved the expansive bonsai exhibit. There were multiple exhibits to see, but it is an expansive park. If you have difficulty standing too long, I'd recommend you bring an assistive device.

Sarah M

Great place to go looking for cherry blossoms in the spring, and you'll miss the major crowds! They also have blooming magnolias in April. It feels like you have completely left the city, although you haven't. It's a beautiful location and easy to access by car or bike. I would highly recommend a day here, just be prepared to walk a lot! Other options are to drive the park, and stop at intervals if a full park hike is too much.

Swaroop Rao

Lack of staff and lack of a map or directions/signs makes it a bit difficult to navigate through. But, the huge variety of plants/shrubs/trees/herbs/etc makes for an enriching and educational experience.

Saul Henderson

If you are a quiet person, go during Monday - Thursday during Fall/Winter (except for Holidays). Alot of dogwalkers, runners and families -- its better to walk than drive around when busy.

Gina Stewart

If your looking for a place to just get away, but don't have the time to drive an hour each way, swing by the U.S. National Arboretum. The Arboretum has plenty of places to stop for a picnic, nap in the sunshine, take in the Bonsai exhibit, or you can just sit still and take in all that the US National Arboretum has to offer. There is no entry free just to roam the Arboretum. The Arboretum also offers tours and they even have a cellphone tour! Now swing by and enjoy the tranquility that the Arboretum provides right in D.C.

Annie Cardell

Beautiful gardens, trails, and green spaces. We brought our toddler, and she had a wonderful day!

Ama Powell

Sanctuary in the city. One of DC's hidden gems although it is huge! Beautiful scenery throughout, many sections to explore with a multitude of diverse plants, including the national Bonsai museum. I have been going to the arboretum since childhood. Many fond memories of biking, hiking, and even participating in gardening in the Washington youth garden.

Marisa Sterling-Abram

Beautiful (and free) escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lots of parking available, strollers are permitted, and dogs on leashes are permitted. The capital columns are usually the popular area and can get crowded. We parking near the dogwoods and exploring from there. Lots of people come to bike or jog as well.

Akeem Baruwa

The columns are my favorite and I like the fact that it big enough to get a very good cycling exercise by riding around while enjoying the beautiful plants, flower gardens, trees and vegetations from different parts of the world. I just wish they could keep it open longer during the summer for visitors to explore, especially for those getting off work at 5pm. Just a wishful thinking.

Rick

What a great place! I had never visited before and wanted to do some exploring on a beautiful Fall Sunday. It did not disappoint. I was excited to explore the Bonsai on exhibit, but mostly in the greenhouse room for the season. They are so beautiful! Then there are the Capitol Columns, which are amazing! The grounds are so nice and well kept. I took a walk on the wooded trail with beauty all around. This was an excellent stop for a Sunday afternoon!

Amit Varde (ObiTanKenobee)

Amazing bonsai and try to visit in the "fall"

Janet Greiner

We walked over the whole acerage. We found the picnic area and moved a table into the shade. We wish for species identity tags on more plants.

Jessica Gardner

Lovely scenic area with paths throughout the land. Plenty of parking locations and space to keep 6 ft away from people. Mask mandate was followed by everyone we saw and felt very safe.

Jack Keegan

What a brilliant escape from the busy, noisy city. This place is beautiful and the exhibits are so much fun. Well worth a trip, but bring a car as there aren't many walking paths in-between some of the exhibits and they can be a far walk.

Christian Baucom

The arboretum is a modicum of tranquility. It is a great space to take your dog, have a picnic, bring a bike, or go for a run. Not only is the arboretum free, but so is the parking. The National Capitol Columns are a sight to see and the bonsai exhibit was breathtaking.

Dustizle Hansome

The Arboretum is one of the most beautiful places in DC. It is so much more than just a really really nice garden. Despite its massive scale, you can see instantly that there was a lot of thought and passion that went into turning this once swampy pasture into a living catalog of horticulture. I love everything about this place from the space itself, to the great programming schedule. I usually visit at least once a month because every season showcases different varieties of plants. Pro-tip: Don't try to see the whole thing in one day. Not only would this be physically very difficult, because of the square mileage, but also you will miss out on the mindfulness that accompanies venturing into this serene and historic landscape.

Laura Finger Marlowe

Beautiful place to escape the city for a little while! We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the gardens and identifying all the different kinds of plants. There is also the columns from the Capitol building before they remodeled, which is a neat addition to the gardens. The bonsai sanctuary was particularly interesting to us. Don’t be afraid of the wasps near the bonsais! There are signs telling you the wasps are called cicada killers and they don’t have stingers/won’t sting. We plan to come back to see all the pretty flowers this spring!

Doug Tam

Great place to get a way from the busyness of the city and spend some time amidst nature and trails. Great photo opportunities and roads for biking. Definitely try and come during fall when the leaves are changing color! It's a little bit of a drive but oh so worth it!

Kamal C

Always a good experience, if you have the need to get outside and take a walk or to just clear your mind from all the stress and or anxiety from being stuck in the house then make this place your personal sanctuary for mental clarity and zen like atmosphere. #calm #breathe #nature #relax #youarewelcome 😉 Follow my Google maps page/account to see some of my 2021 trips 😀 😊 thankyou for your support 🙏

Emilie Hill

Beautiful grounds with so many different flowering trees to enjoy throughout the spring into summer. Don't miss the old Capitol columns!

Meet Ms.Sallyy

We had picnic and took a long walk with family and friends. It was really quiet and peaceful. We would love to visit again. :D

Joseph Adelman

Parking was a mess and people parked all over the place in what was already tight road space. At times ignoring the no parking signs which do not look enforced. Bonsai trees where cool and amazing to see the ages some have grown to be. It was definitely a busy day and may well be a better visit on a none nice weather weekend like a Tuesday evening.

Margaux Jessup

The Arboretum is lovely this time of year. While many of the flowers aren't in bloom the tree leaves are gorgeous and the weather is great for walking on numerous trails. The Arboretum is large so spend some time picking a parking lot near where you want to go. Plenty of tree trunks and stumps are great for kids to climb plus lots of open spaces for running or cycling. Masks were required.

Cindy Russell

Room for everyone. Gorgeous flowers. Enter off New York as road is one-way during Azalea season.

Kevin C

Free parking, free of charge. It also has a picnic area! This place is huge but full of beautiful spots. Many different plants, Bosai, Chinese, Japaneses garden is great spot for photos. If you are too tired to walk, you can also drive around, but recommend walking. Easily spent 2-4 hours here. Best of time to visit is spring, most of flowers are in bloom.

James Jakubowski

I will say this place is okay, and this is during a visit mid-October. Yes it is a large wooded area with some walking trails and driving roads mostly. Nothing greatly stands out as to why this is a destination. Strongly suggest to visit by car, and not on foot as the area is quite extensive. There is a cluster of "exhibits" at the start and then pretty much nothing but woods from what we saw. The awkward pillars in the middle of the field made no sense and weren't really even artistic, like someone just placed columns there and said "boom art". Maybe a better time to visit is during the spring when things are in bloom and buzzing but I can see a lot of people trying to get there and also crowding areas making it less fun. Overall I would say "meh" as my overall rating of the Arboretum.

