National Capitol Columns

Highly photogenic place with the columns and reflecting pool that is a focal point of surrounding meadows. Multiple paths are crisscrossing the meadows with backdrop of forested perimeter areas. Short distance from azalea gardens and bonsai visitor center.

Pretty cool place! A long-time Washingtonian, this is my first time ever visiting the popular columns. The blurb in the back and the medal on the floor a few yards away are a quick and interesting read. Definitely a unique artistic view and plenty of green screen space and fresh air amidst Northeast DC! I recommend going with friends and family, as it makes for a fun group outing! A lot of fun for locals and tourists alike.

Vast green spaces dotted with trees and flowers, alongside the beautiful columns of the old Capitol.

Lovely setting on a hill overlooking a reflecting pool. Like something you would find in Greece or Italy.

Beautiful! 🤩 Worth the walk. Stunning in-person.

They look really good especially if you catch a nice sunny day! The park around is huge so you can do different gardens additionally.

I along with two friends took the metro there so it’s easily accessible for many. We went there on a Wednesday during spring break and there was no lines for anything nor as crowded as we thought it would be. Definitely a lot of walking but well worth it. The columns were amazing to look at up close and even just walking through the felid was nice because of the wind and sun. Definitely bring plenty of water and take breaks throughout. Great spot to go out sightseeing with friends and amazing photos.

Enjoyed the visit the history of the columns is very interesting and the location is vast and open very peaceful

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

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

We went here for engagement photos. Our photographer was very knowledgeable in the process, so she helped us a great deal with knowing about the permits and the different locations in which you can shoot photos. It took a while to get in touch with the people that handle permits... When we were able to get in touch, they issued us the wrong date and if we would've paid for it, I'm not sure if they would've changed it so we had to get that sorted out. The fees are expensive (for after hours) and they are very strict and sticking to the times and guidelines at their convenience, however they do waste your time when you go to get your permit, so make sure you get there super early if you actually want to have your full amount of time. We paid for our permit. When we went to pick it up, they weren't sure if they had it printed for us or not and we were supposed to receive an escort to get to the locations easier which we didn't. So once the park closed to the public, Security wasn't sure if we were supposed to be there and gave us a pretty hard time about being there and made us present the permit which wasted about 20 minutes of our photoshoot, because even though we presented it, they went to verify it since they weren't aware of us being there. Aside from the subpar service, the arboretum itself is absolutely breathtaking. The grounds are gorgeously maintained, and although we haven't received our official photos yet, our photographer showed us a few photos, and I was stunned. I'm very excited and looking forward to getting our engagement photos! We took pictures in the Rose garden, the columns, and a few other locations. If you're just going just to enjoy, take in the view, or take a few phone pictures, I would say definitely check out the Arboretum (it's beautiful), however if you're going for a specific occasion requiring a permit, other locations may give you an easier time .

Need to isolate? Runaway from the DC work grinding hustle and bustle? Don't just settle for the National Mall or tidal basin for green space. Drive a few miles and the arboretum offers over 450 acres of green space, with multiple gardens and trails. you can take a self guided tour, plug in your ear buds and listen to a good tune or audio book and you are sure to get lost in nature. The ponds and trails are rich with stillness and sounds of nature in the springtime. Great space to have a picnic, ride your bike or walk your canine companion. Benches and restrooms can be found throughout the property and I guarantee you can get recentered with nature here! Visit the website for educational workshops, and be sure to visit the bee farm!

I was excited to visit the National Arboretum, but there sadly wasn't much to see in July. I really loved the Bonsai Museum, but it was very small, and I was hoping to explore a lot more of this massive park. We walked around the herbal garden, but there didn't seem to be anything else of interest. The map is poorly designed as there are no descriptions of the different sections of the park. There are just nondescript icons to represent the sections. There are some columns that were moved from the Capitol and placed on this random field. This was interesting to see, but it would be nice if there were gardens surrounding it or at least something to complement their appearance as they looked out of place.

