I'm a DMV couples photographer and Moongate Garden is one of my FAVORITE spot for portraits! This summer I've had some engagement and maternity sessions here and it's my new go-to recommendation for engagement photo locations! The garden offers variety for your photos, without being too large. It's easy to walk around and not too challenging to find spots without a bunch of people in the background!

Sort of secluded garden area near the Smithsonian Castle Information Center and the Freer Galleries. Has benches, cafe seating, various plants and shrubs, best viewing in the warmer growing seasons.
Playground
Children's carousel is located near this area, across from the Smithsonian Castle.
Restrooms
Restrooms are easily accessible in any of the nearby museums on site.

Taking up a good portion of the Enid A Haupt garden, the Moongate Garden is a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the National Mall. It was designed by architect Jean Paul Carlhian inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. It features 4 nine foot granite moon gates. Two are on either side of the pool and two are laid flat in opposite corners for seating.

This place is located near the Smithsonian Castle! We visited expecting blooms, but the location didn’t disappoint us! Great views to take candid clicks. You can enter this place thru Castle or there is a private entry on the left side of the castle. Must visit if you want one of kind ‘moon gate’ to take some great pictures …

Nice little gem of a garden behind the Smithsonian castle and African art museum, and a must see. It's a nice shady, peaceful place to relax and beat the heat, and hustle and bustle, but right next to the National Mall. As an added treat, it's connected by a brick footpath to the beautiful Haupt garden.

Absolutely beautiful. Nice little hidden gem. It is best in March during the Cherry Blossoms, although it had its own charm in January too. It's located in the Smithsonian and there are multiple ways to get to it, the nearest would be on Jefferson.

Beautiful and well maintained garden at the back of Smithsonian Castle (aka, Visitor Center). We were here in spring and the garden was a feast for the senses. Stop by, especially if you need a break from your visit of the surrounding museums.

This lovely garden space has many nooks and small spaces to explore. The lush vegetation creates natural boundaries to the pathways and seating areas. Drop by for some time in the shade or a beautiful backdrop for a photo.

A smaller part of the larger Haupt garden, it is a really special place. I love coming here to just enjoy the quietness. It can get busy in the summer months but come in the morning and enjoy it.

I had no idea this neat “garden” was here! I’m so happy I was able to walk through because it was totally worth the time! I 100% recommend walking through here.

The Moongate Gate is a nice little place to rest and enjoy the weather, if its good, and maybe even a simple lunch. Now with displays on dragonflies.

Beautiful spot! Inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, where circular structures symbolize heaven and squares represent earth.

Best time of the year to go here is last 2 weeks of March first two weeks April's. Absolutely beautiful

Beautiful garden with an awesome pond/sculpture. Great views of the castle and very cool entry doors.

Nice little noo with a bit of seatingin the shade. Good place to sit and eat lunch on a work break.

Quaint little garden with Asian vibes. Off the beaten path and relatively unknown.

Sort of isolated from the rest of the gardens. It's very peaceful when empty

Each season brings its own beauty to this lovely garden.

Small but beautiful garden with varieties of plants.

You almost don’t notice it walking Jefferson

The perfect place for our flash wedding.

A magical garden... I loved it!

Nice and quiet garden.

Awesome place...