Rachel

Make sure to check out the bonsai tree museum, don't worry about the high number of bees in the spring almost all are the kind that can't sting. Magnolia trees are magnificent when in bloom, and it's a quieter place to catch DC's famous cherry blossoms, though expect small crowds on weekends in high season. I biked in from West Virginia Avenue, but seems like some drivers taking the R street entrance had to wait a while. Make sure to bring food and water if you plan to bike or walk the whole gardens! There are no refreshments in the grounds, but quite a few places that would be great for picnics!

Allison Lau

One of my favorite spots in DC. Anytime of the year. There are ~10 miles of 'trails' where you can run (pavement and on dirt combined). The bonsai museum is a must-see and always brings me a sense of peace when I visit. If you want to explore the rest of the park, I recommend bringing your bike or driving (parking is available in many areas within the arboretum). From the Asia section, you can even walk down to the Anacostia River and have a picnic. You might even spot a bald eagle here as there are designated nests.

Leandra Slayton

Always a joy to visit the National Arboretum! Try to go at least once a season to see what’s blooming or dying. Always relaxing and an amazing respite from the infinite grays of the city.

Kiffa Shirley

It was the peak of Cherry Blossom season and we had just arrived from Montana. There were not as many Blossoms as what is at the Tidal Basin but the crowd was much smaller and more “entertaining”. We pared out front, lucky to get there early and grab a spot, and walked all the way to the Asian Hills and had the most wonderful of times.

keith webster

If you like bonsai you should go. The outdoor exhibit was /is closed during the cold season. Arrangements and genus are fascinating. Someone there to share your interest at all times.

William Alvarado

Amazing place to visit alone or with family.

Foster Walker

Loved the Colonial, Native American, and Culinary gardens. There are lovely places to picnic or just sit to view the meadow flowers. The trees are beautiful and diverse. We sampled lemon balm cookies and blueberry & lemon balm juice made by a cooking group from New Jersey.

Dondré

This is a phenomenal park with a lot of things to do and see. It's a fun place to take pictures. You can walk, bike or even drive from Place to place. There are a lot of pathways you can walk down to get lost in nature. This park is pretty big at times you forget you're in the city.

V R

The National Arboretum is one of my most favorite places to go. Most people don’t even know what an arboretum is its a park / gardens of trees. I’ve visited here in the fall and spring most of the time during my stay in Maryland for business. I live in Florida where everything is lush all the time and you see nature’s burst of colors is absolutely amazing from Winter to Spring. There are so many different flowering trees here from white to pinks to red purple it is truly a beautiful place for the soul. There’s also a wonderful bonsai exhibit where some of the trees are hundreds of years old it is truly a gem of DC.

Matthew Henry

What's more to say? The pictures say it all. This is a beautiful place especially in ore-Spring with everything just starting to bloom. There are miles and miles of trails, everything from herbs to ferns. Bike ride, walk, but find a parking place and get out and enjoy.

Scouser1965

Great place to visit whilst in the area to get a break from the hustle and bustle. Liked the fact that you can drive around most of it and then park up near the main sites especially on such a hot day that we visited on .

John G. Lewis

This place was DC's best kept secret for decades. Now the word is out. It's one of the best places in the city to get a quick "back-to-nature" fix without leaving the city. The resident bald eagles like it too. The Capitol Columns, the Bonsai exhibit and 412 acres makes it the perfect destination for the morning stroll.

J M

A little hard to find, but worth the trouble. Fantastic collection of native, foreign, wild, and intentionally bred plants. Good signage once you are in the arboretum. Clean & welcoming visitor center with bathrooms. For those a little less mobile, the opportunity to drive to different exhibits versus walk is nice. You can also bike and bring dogs along. On a personal note, I appreciated the haphazard display of crop plants and herbs. It's nice to provide the public an opportunity to see that what we eat comes from nature.

Stephanie Searor

We came across this by accident, as our hotel backed up to the grounds. We walked all through the park, and got an amazing impromptu tour through the Bonsai exhibit from two of the board members of the National Bonsai Foundation! Also, they have a summer yoga series throughout June and July! Admission is free. Really fun to come and explore the herb garden and all of the trails. Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something different from the typical tourist spots.

Andrea Edwards

This is one of the most eye-pleasing places in DC! If you love to see natural beauty it's here. Meticulously displayed Bonsai, Beer Garden with informative labeling, plus real columns from the Capitol with a new water feature! Take your lunch and sit at a bench. Bird watchers will marvel as well!

Nick Webster

Beautiful natural wonder and a perfect place to spend a late winter morning. The roads and trails provide easy access to amazing botanical specimens in a number of perfectly sculpted gardens.

Will Prusinski

Loved this place! There are lots of different portions of the arboretum. The azalea forest is like a traditional hike, the bonsai exhibit has a museum, and the Capitol Columns stand in the middle of it all in the meadow. Not too busy so you can find some peace and quiet, I recommend it to locals!

Jock McClees

I have been a number of times. The last time, I took my cousin who was in town when the azaleas were all blooming. Another time the rhododendron were all blooming. There are many places to walk or drive and see different types of habitats and plant and tree species One area that is really impressive is the Asian Gardens with a really large collection of bonsai. Some of them are over 200 years old and a few are over 300 if I remember correctly.

LaQuita “Ms. MIND Your Business”

One of my favorite places to visit! Every time I'm here I see something new and/or different but always exciting! Next time we'll bring our bikes..see you there.

Donovan Smoot

A deep feeling of seclusion while in the midst of the hustle and bustle of DC. It's close enough drive from anywhere in the district. There's classes to partake in Bonsai tree making. Plenty of nature trails. A large variety of plants, flowers, herbs, and trees to learn and discover. There's also a Bald Eagle nest for visitors to see. The national arboretum is free and open ti the public.

Suji Mao

The is a big area 412 acres to be exact. There are a few water fountains scattered about but I strongly recommend having a bottle with you. The walk is especially tough on a hot summer day. My favorite attractions here are the herbal garden and the old columns from the Capitola Building. It not by any metro station but there is plenty of parking.

SK

Plant lovers paradise

Hannah Degn

Such a pretty spot! It’s really huge! There’s a lot to explore and everything is really immaculate. It’s a great spot for a picnic, dog walk or lawn games. There’s also the Bonsai museum here as well that’s incredible. Definitely worth a stop! If you don’t want to drive they also have bikes at the entrance that you can rent to ride through!

Michael Aaron

It is such a peaceful place. They have an app that not only has a GPS-enabled map, but has many of the trees and plants marked; you can click on them to learn about them. Unlike some parks, the bathrooms are super clean. Pack a lunch or snack and bring your own water.

Brian M

Great socially distanced place to pass the time. Good place to walk or ride a bike. I recommend bringing a blanket to sit under a tree with friends or read a book. It is really nice right now to watch the leaves change.

