United States National Arboretum

Home to dozens of different types of flowering cherry trees during the spring, the arboretum is also a great place away from the Tidal Basin with family. Don't miss the original Capitol Columns ! Read more

vast land of different types of trees and greenery .different trails to choose from & pavillions to see. its well preserved and its free! great for walks,picnics , quiet time & hangouts

The arboretum was established in 1927 by an act of Congress & functions as a major center of botanical research. It has a library with 10,000 volumes & approx. 90 publications on botanical literature.

The place was a bit of a let down after living in NYC and having the Bronx and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens . Going for a walk in my neighborhood in Alexandria with the azaleas in full bloom was better.

Beautiful and peaceful place to connect with nature while learning about different trees and flowers . Is a must on your visit!

Download the app and take the cherry tree tour . Well marked tour and especially fun when blossoms are out.

Beautiful grounds with different things to see all year round, even in the middle of winter. Particularly nice cherry blossoms and fall foliage

People get turned off by its surroundings, but this place is truly a hidden gem ! Go in the spring for the azalea gardens in full bloom!

Very relaxing place to study at the benches or take your dog for a walk/run. But watch out for snakes!

Did you know? The arboretum has a National State Tree Grove, where all 50 official state trees are represented - each acquired from the state it represents. The oak is the official tree of the U.S. Read more

Make sure to climb the hill to the west of the Capitol columns for a great view !

Because it's sort of out of the way, there's never a lot of people here. Great when you want to get away but don't want to drive that far.

The outdoor space behind the Visitor's Center is one of my favorite places to read. It's usually not too busy or loud and there are several benches and shade on a warm day!

Walk to capitol steps ! One of the few picturesque places that isn't inundated with crowds.

Quiet , spacious landscapes large and small (check bonsai exhibit !)

Beautiful grounds, tons to explore. The bonsai garden is an absolute must.

Head here in the fall to see the foliage!

It’s so bizarre that you’re in the city but you feel miles from it

The national arboretum of the United States , is a major element of the city 's park system. It is the noted work of landscape Federick Law Olmstead, Jr.

Bonsai Garden is a must. Go there first then tour around.

Great place to escape the hustle and bustle of DC life!

Viisit during the weekdays, fewer people so you can take in the scenery and enjoy the park without the crowds.

There's an area to have a picnic...very beautiful

Such a hidden gem in the District. Love this place!

Nice place to picnic but leave the yard games at home per park rules

All the amazing assorted bonsai trees are worth a look. Don't miss 22 original colums from the Capitol Building !!

Make sure to have some change for the vending machine to feed the huge koi in the pond behind the administration building. Powered by ParentsConnect.com

National Bonsai museum is amazing (200 year old trees growing in pots!). Also don't miss the National Herb Garden and take in the smells.

Find the pauper hidden in the trees .

Don't miss out the amazing Bonsai Museum !

The National Arboretum offers full moon hikes that allow you to hike through meadows and forests at night

The Bonsai Garden and old Capitol steps are my favorite. Find a nook in the Azalea or Dogwood gardens and have a picnic . Read more

Take your dog. Lots of smells to explore. Wide paths, lots of fellow dogs. I could walk around here for hours and not see all it has to offer.

Great place for a run!

Be sure to give yourself time there before it closes at 5

Quietest place in the city

Willowleaf Fig . In training since 1974.

Great for a nice run with your dog!!

Bonsai Garden is amazing!

Bring a picnic and your camera . Breathe. Leave some of your heavy load behind. Read more

The $4 tram is well-worth it

Great place to ride a bike .

Winter time: At least the columns are in bloom.

Catlin Chinese Elm, in training since 1976.

Plant sale April. 26-27, check FONA web site!

go running in the arboretum. Great location, awesome scenery and some challenging short hills

In the spring it's a fabulous setting for a wedding...so fragrant and romantic .

Chinese Banyan. In training since 1975.

Buttonwood. In training since 1975.

Beautiful, enlightening & FREE