A quiet getaway from the hubbub of the nation's capital. I've been visiting here for many years. It's an interesting place for a car tour; a big parcel of land which has many parts to explore. A bike ride or a walk are both easy to do and encouraged. The old National Capitol columns are lovely. I enjoy gazing at them from afar, then seeing them up close. Azalea Hill is radiant in full bloom; that occurs in May, when countless shades of pink blossoms pop. The Asian Collections are extensive. To see them, find "Hickey Hill". From this starting point, hike down a well-maintained trail to the Anacostia River. Along the path are the various plants and trees from the collections, with markers. Many think this is a National Park but that's not the case. The U.S. National Arboretum is a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes, plus a whole lot more. Check the website for all the details. It's open most days and closes its gate at 5 PM.

I enjoyed exploring this arboretum which also had an Bonsai exhibit. I discovered flowers and grains I didn't know about like the red Hibiscus cotton flower and Sorghum. My husband and visited visited this park Monday late morning and spent a few hours here. It is being well maintained and there is lots to see. If you haven't been here before, you should definitely plan a visit. It's free and no reservations needed. The Bonsai exhibit was interesting and beautiful. I how to visit again and discover other parts of this park.

I would drive by this constantly prior to taking public transit in the area. Then I saw a TikTok video that showed something of interest to me held within. I made my way here after seeing it to check it out myself. Honestly, it is kind of unusual to get here, at least the way I came. I went through a residential area full of speed bumps before traveling down some narrow roads. I know there is more than one way to enter here, but this was probably not the best way to get here. I had one thing in mind when coming here, and because of the weather that day, would end up being the only thing I saw that day. It was to be a beautiful day, but there was a downpour shortly after I showed up, needless to say, I was drenched by the time I left here. I came to see the original columns from the U.S. Capitol. The ones that were replaced when the Capitol was renovated. When you approach them, they look like an entrance into a ghostly world. Like one you would come across in a video game. If you look from afar at this, you end up missing a lot. One thing to note, if you came here to take photos for an event, you will need a permit to do so. Definitely take time to actually explore up close. Not only will you see the columns, but I believe they have used as the stairs to lay a very unforgiven walkway around the inside of the columns. What is kind of amazing here here is the water feature. The water feature starts at the center of the columns, then flows down a water step, and finally ends at a reflecting pool. It is kind of a magical place to sit...when it's not downpouring. I will return one day when I have time to explore and when the weather is a little less wet.

This was a beautiful spacious area with lots of areas to enjoy with friends. I would recommend that everyone have the chance to come here.

The arboretum was a wonderful experience! Not an overwhelming size so everything could be covered in a couple hours. I especially loved the tropical section in the center of the building. The grounds outside are also lovely with regional plants on display. Additionally, there was a fun skywalk in the tropical section so you could walk above the foliage and see everything from a different viewpoint!

After brunch in Union Market, my fiancé and I drove to U.S. National Arboretum. The GPS routed us to the back parking lot to Fairfield Inn & Suites. After driving further, we saw the entrance to U.S. National Arboretum. They have on-site parking and a visitor's center with restrooms and various maps/brochures. Since it was a cold and windy day, we only checked out the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Herb Garden, Cherry Blossom trees, Capital Column, and Friendship Garden. I was a bit disappointed that the gift shop was permanently closed.

We choose to come for fall photos with the kiddos! Perfect location for photos! While there we saw plenty of couples taking engagement photos, family photos and much more. Love that it was dog friendly. Plenty of green spaces. Perfect for a day out, walk or run, benches and sitting areas galore to sit and read a book on a nice day out. Will be returning and like most parks in dc, free!!

Haven't been here for a few years and the place has undergone a facelift with a new visitor center and nice landscaping around it. The grounds are cleaned up as well with picnic tables and a trail through the flower gardens. The pillars are as usual grand. The bonsai collection is a must visit. A beautiful outdoor green space accessible by metro - a bit of walk however.

Located at the National Arboretum, Washington DC. It helps if you research Bonsai Trees and Arboretums first before you go. In particular, Frederick Law Olmsted and American Landscape Architecture. When I was in school, we were gifted to have our own established Arboretum where I spent numerous hours over four years. I find the Bonsai exhibit at the National Arboretum to be exceptional and well worth the trip and effort. We are talking about sculptured mini Japanese mainly trees with ages that can extend upwards of 75 - 350 years old. Some younger, some older. Yes! I am a big fan. Have fun!

Beautiful park and well taken care of. I was surprised at how big it was. We went on a beautiful day and saw a lot of people have picnics - no picnic tables but people brought blankets, there's a lot of open fields. It is dog friendly and also has a big lot for parking. No cost to visit.