Austin Graff

The National Arboretum is NOT frequented by tourists since it's far from the National Mall making it the PERFECT spot for locals. If you live in DC, drive over to New York Ave NE and explore a hidden world. The National Arboretum is a huge park filled with wonders to explore for hours. Here are my favorite: 1) The Capitol columns: It's DC's version of Athens and the best place to picnic in the city. Pack a lunch on a warm day and head on over for the most magical picnic backdrop in the city. 2) The Bonsai Museum: Just behind the visitor's center, you can learn about DC's relationship with Japan and tour for free a bonsai garden. 3) Dog park: There's a great dog park along the water that stretches for miles. 4) Gardens: There's gardens throughout the arboretum. If you're local, make this a priority! They even have some great cherry blossoms during the Spring!

Michael Ciurea

The national arboretum is funded by the USDA and is here for the enjoyment of the people. There’s a lot to see and driving around is probably the best idea. There is also a bike share station at the front where you can pick up a bike to explore. The Bonsais are probably some of the coolest things you’ll find here. But there’s also some columns that used to be a part of the capital building.

Marrisa Thornton

Very relaxing and peaceful. I took a nice 1.5 hour walk around the grounds. It's so scenic and serene. I'd suggest just parking and walking around. Go in the middle of the week midday.

Linda Balon Stein

Gorgeous! Walk or drive through this national Homage to trees and plants. Monument columns and numerous water features. The Bonsai Pavilion is not to be missed. Several of the bosai are over a hundred years old!

Abhi

The place is beautiful and huge.. Enjoyed taking photos and walking around the columns and good hike Many nice garden are located in the Arboretum. Make sure to see the 200 years old tree

Madison Leo

Awesome space to walk around and take in nature. They have a really cool bonsai museum and keep in mind some of them are not out due to the weather but the ones that were out are beautiful, even with no leaves. There is a nice path and you can burn some calories. I also saw a longer path that you can bike or run on. Will visit again once the weather warms up. Parking is free.

Allison Nielsen

Beautiful grounds. Lots of shade for running, biking or walking and lots of open space! The columns are pretty cool to look at and are randomly placed in this park. The park itself is kind of hilly which makes running challenging but rewarding. Definitely one of the more peaceful and unique spots I’ve been to in DC since I moved here.

Shrawani Pampatwar

We went to the national arboretum to see the Capitol columns. There is no entry fee, parking is free. A variety of bonsai on display, also got to visit the herb garden and the museum. Beautiful place to visit.

Jon F

Most underrated attraction in DC. Many people don't even know it exists! The Arboretum boasts acres of quiet forest paths, a world class bonsai collection, beautiful architecture, living exhibits of plants from all around the world, and some of the best picnic spots in the DMV. Try to plan your visit for good weather and bring comfy walking shoes so you can enjoy the arboretum to the fullest.

Yazzydesigns

Love the Bonsai Garden. Bring water, hat, lotion. Leave your dog at home and have a babysitter watch your young kids so you can spend some quality time alone.

Matthew Gehrlein

This is a great place to walk, picnic, or just drive and enjoy the view. I highly recommend Fern Valley, it's a short 0.5 mile walk by a river with picturesque bridges and woods. Unless you are ok with walking many miles I'd recommend bringing a car or renting a bike by the front gate. Everything is very spread out.

Nils Hünerfürst

Great park for a little walk with the whole family and dog but some more benches would be nice.

Christina & Jason

Need a long walk with minimal people interaction. This is your place. The bonsai displays are carefully taken care of. The paths were well maintained. Just go out and enjoy some peace!

Jacksman

We went early and it wasn’t crowded/easy to find parking. The bonsai collection is stunning and the park an overall relaxing and beautiful place to hang out for a few hours.

Melissa B

Despite living in the DC area for over 30 years, I had never been here. What an oversight! The National Arboretum is beautiful and interesting. Everyone there, staff and visitors, were very friendly. I'll be bak again.

Taryss Sample

The Arboretum is a interesting, laid back place to visit in DC. Great place to pack a picnic and explore on a date or with friends. Make sure to bring water and good walking shoes

Jack W

Download the app so you have a map. It's enormous. The bonsai and herb gardens are pretty compact, but beyond that you should bring a car, rent a bicycle from the station outside, or be ready for a few hours of walking in the sun. The state trees grove is incomplete but the app gives a path where you can see all 50 (with some substitutions so they can grow in DC).

Geebin Mak

Went to see the capital columns. Ended up walking Thru the bonsai museum and the herb garden. This place is so huge we didn’t get a chance to see all the other “exhibits”. Lucky for us, it happen to be the herb society and we made small herb bouquets!! Loved it. The park is well maintained, the bonsai are amazing to look at. There’s plenty of parking, bathrooms and water fountains.

Krystal Petitto

Beautiful place to visit. Wonderful grounds, very remote and private feel to everything. Miles and miles of quiet walking and nature. Bonsai musuem and national gardens are stunning . Great time here. Very peaceful.

Yewen Tan

We read online that it's a better place than the tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms. It is not. Tidal Basin is way better. There's a reason why the tidal Basin is popular for cherry blossoms.

Pieter Ras

We honestly found it a bit disappointing relative to the high quality attractions we’ve gotten used to around DC. It is not very accessible if you are not visiting with a vehicle. There are no restaurant and restrooms are only available at the visitor center. Entrance is free. The bonsai garden is excellent and an absolute must. If you are looking to spend a few hours in nature away from the crowds, this is your place.

Leyli Hernandez

Beautiful Place! The Bonsai Museum is really cool with Bonsai Trees over 300 years old.

Angie Mok

Love the flowers and green area ,great open outdoor for jogging.

Fred Pineau

The National Arboretum is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing day. Tour the galleries or simply take a walk along the many well kept trails. Bring the dog along! Read the many strategically placed signs to learn about the plants and trees which are represented. Another nice feature...it is free to both park and visit.

D Stevenson

I keep going back here. Spring: Beautiful here. Tons of flowers. Tons of stuff to learn. And dogs allowed. Fall:Much less crowded, staff is often times cleaning up displays and preparing for the winter. A great opportunity to learn how to winterize your garden. And the fact that almost no one is there really makes it wonderful to walk for a few hours and unwind.

Emilie K

The columns and bonsai pavilions are a great way to spend a couple hours! I have traveled to Japan many times and the bonsai areas and gardens made me feel like I was back in Japan. Columns are a great picture opportunity. I like how it’s secluded from the city.

Elizabeth Tate

This place is pretty cute, and they have Lilly pads and dragon flies! Tons of walking trails, and a really good place to have a picnic without a ton of people around.

Elvin Matthews

Beautiful collection of diversity from many global areas. Relax and enjoy the nature that will surround you.

Laura Garnett

The U.S. National Arboretum's Asian Collection is one of the capital's hidden treasures. We are so lucky to have this place in our backyard!!

Jenny Wang

Visited during Easter. Great place. So many flowers. So beautiful.

Darryl Darling

This is an awesome place to get connected with nature and learn more about different plants. You'll see some very interesting things. We were changed by the experience.

Sarah Katchpole

Anytime of yeah, the arboretum is full of beautiful things. Right now, the dogwoods and azaleas are in full bloom, and it's incredible. There's plenty of parking but beware that nice weather on Easter Sunday means big crowds.

