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.

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.

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.

Horrible and racist security guard. I visited this location with friends who were visiting from Pennsylvania, and I was excited to show them around Washington, DC. Upon reaching the National Capitol site, we, like many others, decided to capture some group pictures. To our surprise, a security guard approached us and informed us that taking photos without a pass was not allowed. Initially, I thought it was a joke, especially since other people were photographing various things, including their dogs and each other. However, when I explained that we were just taking personal photos with friends, the security guard asserted that any form of photography required a pass. Her approach was unusually aggressive, creating an uncomfortable encounter for us. Even after we stopped taking pictures and continued walking in the park, the security guard continued to follow us, insisting that we needed to leave because we had taken photos without permission. This encounter left a negative impression on me and my friends, turning what should have been an enjoyable experience into a rather unpleasant one.
Reservation recommended
No

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.

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.

The Arboretum in an underappreciated gem in the DC area. There's always something blooming, no matter what time of year. It's a large space with lots of small and some large parking areas scattered around. The main visitor center also has a small gift shop. Lots of walking trails and an incredible variety of different flowers, trees, and plants. The bonsai collection is also really cool. This afternoon we saw mostly magnolias, some late plums, and a few early cherry trees blooming. It's also one of the best places in DC for fall colors. The place is typically pretty empty on weekdays, but gets much busier on weekends, so don't expect to be alone in the park during peak spring and fall weekends.
Dog-friendliness
Dogs welcome but must be leashed at all times. Owners are expected to clean up after their animals.

An unforgettable experience at the United States National Arboretum! The vast expanse of greenery and diverse plant collections left me in awe. The Bonsai Museum was a highlight, showcasing stunning miniature masterpieces. The peaceful and serene atmosphere throughout the arboretum was perfect for a relaxing stroll and connecting with nature. The knowledgeable staff was friendly and ready to answer any questions. The Capitol Columns were a majestic sight, adding historical charm to the surroundings. A definite 5-star rating for this hidden gem in the heart of D.C.! ️ #USNationalArboretum #NatureLoversParadise #BonsaiArt #SereneRetreat #CapitolColumns #NatureInDC #FiveStarExperience"

Absolutely LOVE the U.S. National Arboretum! This place is a hidden gem really. It is a beautiful place, part of the National Park Service, and offered for free to enjoy. It’s a great space to enjoy all of the seasons this area to offer, though my particular favorites are spring and fall for all of the gorgeous colors. The park is quite big, having paved, easy walkways as well as a few small, covered trails for those who are hoping to feel more “out of the city.” There is also the Bonsai exhibit, which is really exceptional! This is an amazing green space for the city of DC, and I’m so grateful it is here! Highly recommend going if you haven’t been.

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.

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.

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.

This is like a huge park with a huge variety of smaller forests, like a collection of trees from around the world. It feels like you walk from one country to another exploring all kinds of wild life. There is so much to visit in this park and it was a bit hot in August. But I was surprised at how nice this all was. I really enjoyed this but I am not giving full marks since I thinking it may be missing fun activities to do with kids like in Kew Gardens in London. Some areas were also closed due to a plant disease and there could be a few other varieties.

Amazing gem in a corner of DC that many people don’t venture to. We were here on a sunny, late fall weekend day - wonderful fall colors made for a nice stroll in the gardens. The highlight is definitely the bonsai collection. The collection is artfully housed in a series of gardens (outdoor plus hothouse/greenhouse). I could have spent hours just looking one bonsai!! This is wonderful place for everyone to visit!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I had seen the Arboretum in episodes of the West Wing and heard about it from friends and coworkers but I was not prepared for the level of wow experienced during the visit. This is a hidden gem, probably because it's farther from the other museums and monuments but very much worth a visit. You can see incredible plants, get a good hike in and see the old Capitol pillars at this site. I highly recommend going. You will not be disappointed.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Great place for families, and a low key environment. You almost forget you are in a big city. This place is such a big site there appears to be too few hands and overwhelming vegetation to maintain, I just didn’t see many official people mostly visitors. There are lots of signs about photography so be sure to check one before planning your visit if you think you might want to bring a professional. Learned a bit about bees, and I forgot what the stones were called in the bonsai indoor exhibit. Beautiful and huge tulips.