Located at the National Arboretum, Washington DC. It helps if you research Bonsai Trees and Arboretums first before you go. In particular, Frederick Law Olmsted and American Landscape Architecture. When I was in school, we were gifted to have our own established Arboretum where I spent numerous hours over four years. I find the Bonsai exhibit at the National Arboretum to be exceptional and well worth the trip and effort. We are talking about sculptured mini Japanese mainly trees with ages that can extend upwards of 75 - 350 years old. Some younger, some older. Yes! I am a big fan. Have fun!

We enjoyed a lovely visit today at the immaculately kept arboretum. Parking was free and plenty. The weather was not too hot or muggy. A rarity in the nation's capitol this time of the year. My pooches relished having a sniffari. I was pleased to walk through anywhere because of little to no presence of bees. The grounds had no rubbish making it perfect to walk with scent hounds like mine. It was also friendly for those with mobility differences. Benches were placed throughout the ground to sit down. The pavements were flat without any cracks and had gentle inclines. I was thrilled to see many accessibility parkings available. The National Herb Garden and the Fern Valley were filled with beautifully singing birds. It felt tranquil and hard to believe it's close to one of the busiest part of the area. I'm looking forward to visit again in the future.

Such a cool experience! The day was fantastic but hotter than hell. I went here to have a little picnic and also checked out the National Bonsai and Penjing museum. I love the set up and the other areas around it was so beautiful. Staff was helpful and attentive.

I have loved the National Arboretum for a very long time & i always will. It's a place of peace and a staple in Washington, DC. It's one of the few places in DC that you can go to and feel like you're no longer in the city. Today I took my Wife, my oldest daughter, and my youngest there today and had an amazing time despite the fact that it was super hot. We got to take some cool pictures & vibe out in nature. I think that's what I like best about the Arboretum. Everybody there seems to be in a pleasant mood. It's almost like an escape. Do yourself a favor and check out one of DCs best gems.

Pure magic. One of my top favorite things to do in DC now! A must-visit, especially in spring. This space is absolutely massive - a green gem in the city. There is so much to explore! We visited on the annual Plant Sale day, so they had vendors and food trucks. The area was bursting with spring colors and energy! A few things we explored: BONSAI: You can't help but be drawn into the Japanese, Chinese, North American, and International Pavillions outside of the lobby exhibits with truly a shocking amount of the most magical bonsai I've ever laid eyes on. Some of these cuties have been "in training" for over 70 years!! We spent so much time looking at each of them. NATIONAL CAPITOL COLUMNS: This is a gorgeous area out in the prairie fields with a stunning water feature as well. It's beautiful from afar and up close! Folks were picnicking in the grass nearby. FRIENDSHIP GARDEN: Nearby the administration buildings with some awesome spring flowers in bloom. There's truly acres upon acres of stuff to explore here - you can't go wrong! Next time I want to check out the Grove of State Trees, Fern Valley, and Azalea Collections. Bike or drive to park, and have fun exploring. Pack a lunch :)

Such a hidden gem in DC! A great place to visit for a walk or an impromptu picnic. My favorite times to visit are during the Fall as the leaves change and during the Spring when the flowers bloom.

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.

Great place to walk around! We will definitely bring our dog next time. K wasn't aware you could bring dogs but it is a great place for a walk. The pathways are long and you can stroll through the many native trees and gardens. The pillars from the Capitol reconstruction are in the middle and make a beautiful setting. I will have to return in the spring when the indoor portions are hopefully open again.

One of the most beautiful arboretum I ever seen. I would definitely visit it again during the spring season.

Omg , I really could not believe this garden was in the middle of the city. It is expansive and beautiful . I could have stayed there all day but had to catch a plane. I especially like the medicinal garden and then there were the hot chilli peppers of all kinds including fruit trees . How could they survive the winters in this area ? If you love gardens this is an awesome place to enjoy for free. Parking is ample , bring good walking shoes for your walk back to nature.

Beautiful place to visit! You can literally spend the whole day here if you wish and come prepared for a day at the "park" They have all kinds of trees, flowers you name it. Kits if parking and picnic areas Beautiful drive all around For professional pictures you must have a permit.