Neha Kaul Pankow

Lovely Saturday morning outing with family and friends. Big open spaces for kids to run, koi pond and a gorgeous section on bonsais! We picnic-ed for a friend's birthday celebration.

Joe

I expected more trees and less columns to be honest. The bonsai exhibit was great though.

Patricia Leininger

The azaleas are in bloom and beautiful. So are the dogwood tree with equal beauty. I never realized how many varieties of dogwood there are. This is a great place to look for the kind of tree or flower you'd like to have in your own garden. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter so you'll know about all the events there.

Lily Hong

Great place to visit to get away from the city and to see greenery EVERYWHERE! Therez a picnic area for kids and dogs, and totally big enough to entertain you for a day. Bring walking shoes!

Eldar H.

Disappointing for what's supposed to be an arboretum in the nation's capital, because I expected to see something among the best. There is an unfortunate lack of both maintenance and landscape design, with plants haphazardly strewn about and many areas overgrown. I don't know if the disrepair was a symptom of the lockdowns, but either way, it felt like more of a park. No idea what was up with the DANGER: RAW SEWAGE signs all over the place.

Harlan Harris

Had a ball walking with my elementary school teacher daughter-in-law! Wear comfortable shoes and plan to walk c. 8 miles to see it all. We walked 4.1 miles and I was exhausted, as well as out of shape! The terrain is not level in the slightest. Every thing you see and encounter is part of the experience--a blade of grass, turtles, bushes, insects, birds, flower gardens, streams of water...everything! It is an escape to see wilderness, horticulture, and nature. I would recommend renting a scooter as a good means of getting around, but you would miss wooded trail--park the scooter and explore the trail. Some folks drove, but they're limited to seeing detail. The walk through exhibit halls were informative and fun. The Bonsai Tree exhibit is remarkable. Corinthian columns removed from the original CAPITOL....it's all there to see. Not my first visit, hence I thought the circular garden exhibits were unnecessarily weedy. In the past, these were sculptured garden that represented world cultures--probably "COVID compromised. We plan to return after the change of seasons and feel free of the sweltering heat.

Carly Smith

There are many beautiful and calming spots. I wish they would invest more money in it though. Definitely visit the bonsai museum.

Jae-lin M

It was a very amazing experience, we personally enjoyed the herb garden, the Bonsai garden as well as driving around. Just watch out for the wasps! 😅 …

Efstathia Kalapothakos

Came for the free summer concert series and it was amazing. They had a local vodka distillery and Captain Cookie food truck. The fam came for the children's band Rocknoceros and loved it! We danced, the kids were able to get their wiggles out playing on the grounds, and the environment was clean and secure. Pack a picnic and enjoy the evening.

Charlie Hadley-Flynn

I'm new to the DMV, and this is easily one of my favorite places to visit! I will be taking every out of town guest to see the beautiful grounds and fantastic exhibits!

Renae Hunter

Went to the Arboretum one afternoon with my parents and had a lovely time. The plants and scenery are all gorgeous. We only saw a small fraction of the park, but were all very impressed with the beauty of the museum and the care with which it is under. The bonsai display was my favorite and I learned so much about them that I never appreciated before. Would recommend a visit!

Olivia Layne Miller

Absolutely stunning arboretum with a plethora of collections from all over the world. This is a plant-lover’s heaven and a horticulturist’s dream! This 412 acre arboretum can keep you busy for the entire day. What a lovely way to get out of the city for a while and enjoy the beauty and magnificence of nature.

Lizee J

i remember coming here as a child as young as 3 years old with my mom. it became the early morning routine with my siblings since we lived on the hill. now i'm pregnant with my second, i bring my 8 year old here all the time and i come early for walks by myself. so many trees, so quiet, it never gets old. truly a gem in the city. it would be nice if they cut back the grass by the larger pond , we used to feed the ducks there years ago. not sure why they allowed it to become inaccessible :( ...

J.R. Garcia

Nice experience overall. There are some large sections that are not very well maintained. However, there are some very cool things to experience like the bonsai section and the old capitol building columns.

Edrika

Such great open space to get away! You can walk, jog, bike, and even drive on the roadway. You'll need hours to see it all!

Pieter Laubscher

Would recomment the place to take your fam to and see the suroundings. Take you bike to the attraction. Have a hike walk or a jog. I would do this on the weekend and this is a place with a very beautiful view

Stacey Pedone

Beautiful and peaceful. Great place to have a picnic, bring the kids and walk around. Should come every season to see the different flower and trees flowering.

Royce Raju Beena

The national arboretum is a green gem located so close to the city , the area is nearly 1000 acres and you need to spend at least an entire day to do full justice to the greenery on display here for free , the Asian valley , Japanese gardens , floral gardens , conifers , the fern valley are all excellent to watch and the national columns that we're relocated here from the original US capitol is a real icing on the cake in this magnificent vast wonderland

beyondTabu

Really wanted to see the bonsai museum but it was closed... Will def be back. The pictures say the rest...

Kristofer Northrup

What a beautiful place to visit! The grounds are lovely and the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is a must-see. What a stunning exhibit!

Becky Riggle

Great place to spend a day. The bonsai tree exhibit is fantastic. We caught them in bloom in late May.

Amitav Kohli

This was a beautiful place with lots of plants. My children and I loved going there and plan on going again! I would highly recommend this place!

Tiffany Haliburton

I love the Arboretum. It is so scenic and peaceful. The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. This is one of my favorite places to walk in the city. In the Spring and Summer, many unique plants are in bloom and they have placards that explain what you are looking at. You also may be fortunate enough to see a Bald Eagle flying overhead. Make sure you stop by the Capitol column display as well. The Koi pond is a favorite of visitors with young children and and bonsai garden is also interesting. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also stroll along the Anacostia River during your visit to the Arboretum.

Doria Chic

Love it . Very nice outdoor option for fam or kids . Biking is recommended. Was a relaxing and reliving experience. Hope to go back again in late fall ! 😃 …

Doris Magruder-Johnson

Awesome adventure!! I walk with "a walking group " every weekend and extended weekend. Fantastic group of family / friends. The Arboretum is the perfect place to explore, in any season..

Renita S.

Free park showcasing beautiful colorful views of the Fall foliage. Bring your own lunch and enjoy walking or biking on the grounds.

Taylor Rafter

Great layout, beautiful flowers, nice bike trails.

Stephen Riley

The best kept secret of the DC area. What a great place to explore. Miles of trails, beautiful architecture, dog friendly. Great spot to get away and not get away.

Will Jones

Beautiful place. Big hint here: Drive around BEFORE you park and get out. There's so many beautiful places that we found driving around as we left that we wished we had done that first instead of as we were leaving. There is a ton to explore here, get an overview in your car first, driving down all the roads then choose a spot to get out and explore in detail.

Mario Rodríguez

Wonderful outdoor place. The Bonsai Museum is really educational and makes you understand that humans are not the most important thing in the world, the care and training of trees for centuries changes our perspective.