We drove to the arboretum and had a fantastic time. We didn't stop at the visitor's center and just wandered through via car. If we had more time, we would have walked more, but we hopped off to walk around a few of the areas. A peaceful walk, highly recommended and there were both locals and tourists alike. If you have a bike, I would imagine this to be a prime biking location!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

One of my favorite places in dc. A weird and interesting collection of gardens and trails. Sadly, this place is not well accessible by public transit, practically requiring a drive, which makes parking and navigating hectic. Despite being called the arboretum, there is a lot of sun, so bring sunscreen. Also, picnic space and bathrooms are available but in limited quantities. The bonsai collection and herb garden are highlights. Given its size, seeing everything probably takes more than one day.

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.
Restrooms
They weren't air conditioned.

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.

Love visits here. Truthfully, the best way to see the grounds is to bring a bike. There are plenty of parking lots scattered throughout the land. Park the car and then take the bike around the roads to stop by the various exhibits. Do not bike on the walking paths, but a lot of the areas have bike posts to lock your bike up and walk the trails or you can walk with your bike through the trails. In mid-April, I went to see the azaleas and dogwoods - it was lovely

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!!
Playground
Open grounds with sporadic benches.
Restrooms
Clean facilities with every parking lot.

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!

The National Arboretum is nice and spacious. Now, in spring, there are many flowering plants and trees, including cherry blossoms. The Arboretum even has a printed out guide to their cherry trees you can pick up from the visitor center. I wish there were better directional signs available at this park- for paths to walk or directions to points (or plants) of interest. Overall it is a nice place to wander around and spend an afternoon in nature.

If these trees could talk! Its incredible to read just how old many of the bonsai are on display. This is worth the visit and taking a blanket and lunch to enjoy while there will make for a relaxing afternoon. The Azaleas and other flowering trees were beautiful throughout the trails which was an added bonus. Be sure to go the visitors center to get a walking map. You'll find plenty of parking at various locations and restrooms as well.

My 1st time to the arboretum. It was much bigger than I thought. We went on a beautiful spring day. The azealia bushes were all in bloom as we're tulips and daffodils. There were cherry trees, dogwoods and pink buds all in bloom. I really liked the path that went around the azaleas. You need to drive to get to the far parts, but there are plenty little paths to take and see nature up close.
Dog-friendliness
Leashed of course.

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.

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.

Good facilities and bathrooms, wonderful views and nature, good brochures, and the early flowering cherry blossoms are out (early March). There's a self guided brochure tour that shows you where to look. I loved the background behind the columns and loved exploring the Asian gardens. Even with how big this place is, in many areas you can't quite escape the city noise but it certainly dulls a lot and is a peaceful place to visit.

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.

I love a good arboretum and this is a good arboretum! It’s unique in its expansive open spaces for lounging, picnicking, and enjoying a day outside. Between these meadows and shade trees are curated trails with focuses on specific tree species and together represent incredible diversity. It’s spread out yet still accessible by foot if you can commit to leisurely strolls from one spot to the next.

We came to the National Arboretum the weekend of the Cherry Blossom festival after reading a few recommendations to avoid the DC mall area. Great to show up early to avoid crowds. The Bonsai Museum section has restrooms and vending machines by the koi ponds. We caught a few cherry blossom trees in bloom. Great morning trip.
Restrooms
Restrooms can be found by the Bonsai gardens

I love coming out here every couple of weeks! The main area is great, but I especially love wandering around the different collections on the property. I am especially fond of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and the Asian Collections-so beautiful and peaceful!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The National arboretum is so amazing in every season. There are lots of beautiful trees to check out, and of course the iconic columns. It also has some super old bonsai trees! There are smaller gardens with azaleas, roses, citrus, and more. It also has expansive fields to run and play in. Your kids and pets will love this park. Don’t forget to bring some snacks and a picnic blanket.