Another great DC free National Park. Highly recommend coming here if you are looking for fresh air, hiking trails, and special exhibits. Also has a picnic area so you can bring food to save money on your vacation

This place is gigantic and I would say you do need more than half a day to cover all the ground of this place if you are walking through it without a car. This is what I did, I had no car so everything seemed a lot further when walking it. On the hot sunny day I felt like the sun was seriously cooking me, so don't forget to put on your sunscreen and also maybe a nice umbrella. Most people come here for the Capitol Collums so if that is all you want to see you will be able to finish it quite fast. But there is so much more to see! On the different sections, they have a lot of different and unique plants all around. Most have signs written in English on what the name of the plant is and where it came from. Like a specific country. They have an Asian section that has Chinese, Japanese, and even Korean plants in it. But it is quite far from the Capitol Collums. Tip- Bring some nice walking shoes if you are coming here without a car.

Beautiful! I still cannot believe the whole place is free to visit! I particularly loved the Bonsai & Penjing displays. The time and dedication to care for these plants and maintain them for as long as they have been around is honestly breathtaking! Overall, the Bonsai & Penjing collection took us about 1 1/2 hours to go through. The Capitol Columns were an incredible sight! The sheer size & historical importance really made this a special experience & a beautiful place for photos. I would highly recommend timing your visit on a sunny day for the best experience. My only complaint is photographers need to purchase a permit to do any kind of DSLR photography on the property. I could not find any where on the site that stated this. I still don't understand why this is a mandatory rule when this is a free park.

An oasis within northeast DC! Natural beauty in a space where you can walk, jog, bird watch, cycle or picnic (Been fortunate enough to enjoy all of these activities almost year round.) There's a visitor's center, large pond, a beautiful courtyard and a collection of giant columns with a water feature- all of which will keep someone engaged in nature for many hours of enjoyment. The arboretum is extremely accessible to the NY Ave/295 thoroughfare and minutes from all things DC.

The US National Arboretum is like an oasis in the center of Washington, DC. I would suggest that not many locals ever visit this site, but they have heard about it. The area is large and contains a multitude of trees and shrubs. My favorite time to visit is in the spring when the azaleas are in full bloom. You can't imagine the hills ablaze with such a variety of azaleas. I suspect most are not trimmed but left to grow as nature intended. Don't miss the amazing Capitol columns either. They appear to be out of the acropolis, but were apparently left over from the Capitol's construction. There are flowers and exhibits all throughout the year, and one I just saw was the Bonzai exhibit. National Arboretum has a wonderful collection of mature Bonzai's. The best part is the park is free and open all week. Plenty of free parking, too.

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.

Absolutely gorgeous and 100% overlooked in the list of things to do in D.C. during the spring and summer! The U.S. Arboretum is a beautiful oasis of nature and quiet that offers a bit of peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown D.C. It's a beautiful place to step away from the chaos of the capitol, especially during the warmer months. Every part of the arboretum is perfectly maintained, from the gorgeous collection of bonsai trees to the lovely patches of flowers and unique plants all throughout the area. It's a relatively small space, taking only about 30-60 minutes to walk through, but it's definitely worth the trek out to northeast D.C.! Parking is also free and super convenient, and there seem to be plenty of places to walk a dog or for kiddos to play.

This is probably my favorite place is all of DC. I love that it is hidden away. Families, Couples, singles walk these beautiful grounds. While there I also saw two ladies training a guide dog. I would suggest downloading the app and familiarizing yourself with it before you go. Or visit the official website. iPhones https://appsto.re/us/gx-Khb.i Androids https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blueraster.arb https://www.usna.usda.gov

The place is always wonderful. At times it's magical. I could write very long article about all of the wonderful things I've experienced here. It's well managed, well-maintained, offer's many nice events and learning opportunities for young and old.

The Arboretum is a beautiful place all year round. A huge, sprawling park, it has so many different trails. Great for running if you don't mind hills and great for just taking a walk and getting some fresh air. The fall colors were especially impressive this year. I haven't been yet during the springtime, since this year it was closed due to COVID, so I'm hoping to go next year to see all the beautiful flowers and cherry blossoms!