Melinda Pardo

I love coming to Washington D.C. and now I have another reason to come back. There are plenty of spaces to park and venture around. The staff was very friendly and open to any questions. I look forward to coming back!

Jeff Rueckgauer

One of the most beautiful treasures in DC. The bonsai, azaleas, just wandering around and taking it all in. Don't miss the Capitol Columns!

Clifford White

Beautiful. So many trees flowers shrubs and grasses to look at. We went as the leaves were in peak color and we will never forget the beauty of the place.

Julia Tolbert

The arboretum is lovely to visit in all seasons, spring especially! At the time of my visit the azaleas were in bloom and it was a great day for a picnic outside. Be sure to check out the extensive bonsai collection!

Jon Markman

Great place to visit! The gardens are beautiful, they have a great collection of cherry blossoms (without the crowds of lack of parking), and the bonsai collection is amazing. Plus, you can visit the eagles! Closes weirdly early, though, so plan your visit accordingly. The R St entrance is the closest to most of the cool stuff.

Sheila Lo Monaco

Plants, trees acres of green. It’s a sanctuary. Gardens: azalea, boxwood, daffodil, daylily, magnolia, and maple, aquatic plants, the Asian Collections to name a few. Picnic areas. No barbecue allowed pets are welcome. Admission is free. Parking is easy

Ron Boswell

Totally surprised! Loved it!

M K (Smuttynose)

A beautifully scenic rolling landscape just SE of the urban density of DC, it's really a relaxing place to enjoy. The columns pictured were removed from the Senate building front facade not long after Lincoln's inauguration and eventually placed in the arboretum. There is a fountain and a large square pool atop a hill in and in front of the pillars, with several benches to sit and relax on. Brush grows around the hill, but there are cut walking paths of concrete and wood to wander throughout the natural growth all over. From the pillars, you can see houses in the far distance, and arboretum buildings (which apparently host private events like weddings!) only a few hundred feet from the pillars. On a nice day, this is a beautiful place to be.

Sarah Ouellette

Hidden gem near Downton DC. I Love to walk around and see the beautiful flowers and trees. The columns from the old capital building are so cool. Don't forget to check out the koi pond.

Heleen Raes

This is a beautiful park, I definitely recommend spending some time here if you enjoy nature! It has a lot of interesting plants, flowers and trees and it’s perfect to stroll around, do some hiking or just go for a picnic. Unfortunately it is quite far away from any public transportation.

Tim McDonald

The azaleas and rhododendrons we're spectacular. I usually walk the road route, but wandered the garden paths.

Xiaodan Dai

I can't wait to come back to see this place during the summer when everything is growing out and blooming! Still a great location to go for a jog or bike since the weather has been tremendous this winter for outdoors activities

Rebecca Clement

This place is so beautiful no matter what time of year. I especially like the bonsai exhibit and the old columns from the Capitol building. Lots of trails and secluded places.

Larik Tan

Love the place, it's beautiful to hang out with fiends, family, and exercise. Awesome flower, historical museum, and unique plan.

Patrick Culver

Bring a bike to tour the farther reaches. Then stroll the bansai collections. The herb garden is devine. We loved our time there.

Emily Singh

It is hard to believe that this lovely park is right in the middle of the city. The arboretum is a nice morning or afternoon getaway. The park is dog friendly, and it is the perfect place to take a family. There are paved walking paths along with informal paths through the trees. I think we will make this a regular walking park.

Walter Salas

Definitely a hidden treasure. A lot space to just put down a blanket and enjoy the weather. Bring your little ones to run around, play sports and take plenty of pictures. However, to get to the location to DC can be a bit difficult to find but worth it in my opinion

Ralph Granger

Lovely bonsai collection, so much to see-bulbs, evergreens, annuals, perennials-the arboretum is beautifully maintained, a hidden gem!

Adrian Sobie

This is the perfect place to get away from the crowds. You can drive to and park at each section, or just walk around for hours. I chose the latter and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

apala misra

A delightful place which provides a peaceful respite in the fast paced national capital. The glorious trees and the wonderful views are the best company one can hope for and is readily available in the heart of the city

Steve Galloway

The United States National Arboretum in Washington DC is a national treasure of exhibits, museums, gardens, and open woodlands championing nature's spectacular diversity in a series of imaginatively designed and managed habitats. While tourists flock to DC's Mall, sites like the Arboretum lend a rich depth to the rural assets around DC.

John Refoy

Big place with many types of gardens from Al around the world. Great bonsai tree collection.

Warren Frush

Beautiful park-like grounds.

Valerie

Really cute gardens to walk around, large lawn to lay down and picnic on and cool structures around the park to look at!

Nick Harrison

It's beautiful and I loved it. Please go here more people. Donate and keep it funded. I loved the bonsi trees, some we're over 300 years old.

Shobhaa Iyer

These pics are from 2nd week of March! It is going to be even more awesome since the start of April! Will add more pics on my second visit in the last week of April!

Rachel B

I love the US National Arboretum! Super lovely spot to go for a walk/trail that’s in DC without feeling like you’re in the city anymore. It’s a lovely place to take your dogs, have a picnic with friends, or even to go biking. During the spring and summer, this place gets even better for all of the plants and flowers that start to bloom and really take off. It’s a wonderful spot to enjoy local wildlife, dogwoods, conifers, azaleas, and even their bonsai exhibit. The Arboretum is a must visit for anyone who is local to DC, but also recommend it for tourists who are hoping to have a nice day or afternoon outside enjoying nature.

Lesley Boger

Very beautiful. Great alternative to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms. There are more than just the cherry trees, too.

Michelle Tamez

Loooove this beautiful open space with trails and a wide variety of botanical collections from around the world. Went last week and the China Valley was in bloom!

Kelly Below

Fun place to visit. Easy driving to each of the various places. Gorgeous landscaping and displays. Really enjoyed the Penjing bonsai exhibit definitely a must see. Also a very dog friendly place!

Phyllis Montgomery

Free parking and no entrance fee. Beautiful place to walk around. Bonsai trees, herb garden. The azaleas and lilacs were blooming. Beautiful place.

Charise Van Liew

Plenty of free parking if you choose to drive. For public/shared transport: take the free streetcar from Union Station (red line) to the 13th St NE stop and order a shared Lyft from there for a few bucks. If you love plants and gardens this is a must-see in nice weather. Spring and Fall are my favorite. Dogs are welcomed if on-leash. Bring your own water and snacks.

Justin Turner

A great place to enjoy a walk with the family. We went to see cherry blossoms with 3 generations of the family and had a great time.

Kira LeCaptain

It was early in the season so most of the plants weren't showing their true colors. The grounds were still beautiful to walk around. We especially liked the bonsais, each one had a story that made it one of the most fascinating sections to spend time in.

Ethan Levin

This place is amazing. While it’s slightly far from the center of the city, the eclectic display of flowers and extensive bonsai collection make it a must-visit kind of place on a nice day.

Tanya Malpica

This place has become one of my favorites to go and take photos. All year around, even in the middle of remodeling, I can always find a place to photograph others.

Alan Shultz

Walk, drive, bike, or picnic in beautiful gardens and forests all for free. The arboretum is filled with local and international plant life with placards identifying species. It would be hard to take it all in one day!