Take the kids, dogs, family and friends. Nice place to walk and learn about the plants and trees. Get up and get out and walk. Plenty of parking at different location throughout the park. Best part it’s FREE. Avoid the traffic of downtown DC and visit the Arboretum and enjoy the weather. Maybe wait till spring for the herbs and flowers to bloom and bonsai exhibit to open back up.

This is going to be my favorite place around the DC area. The best time to visit is around spring. It is free with ample parking. Azalea collection was the main attraction at the time of my visit. The entire hill was full of different bright colors of Azaleas. The bonsai garden closes one hour earlier than the Arboretum. Arboretum closes at 5 pm. I wish they closed at 6 pm.

I'm a native & I've been going to the Arboretum since I was literally a baby. This is one of the most beautiful places in DC & of you've never been you're definitely missing out! The Azalea Collection was breathtaking! It's totally & completely free btw
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The National arboretum is beautiful year round but Spring is the most eye-candy season! I've photographed lots of families there. In March/ April you'll have the magnolias, cherry blossoms, and camellias blooming succesively. The hidden lilac patch is also worth a visit. Take the road that is perpendicular to the columns and it will be on your right.

Such a beautiful place to just walk and enjoy nature. The bonsai collection is amazing and the variety of trees is incredible. You can go and spend hours walking or just sitting and enjoying the calmness thar this places offer. I took my 18mo daughter and we lay down on the grass and practice deep breathing under the Cherry blossoms. It was magical.

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.

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.

Went during late-March weather, around 60 degrees, and it was so gorgeous. The blooms on the flowers were plentiful during this time and it was very spacious. I loved the bonsai exhibits and walking under these large trees, either with cherry blossoms or magnolia flowers. Plenty of parking space throughout the land, look for marked spaces.

Amazing experience, gorgeous trees, all really well maintained. The Bonzai exposition alone is enough to bring my back! Lots of parking around lots of places to walk and solpend the day looking at trees from all over the world.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Free entry
Yes

Biggest open and quiet space I've found in DC. Lots to see especially if you have a thing for gardening. Bringing a good pair of walking shoes or a bike might be a good idea. Lots of great shady spaces for picnics.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Absolutely incredible collection. I was very impressed by the range of flora and landscapes presented here. You could spend days wandering the different paths and collections. The Bonsai collections were very special. Some of the trees are over 200 years old! This place is an absolute must see for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

I really thought this place would be spectacular. It fell short of my expectations. I've gone to local ones in my state of Ohio that were better taken care of and more impressive. The one this that was impressive was the Capital Columns and the visitors center was pretty cool. The grounds could be kept up much better.

Vast landscapes with beautiful, lush gardens. Great walking paths mowed through grassy fields, leading up to the original Senate columns. Very easy to drive in, park & walk freely around the grounds
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Beautiful there are ptions to hike or just walk around. A visitor center/gift shop. Picnic spots. The columns and the reflection pool. So many things to do. Hard to get there unless you have a car.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Excellent trees & plants on display. Massive exhibit. You could spend all day there and not see everything. The best season to visit is in the Spring when the azaleas are blooming. Also the lilacs are really spectacular. Probably the best bonsai exhibit in the country. Absolutely worth a visit year-round, however.

Great spot to walk around and enjoy some exhibits as well as the grounds. The only thing you have to concern yourself with is parking at high volume times. A very pleasant experience especially if you like to nerd out over plants.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Great place to visit and hangout with family. Putting up tent day. A really neat system. A 40'x 60' tent, unloaded has retractable poles to raise and lower in seconds, up in less than 3 hours.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Peaceful, beautiful, and serene are just a few words I would immediately use to describe this place. I chose to have a virtual meeting for work while I sat on a bench and enjoyed the perfect weather day. This is a must visit if you are in the DC area and want to connect with nature without leaving the city.

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!

This is my favorite public place in DC. It should get much more recognition than it does. There is always a certain tree/plant that is in season, even in the winter. The bonzi exhibit is also immensely cool. They have one bonzi tree that survived the atomic bomb at Hiroshima.