I've lived here all my life but have never visited the US National Arboretum. After a year of the pandemic, it was time to get out there. I'm glad we went on a Spring day instead of the middle of summer. I don't think I would have been able to handle the heat. Parking was fine, we had no problems finding a spot. There are also plenty of spots if you drive a little further into the park. The website said you might be turned away if the lots are full but that was not a problem on a Sunday afternoon. The paved sidewalks were tremendously easy to walk on. I would say this was definitely wheelchair and stroller friendly. Dogs are also welcomed. It seems the majority of visitors were situated around the columns and the surrounding gardens. We ventured further to the Asian gardens. I loved the smell of jasmine everywhere. There is also a lovely little pagoda. There were very few benches in this area. You might find a few people lying on the grass and having picnics. You should check where picnics are specifically allowed in the park. There was very few people in this section of the park, probably because you do have to walk a bit of a distance from the columns. Everything was nice except for the LOUD music. This is the reason I couldn't give it a higher rating. Music was blaring from speakers from somewhere in the China Valley section of the park. It played the entire time we were there and as we ran into other park goers, they too were wondering where the noise was coming from. The noise just ruined the tranquil surroundings. I saw a "security" truck drive pass. There were a few security vehicles around the other sections of the park throughout the day. Unfortunately, the one that drove by was too far for me to flag down. I would have wanted them to investigate where the loud music was coming from. I do wonder why they didn't stop because we heard the music the entire way out of the Asian section of the park as we walked back to the car at the New York Avenue entrance.

Such a gem! I'm a huge fan of arboretums, and the U.S. National Arboretum is one to visit in the D.C. area. It's a massive space, which you can easily find yourself spending all day in. We visited the U.S. National Arboretum and only had an hour or so, so just had glimpse of all that's here. Because of COVID-19, all of the indoor spaces are closed, like the conservatory or the bonsai museum. Bummer! But we still had a wonderful time, walking around the grounds and seeing all the different plants and areas here. The Capitol Columns is the most visited area of the arboretum, and is easy to get to from the entrance. If you're lucky, there is parking nearby. When we visited on a Thursday afternoon, we took the last spot and by the time we were leaving, there were many cars around, waiting for people to leave. There are only about 10 spots here. The columns are cool to see though, as they were once at the U.S. Capitol until the building was renovated and had no use for these columns. There's a small reflecting pool area there, with plenty of space to lounge around. We also visited the herb garden area, which is near the columns. The garden was a nice setting, as it had many different herb plants in different sections, as well as covered spaces for benches. We saw a couple getting their engagement photos taken here. It's that lovely. This is just a fraction of all that the arboretum has to offer. I recommend if you have more time, to walk along the different trails and make your way around the space. It'll be a good day spent with all there's to see here. Plus, it's on the outskirts of the man tourist area, the National Mall, so there won't be crowds of tourists here.

You must come. A few minutes by the columns, or a whole day biking through with a stop at each location. Year round, there's something to appreciate. It's such a large open space, with all sorts of nooks and crannies to explore. The only disappointment is that there isn't anything cute to go to, nearby. They need an adorable cafe.

A testament to why we need more large public parks! Like so many other people in DC, I've (re)discovered the National arboretum this year while looking for safe outdoor activities. It's huge, and even with some of the exhibits closed, there's plenty to see over several hours or several visits. For example, not far from the entrance, there are the columns of the original capitol building that have been preserved as a large sculpture near a reflecting pool. There are fields, trails, benches, statues, and exhibits scattered throughout the park. I've met friends here for a picnic, or just visited to take a long walk around. Even when it's "crowded" it's super easy to stay away from other people. You can also explore the park just by driving, and don't necessarily have to leave your car to see the sights. I haven't been in the last couple weeks, but I bet the foliage looks beautiful and autumnal right now!

It took me five years of living in DC and a global pandemic to get me out to the National Arboretum. I always thought it was too far to venture out to, but it's actually not too bad. The drive is worth it for how beautiful it is. Plus, the grounds are massive, with so much room for social-distancing! We were able to see beautiful cherry blossoms, fields of daffodils and some early bloomer flowers this past weekend while keeping six feet distance from everyone else. It really is a hidden gem in DC. There are plenty of meandering trails and greenery for a refreshing stroll outside. I can't wait to come back in the summer to check out the lush greenery and peak bloom for the flowers. I saw a few folks having a picnic here, and I imagine that will be quite nice.