Jeff Szczepanik

Cherry trees are mid blossom. Lots of space for walking around. Parking can be sparse.

Kim Himmelmann

Awesome bonsai displays. Multiple styles and trees from the 17th and 18th centuries. Beautiful!

Chien Wang

Place is beautiful with plenty of walking paths. Nice place to picnic as well!

Matt Boone

The flowering trees are great here, but I enjoy early summer and late spring the best. The Bonsai collection is amazing. This is great place to bring your kids for a picnic or to go on a date. If you you haven't come yet you should give it a try. This is one of the best places for locals to enjoy. Don't forget to leave a donation.

Charles M

Lovely park for walk, running and picnic. Awesome historical views

terence hickey

A good outdoors option to take the family and walk the grounds.

Matthew Walker

A national treasure that everyone should visit at least once. Exhibits containing plants from around the nation and parts of the world, and the outer gardens are beautiful.

Juan Torres

Beautiful place, can't wait to go back on summer. I got to take awesome pictures even though is winter and also got to see the anacostia river, the place is well maintained and clean, lots of parking spots everywhere, the bonsai collection are amazing; and you don't have to pay to enter the place. 5 starts!

Dan Rosenbush

Amazing park in DC proper with extensive trails for exploring, hiking, biking, etc. Extensively cultivated with amazing plants and trees. It is large and would usually take multiple visits to see the entire park. An amazing resource for anyone in DC. It also has a museum with exhibits.

Egley Pérez

Great place to visit. Kids friendly and the Bonsai garden is awesome.

Alan Bishop

Serene park with beautiful collections of various trees and a bald eagle nest you can spy on. Enjoyed my visit very much!

Ryan Cummings

It was so pleasant! A nice break from pandemic life. I highly recommend the Asian Collection.

Darius Moulton

Close to the city, yet a really nice break. The park provides some great walking paths and changing scenes through its themed gardens.

Heidi Shyu

Beautiful place to go for a walk: from the gorgeous cherry blossoms to stunning magnolias! I never get tired of the arboretum.

Marshall May

My wife loves flowers and nature. So we spent the morning looking at herbs and bonsai trees. Then we had a picnic on the grass. She absolutely loved it.

Diana Huffaker

Beautiful place to visit. good spot to wander and enjoy the outside after a day of museums and crowds downtown. Some walking but you can take your time and there are benches. We always drive - not sure of you can access via bus.

WINSTON WIGGILL

Loved this visit, we cycled there and had a picnic. A lovely experience

Dante Rears

Very pretty and well kept. Wheelchair accessible and wheelchair accessible parking. Parking is free.

Norah kh

Great place , I couldn’t finish all the areas & need to plan another visit

Kirsten Neus Swift

This is one of the best little known sites in DC! It can be pretty confusing to find your way around to the different areas because there aren’t many signs, but it’s a lot of fun to spend the day exploring. The bonsai collection and the Asia gardens areas are my favorite. It’s especially nice in the spring when all the trees are in bloom.

Hansei Kai

Interesting place to visit . The park is huge, you can walk or bring your bike it is really beautiful.

Chet Rhodes

So glad I finally got to visit. Lots of quiet spots and ample parking.

Marol V

No bathrooms available that I could see, and we spent 2 hours there. Beautiful place...impressive historical columns.

Eric Smith

Definitely not the most walkable in summer, but there are other options (bike, car etc) to get between sites. The bonsai garden was amazing

Connie Webb

We enjoyed the Arboretum but didn't give ourselves enough time to explore it all. Also we visited the day after a major thunderstorm so the grounds were a little beat up. It's got great walking/hiking paths!

Kevin Wilson

It's out of the way, but worth the visit. My favorite place was the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. The Arboretum is spread out so be prepared to walk or drive to the various areas throughout.

Rob “Lastmindude” Basista

You can bike, drive car or you can hike like I did. I will be back here to do another walking exercise as there are 6 other garden sections I have not explored yet.

Scott Walker

One of the best kept secrets in DC. Quiet get away from the crowds. Hidden benches and secret hideouts. Somewhat difficult to get to by public transportation, but well worth it (may be too much walking with small children).

Terry Camp

We love the National Aboretum. The bonsai trees are really neat. It is a fun place to visit and have a picnic.

DY H

Family and pet friendly. Beautiful HUGE area with trails to walk and drive. Picnicking with the beautiful cherry blossoms row allowed.

Ashley Santos

Love the wide open spaces and enjoying all of natures beauty. Since this is outside the National Mall, it has less tourists, and you feel worlds away from DC.

Michael Kennedy

Packed mostly , but great for biking, walking and bonsai trees.

Jaime A. Leon

If you love nature this is the place you want to be. Training bonsai,

Maddie West

A great morning hike and break from museums. The Japanese and Chinese Pavilions are a must see and I would recommend taking a snack / photo break at the columns!

Christian Panas

Paid for by our taxes and run by the government, this place is an unqualified treasure for the people of the United States, so come enjoy it alone or with family and friends. An utter balm to mind and body to walk around this and make use of the benches. I've been coming here since grade school and will never get tired of it.

M

Great outdoor activity. Beautiful trees and plants of many varieties. Scenic to the max.

Shravankumar Hiregoudar

It's a great place to visit during the cherry blossom season in DC. Calm and Peaceful.

Romadon Stovall

Amazing so much walking very pretty nice plants from around the world

Robert Laprade

A fascinating place to explore on foot or by car. We especially enjoyed the Bonsai exhibits.

Evelyn Barahona

Amazing! I did get a chance to see everything, however what we did see everything was so beautiful!

David Charris

Beautiful, quiet, very inspiring great to walk if you like it. Plenty of parking and free

Raejean Roberts

Beautiful gardens! You might need more than a day to see everything. Don't miss the bonsai gardens!

Keisha Parker

Cannot say enough good things about this place!! I only had enough time to visit the National Capitol Columns but it was so worth it!

S Nyegaard

Very nice and will maintained. Only down side is not a lot of information on where exhibits are, but not very difficult to find on your own.

J L. C.

Very beautiful place had a wonderful experience here. We visted from FL & it was just the cherry on top of the day

Gary Seybold

Nice day for a visit to see the bonsai trees but they were all put away - with the exception of three trees. Oh well. Have to come back in a few months when it is warmer. Still a nice spot in DC to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors.

Troywade DeVese

I love this place, it is very exotic and the wildlife will blow your mind. So much to see, The Asian Collection, China Garden really really Beautiful. Peaceful & mind escaping!

Jacob Adams

One of the most beautiful parks I have ever visited. The bonsai section left me speechless.

fify s

Huge park, great bonsai & penjing museum, tranquil herb garden, historic Capitol columns sandstones, reflecting pool, nice for a summer picnic.

Doug Hess

Not easy to get to without a car, but a gem of a spot for picnics, seeing the bonsai exhibit, and many gardens.