A true gem. Not to be missed for plant and nature lovers. Lots of walking as the area is expansive so bring strollers/wheelchairs so it can be enjoyable.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

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!

Very peaceful day at United States National Arboretum. Lots of place you may drive through most of the trails. Pack right next to entrance.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Always a lovely and relaxing time at the US National Arboretum. This is great spot in DC for bike riding or walking with lots to explore. This visit was to see the Azalea bonsai collection. AMAZING how long these have been tended to. The collection was beautiful!

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.

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!

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.

The greatest nation on earth should find some money to support their National Arbortum. Some buildings urgently need refurbishment and plants are not cared for enough. It looks like a park in a third world country. Two stars because the bonsai are well kept.

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.

I love it. It's so beautiful and clean. You can spend a long time. It will be more enjoyable if you take sandwiches and coffee with you.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

More fauna is needed. The gardens are beautiful in deed. It seems it is for rent in spite it is a Federal Park, there was a wedding.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Not near the National Mall. We took a Lyft over. The Bonsai section was beautiful. The columns were interesting. I'd visit again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

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.

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! …

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

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

Beautiful grounds but a little trashy at the entrance. Would be nice if they made the outside as beautiful as the inside.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Such a beautiful place! I loved seeing all the fall colors. I'm sure it's gorgeous anytime of year. It's huge, so plan a lot of time to walk. Or rent the scooters or bikes in front of the entrance. It makes getting around much easier. More

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.

The U.S. National Arboretum is a breathtaking haven, seamlessly blending Greek-inspired grandeur with natural beauty. The iconic Capitol Hill Congress columns stand tall, reminiscent of ancient architecture, while the bonsai gardens

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!

one of my favorite locations to make photos with couples! a very underrated location in washington dc that’s almost never too crowded. shot my first wedding here yesterday and can’t wait to return! ig @iamthesam

Big place! We rented bikes just outside the entrance and rode around the park. We really enjoyed the Asian village. Plenty of folks walking and enjoying the day. Not crowded like a lot of the mall attractions.

Great place to see when in DC. Very big park area with lots of nature. Loved the columns!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

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.

Amazing place to spend a summer day out. Nice green everywhere with a great memorial in between. The bonsai garden and museum are amazing with trees being trained since 1420 as part of the exhibits.

Wonderful grounds & lush spring blooms for taking in sights & getting my cardio workout with my walking club. Apparently a great place for runners, bicyclists & parents with child in strollers too.

Wonderful way to escape downtown DC and wander the grounds and enjoy some nature. A little bit of something for everybody whether your calling is in trees or something flowering. Worth the visit.

Beautiful place, Quiet clean easy to find lots of parking not crowded at all
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I expected a lot more and was disappointed by the overall lack of diversity of the plants there. The map could have been designed better as we had a hard time figuring out where things were.

I could easily spend an hour just at the bonsai garden - I loved it
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great place to relax. During the summer is best to in the mornings as it gets really hot and humid.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Price for adult entry
Free

Did you know we have a National Bonsai Museum? It was AMAZING!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Beautiful collection of Bonsai and a great collection of different shrubs, trees and herbs. Wirth going to see the different trails and forests!!! Worth the trip for sure..

Beautiful and spacious with many different flowering plants and trees. We came specifically for the Lilacs. There were many turtles, too, sunning themselves on a log.

Pretty at fall! (The one with the leaves on the ground is by middle of November)
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

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.

One of my favorite places on DC. Peaceful, beautiful and not crowded!
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

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.

Been there many times. True gem that offers different options for every season. Went to the bonsai collection for the first time- some amazing examples!

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. More

Biggest most beautiful arboretum I’ve ever seen. Amazing food and herb garden. Outstanding bonsai garden with a bonsai from the year 1625!

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

Great location and stop. The bonsai are amazing. The creativity and skill to develop the treed is amazing.

If you have not visited, do!! This place is gorgeous. So many trails and well maintained grounds.

Nice employees. Kind of dull day. Need to visit in warmer parts of year. Was on my must see list