Really cute place to walk around on a nice day! Unfortunately there weren't as many flowers or foliage, so I guess I just didn't come at the ideal time of the year. However, the national capitol columns were fun to take pics at, and we definitely got our steps in!

Came here with my lovely fiancé for a picnic and can I just say how breathtaking this place was! Such a wonderful place for a picnic with loved ones, a bunch of areas to choose your spot and plenty of shade. We had walked here so I can't speak for how the parking works. But it was free to go in and to walk around.

Hidden gem in DC and its free! The lush trees, beautiful plants, meandering trails, and serene landscape are a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of DC. The arboretum is like a large meadow with an abundance of open space, perfect for bringing your pup (there are no doggy bags or waste disposal trash cans). There are lots of great picnic spots as well! The 22 historic sandstone Capital Columns erected in 1826 are the centerpiece of the Arboretum. The ornate and intricate carving of the Corinthian columns impressively took 6 months to carve! The columns are nearly 200 years old and very well preserved. I love the footbridges and stone paths in the intertwining shaded trails near the Columns. Note that the R Steet exit is currently closed and the gates promptly close at 5pm, Don't recommend parking in the big lot near the New York Ave entrance, drive up to the Columns. There are plenty of open spots and will save you some steps! You can easily spend a couple of hours walking the trails and exploring the grounds. Great spot for fall foliage! Excited to come for more exploration and check out the Asian Collection and Magnolias.

Good collection of plants. Easy to park or commute to. Good location for group. Some days it may be crowded, and other days, it's quite easy to see everything at the arboretum.

This is in DC, you ask? Yes it is, and it's not easy to get here if you don't know about it, but it's worth it. I've been here time and time again to see the blooming of the azaleas, the National Capital Columns, the dogwoods and the vast array of garden and forest specimens. You can drive here, walk here, bike here, metro here, but whatever way you get here, you will spend a lot of time outdoors and walking around. If you come during the spring or summer, be sure to bring some sunblock. Also, be careful that you aren't banking on parking - it fills up quickly when blossoms bloom! However, if you ride your bike, this is probably the best way to see everything in the Arboretum. You may need to park your bike in certain areas though, to be able to walk around. This is difficult at times, as there are parking spaces near key locations, but there aren't nearly as many bike racks - there is a great number of bike parking spaces (racks) at the entrance though! It was a treat this year to see the Satsuki Bonsai abloom in the special exhibits wing this past spring in the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. The colors of pink, white, salmon and blends of all the colors in between were awe-inspiring. They were so beautifully sculpted and cared for, they seemed fake! It was unreal! Such art in nature always exists, but to see the beauty that nature has with the human hand inspires me to think that humans don't always destroy nature but can help and nurture to make it thrive. Other times of the year are also lovely as an escape from the crazy busy chaos of DC. It's so relaxing to come here and walk around. The fall is lovely if you are one of those types. There are so many little gardens near the entrance to explore, which include herbs, flowers (including roses) and plants that are tied together with different themes from history and uses. It's super neat! There are so many beautiful spots here, but I really do love the Dogwood Collection and the National Capital Columns. Just be sure to bring your own water/ hydration, and if you bring snacks, be respectful of the space.

My friend and I decided to meet up and take a walk. She suggested this place and I said ok. I lived in the dmv my whole life and never made a visit here. It was nice and so many places to walk and see, I will come back in the spring to see what spring is like here.

In town just to see the cherry blossoms, I made a quick trip to the Arboretum before I caught my flight home.  First of all, there's free admission, which is amazing. The day I went, the weather was just perfect and the various trees were in full bloom. I was only there for about an hour, but I was happy to walk a few sections where the cherry blossoms were plentiful and varied. I know that the Arboretum has so much more to offer and that I'll make time for it on my next visit to D.C. If you're in town, you should go, too.

if you're coming here for a trip, make it during Azalea season! the flowers here are in full bloom, the joi fish are out, and parking is absolutely unavailable. come early to park near the visitor center which is pretty central, but know you can drive throughout the park and can park anywhere so don't feel required to park at the visitor center (especially when there's no parking). the columns are a must see as they're gorgeous. i brought my friends here and everyone thinks it's amazing dress for the weather. wear shoes to walk in as there's lots of walking