Katie Arnold

I love coming to the Arboretum to walk the grounds, have picnics, and hang out with friends in nature. This spot is a wonderful secluded area from the hustle and bustle of DC and I have returned several times during different seasons. It's wonderful to walk the flowers bloom in spring, bask in the sun in the summer, and watch the leaves turn in the fall. A great hiking spot too with lots of hidden gem features!

Heng Yu

A beautiful garden, with Chinese and Japanese Pavilions. And a lot of Penjing(Bonsai) displayed in the pavilions.

Xamy Lizzette

It's one of my favorite places in DC!

Xavier B

Nice place to enjoy a peaceful walk and learn something about plants, although the information is scarce.

Vamsi Pulavarthi

Always a nuvve place to visit. Came for the FONA sale event. Not as much choice as I was expecting. Apparently you have to come in day 1. We went on the second day and most of the plants were sold out. If you are coming just got a visit, Bonsai garden is a must see and are the columns in front of them. Bring your bicycle if you really want to enjoy this slowly.

Yuwen Lee

Relaxing place for everyone during sunny day. 🌟 Bonsai garden is a must see!! Too beautiful to be true. …

Robert Thomas Porter

I loved this place, there were so many types of plants and trees. Well worth the time.

Joshua Harriman

A hidden treasure of plants and trees. A great place to walk, jog, or ride a bike around.

Linda Varonin

Very large space. I enjoyed the dwarf tree garden very much.

Michael Valdivielso

Great place to visit - make sure to check the weather before going - and never very crowded. Not as well known as the Mall's museums so it will likely never be crowded. Can get there via the bus lines or just take a car - there is parking. Exhibits change and also just a nice place for the family or a jog. And picnicking is okay. Updated - 9/29/2022 - I found getting to the United States National Arboretum pretty easy. I took the 7A to the Pentagon, took the Blue Line to Stadium Armory where I took the St Rainer B2 Bus to the Arboretum. I started around 6:50 AM and got there shortly after 8 AM, when it opened. First stop was, of course, the Visitor Center where I used the restrooms, grabbed a map, and noticed they had vending machine (which I will come back to later). The Arboretum is pretty big but you can enjoy and explore most of it in a day. Most likely would take two days when you take into account some of the small trails and hiking paths. As it is part of the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA there are areas that are research fields. Also you might find some areas closed or being worked on. So be patient. As at the time I visited the gift shop was closed. Also the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum opens at 10 AM. I took a bottle of water and some finger sandwiches with me as there is no cafe available. But there is a place that you picnic, a few restrooms, and lots of parking if you decide to use your car. Some warnings. I found one of the restrooms locked and the water fountain on the map isn’t there. So bring some extra water and when you find a restroom that is open - use it. I also visited the Visitor Center before leaving and have to say the Vending Machines have a good selection of drinks. But you still want to bring your own food and make sure to come prepared for the weather. Sunny days bring sun screen and cold days bring a jacket. So on. And hey. Its free so enjoy!

Yiran Liu

Saw most of the collections on the west side. Great experience overall but the bonsai trees were by far the best and most unique things I saw. Will be going back sometime to check out the other half.

Amanda Burgess

The property was beautiful - and quite large! Plan to bike or walk a lot if you visit.

Perla Jarillo

All the areas are well maintained. Beautiful trees and plants to enjoy a natural space.

Khanh Do

A nice and seclusive place in DC to visit. A place to learn and enjoy nature, especially in spring time for flowers and autumn time for changing colors.

Sunny Pius O

Lovely park, well maintained and secured. Great place for family hangout.

Duncan Bishop

Really nice space to enjoy nature. Just make sure you read the photo policies before going! Bathrooms were at visitor center. They will in fact kick you out so check the times.

ak art

Historic , peaceful , clean , large variety of plants and trees attracting many visitors from around the world .

Baruch Hertzog ברוך הרצוג

The place is beautiful. Special recommended are the bonsai trees collections. Children friendly and nice atmosphere adding to the good vibes. Minor issues- not enough water sources, so bring your own water, also bring hats as some areas are shadow free. Also the area around the park is not nice so not a lot to do there. Overall it was a nice day with my family.

Isaac Gilles

Beautiful and peaceful! Would recommend biking through it as you can see much more of the park that way.

Marc Friesen

The National Arboretum is a hidden treasure in DC. It is a curated museum of the tree, with both spaces to wander and enjoy it as a park, and places to visit and learn. We come with our kids frequently and always find serenity and joy.

Colin McGibbon

Get ready to be delighted for many hours. There's so much to see here. A very relaxing way to spend the day. I wish you could camp on the grounds. I would love to visit again.

Nick Penniman

Undiscovered island of tranquility in D.C. Unfortunately the USDA does not keep it up. But it is enormously educational and great for bicycle rides.

Amelia Johnson

Beautiful fall colors; the bonsai garden is extensive and impressive.

Viktoria Mejía Rojas

Everyone should see the bonsai pavilions. They are breathtaking! In my picture: Chinese Bayan Ficus from 1906!

Robert Dye

Visited the annual garden sale (not the cheapest but has some harder to find plants) and the azalea garden which is a nice walk.

Marsha Newman

A truly beautiful and spacious botanical garden, befitting the beauty of the USA. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, but you really need a car inside, unless you hike.

Zach Varwig

Asian garden was a highlight, overall park has a lot to offer. Great day spent out with an SO or friends

Marty D

Great place to visit and to just take in the little bit of nature that actually resides IN the capital city.

Shafin MH

Charming, quiet, and friendly place. Security can be better. Not enough security is around. The security guard was letting cars in after hours!

A. Rosnob

Can’t wait to go back in spring/summer when things are in full bloom!

Jay Hoerr

One of the best attractions in DC. The bonsai museum and capitol columns alone are well worth the trip.

Bizzie Shanahan

One of my favorite places in dc! Beautiful in all seasons

Deneque Lee

The Capitol columns are a great photo op. Fall colors make this place even better.

Kyle Sherry

Great small trails. Look for evening events to be held here

Maja garcia

I love love this park, my pets and I used to come everyday. I completely understand and support the social distancing rules HOWEVER, the security lady guard at the pedestrian entrance very rude and unhelpful. While the questions may seem silly or repetitive to you as the guard. It’s the customer first time. For example, the sign at the gate may seem enough but the customer may not be able to read the sign or understand it.

L Cole

The Arboritum is so beautiful and there is so much to see. There is so much to see here at the Arboritum. You can get beautiful photos with scenic backgrounds of nature, like Japanese garden and Bonsai trees. However, limited spaces available for wheelchair accessible routes in the gardens there are hills and inclines throughout the Arboritum.

C. Jules

Absolutely Beautiful! Highly recommended... even in Winter.

Virginia Moore

What a great place to see nature's splendor! Free and the Japanese garden is not to be missed

Yolanda Santa Cruz

Nice place for long walks and they have the most beautiful collection of bonsais I've seen.

Abby Bitoun

Amazing spot to walk around and learn about all the plant life in the country.

David Meyer

A beautiful place with a variety of diverse, outdoor exhibits. Unfortunately, you can't visit the bald eagles right now due to nesting but there are plenty of other things to look at.

XinYun Zhang

The Japanese ikebana is amazing !!!

Simon Koehler

Great place to visit, Bonsai museum was very cool. Free.

Katelyn Stenger

Fun in the fall time - especially the Bonsai exhibit! (plenty of parking as well)

Amanda Donaldson

Beautiful place! Between the old Capitol columns and the distance from the roads, I felt like I was transported to another time!

Nikoloz Pkhakadze

Great place to spend a day. Bonsai collection is amazing

Gregg Palmer

Always a great afternoon visiting. Very crowded today. Everyone was enjoying the weather. Remember to bring your bikes there are lots if roads to explore.

Larry Fallon

Wonderful walks through beautiful gardens .

Ramy Sharabi

It was a great experience, I honestly didn't expect it to be that well done. Kids and dogs friendly and well thought out educational experience. Would have loved to see more parking spots and clear directions to their whereabouts , other than that , it's awesome spot to visit for plants lovers

Laura Muller

Beautiful. Lovely place to take a walk and see nature.

Debi Williams

Nature in the city...a perfect combination. The grounds are perfectly kept and my walls are always enjoyable...even in the winter!

Saina Ramyar

Visited the Bonsai exhibit and it was fascinating! Parking is free which is a plus in DC area :)

Timothy Horton

Beautiful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city! Nice places to walk or have a picnic!

Sunny Liu

Great garden, particularly Bonsai pavilion has great collection of Bonsai, one of them is about 400 years old.

Sam Yuk

Easter Sunday..excellent place to relax and enjoy wonderful spring flowers and bonsai

Cara Anderson

This is a wonderful place to bring my dog. I see others who use the space to exercise or spend time with their families. It is a terrific multi-use space.

Tin Vo

This place is a gem. Love the bonsai exhibit here. Best of all, it's FREE admission!

Google Contributor

I really enjoyed it! Loved the bonsai tree exhibit, the columns, and the koi fish.

Siena Dante

When we went some of the buildings were closed, i think because we arrived close to closing time (about an hour and a half before). We walked around the gardens, they are really really nice. Some cool architecture too such as large columns left over from an old building and also nice lattice covered walkways with benches in the herb garden. The only thing was it was hard to figure out where to park. Google maps took us to the entrance but at the entrance there was a sign that you couldn't drive in there and had to go to a different address. We put the other address in google and it took us to the same entrance that was blocked. We ended up parking on the street on the block leading up to the entrance and walked in. It worked out fine

Analis Amaro

I love, love, love this place. A great place for solitude and quiet contemplation during off peak hours. I've never been here during peak season so I could not tell you what it's like.

Siyao Peng

Nice place to see varieties of cherry blossoms and flowers in general.

TheNaeKu

So beautiful. Great place to learn and get exercise.

Emily Fisler

Beautiful place to see lots of trees, flowers, and gardens. Great place to walk the dog.

Nadia Haywas

A breath of fresh air in the city. Lots of paths to take to explore the area. Capital columns area is very interesting. Exquisite bonsai collection. Recently added koi in the pools are a delight to watch

María Fernanda Castañeda Zavala

Beautiful place, parking is available. It is an ideal place for a good hike.

Scott Outten

Pretty great! So many plants that you'd swear this was a National Arboretum. Oh wait, it is? Hooray! Great Bonsai, great columns, great ferns, great asian section. If only they had more Beavers.

David Zweifel-Keegan

This is my favorite place to visit! It's always beautiful, and plenty of trails to hike. I'm always discovering new plants.

Ciara Long

Beautiful trails and natural space! We enjoyed our breastfeeding photoshoot here!

Angelus Dragones

Beautiful, but no nearby water fountains or bathrooms. Not kid friendly.

Sean Finnegan

Beautiful area to walk, bike or even (slowly) drive around. Popular place for photo shoots.

William Somes

What a gift this place is to the people of DC and the nation. It is so beautifully landscaped, with plenty to do and see. I enjoy coming here on warm sunny days to do my homework. It is the perfect, tranquil environment.

Alberto Garcia

The colors a beautiful in the autumn. The bonsai gardens are amazing.

Jonathan Collum

I've been here a few times and it's a great little retreat within the city. Great if you want to get a nice "hike" in walking around to all the different areas and looking at some rare specimens as well. A lot of folks go to see the old Capitol columns so that area can be more crowded depending on the day and time. So you may want to come early when they open for less foot traffic.

Gretchen K

The jasmine was blooming and was heaven on earth! Want to come back to spend more time in the Bonsai and Herb gardens.

Charlene Pierce

Beautiful and breathtaking scenery. I met a very nice couple while walking through the park. It was pleasant and peaceful. You can learn quite a bit about trees, flowers, herbs, exotic plants and flowers. Great place to walk!

Ralph McLean

Great place for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Ken Hannah

Great place for an afternoon walk. The bonsai area was especially impressive.

QS

I like walk here and take a lot beautiful pictures.

Lee Jahnke

National Airport is getting better. The new security improvements smooth the process

K A

I visited during last Fall and the Iconic columns caught my gaze. I highly recommend for locals and tourists.

Aseem Balhara

Wonderful place. Certain exhibits, as one may expect bloom at different times of year. (would be nice to have bloom cameras or given notice of when blooms are occurring.)Great to bring some snacks, a book and a blanket to relax. Lots of different small parkimg areas spread across the property. Signs could be better labeled for where to go. Many street signs missing. Took a picture of map and posted this also.

Steven May Ohio

Great place to be OUTSIDE! Make sure you check the new Covid hours.

Ahad Sheikh

Beautiful Park that had a variety of things to do and see. The columns are the number one attraction which are located near the park entrance. Beyond that you can see a variety of landscapes and flora. The park is massive and you can easily come back multiple times to explore the other parts. Definitely a must go attraction right outside of D.C. city center

courtney mims

I love this place ❤️ The gardens are amazing with so many varieties of plant and trees. We didn't have too much time to explore because we arrived late and they close the gate at 5pm.

John Ransom

This is one of the best places in the city and it doesn't get enough credit. Every season has its own beauty. Magnolias and cherry blossoms, azaleas, asian garden, and more. Always something to see. Gets crowded on the weekends when the weather is nice, so come early or on a weekday if you can manage. It's a lot of space, though, so you can always find somewhere secluded if you was to get away from the crowds.

Melvina Farley

Beautiful park. Great walk and bike paths. Friendly community of patrons.

ThePinkfreak805

Such a beautiful place. You can explore for hours and see so much beauty. I just wish it stayed open later, especially in the summer

Jordan Craig

Amazing displays of natural wonder. Great for walking on a sunny day!

Michael Marks

Beautiful, diverse, trees, flowers, gardens, bonsai and more. Great place to take your bicycle. Can drive around, but to see it all you have to get out and walk through the various features. A spectacular place. Lots of parking.

fred flintstone

Great place to learn about flowers, bushes and trees. The Bonsai gardens were amazing. Easy to drive through park.

Carol Barnabei

A little early for full bloom, but still a very nice spot without large crowds. The bonsai trees are truly amazing!

doll&me

It's awsome place that can ride a bike& enjoy the picnic!

K B

Beautiful place!!! Must to visit when your going to Washington DC

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