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National Arboretum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Botanical Gardens [Edit]
3501 New York Ave NEWashington, DC 20002
(202) 245-2726
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
62 reviews for National Arboretum
62 reviews in English
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Review from Kacey C.
Arlington, VA
2/7/2012
I love this place. I even love it when it is 95 outside and I'm sweating to death lugging a bottle of water saying, "we have to see this next!" while my boyfriend snaps pictures of me looking less than glamorous. Bring water, bring your camera, and someone who likes to walk. It is possible to drive through the grounds and park at various locations.
We were able to make it during the special events bonsai exhibition this past summer and it was aaaamazing. Really. I'm going to have to go back when it is not quite so hot and plants are still alive. The original Capitol columns are definitely worth stopping by before you leave.
Check out the website for up to date events and activities and whats blooming when. -
Review from vanessa g.
Washington, DC
1/3/2012
Absolutely love this place, think of it as a museum of trees. This park is insane and keeps everyone happy.
Let's start with the bonsai exhibit. This is a very expansive exhibit and there is a phone feature where you can follow the tour with audio info through your phone. Delicate bonsai trees as old as 300 years are here and are quite exquisite.
The herb garden is well organized with specific themes pertaining to the herbs, such as culinary herbs and medicinal herbs. The garden seems well tended to and I did not see many damaged plants at all.
The Koi pond seems to be everyone's favorite here as it gathers crowds around it. Massive Koi swimming right at you in hopes that you will throw them a bit of food no doubt. The Koi are amazing creatures and truly beautiful.
there is an area of the Arboretum that is dedicated to all of the states trees, it's pretty cool.
There is a gift shop and there is usually a food stand near the koi pond. The indoor area of the arboretum is also quite informative. There are several benches and water fountains throughout the park as well.
The original columns of the Capitol building are her and they are massive. This park is well maintained and the exhibits are taken care of.
This is perfect for picnic, tree huggers or anyone wanting to stay way from the Claustrophobic tendencies Dc is inclined to. -
Review from Ryan M.
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing, absolutely loved it. Really well-done. If you think you've been to an arboretum before, you're wrong.
The National Arboretum really does live up to the hype. Our favorite area was probably the herb garden, but loved the bonsai garden, capital(ol?) pillars, grove of the states, and just having easily accessible trees whose leaves had changed for fall pictures. Will definitely be back in the other seasons to see a completely different park.
Also of note was the amount of people who came here to jog or bike; couldn't think of a much better place.
And the price can't be beat (read: free).Listed in: DC's Hidden Tourist Gems
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Review from Sahar R.
In the light of the full harvest moon, the werewolves and vampires emerged...
Ok, there were no werewolves or vampires, and I am not trying to write the next twilight novel, just draw your attention to the Full Moon Hikes at the National Arboretum. A group of us signed up in August for a guided hike of the National Arboretum by the light of full moon. The hardest part was navigating a car full of women to the actual gates of the National Arboretum off Route 50 (follow the directions on their website) and not your GPS.
In the description, they say this is a "four-mile-long, mildly strenuous hike through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods." It's not a stroll, or tour, but a true hike with a tour guide who obviously could do a 7 minute mile easy. The guide will ask that you walk behind him and not talk (because the way the sound carries, everyone can easily hear conversation so it's best to be silent). Walking at a brisk place you will follow the guide and your group into moon illuminated forests and fields, and it feels like you should be humming "Stand by me".
At the first stop, the guide will stop you in the middle of a dark thicket and ask you in the dark, "does anyone know what poison ivy looks like?" Then he'll turn on his flashlight and point them towards a whole bunch of poison ivy covered trees directly in front you. Me and poison anything does not mix. I can be anywhere in the vicinity of poison oak, sumac and ivy and manage to blow up like Will Smith in Hitch. According to the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, I was the first person in history to get poison oak by just walking by the exhibit. So I immediately popped about three Benadryl, which made me sleepy.
Even as a drugged up zombie, I truly appreciated the many opportunities for awesome night photography shots. Especially when you clear a large meadow and find former U.S. Capitol columns eerily arranged in the middle of nowhere. These are the relocated columns from the East Portico, complete with their reflecting pool.
The guide will continue to stop every a few times and highlight points of special interest. You'll learn about the stinkiness of female ginkgo balboa plants and why they're banned, marvel at a majestic HUGE oak tree and walk through one of the largest herb gardens I've seen in awhile.
After two hours, you've worked up a little sweat, soaked in some knowledge and perhaps enjoyed a lovely romantic night hike with a special someone (warning: lots of couples, so this is a great date idea). I highly recommend late summer/early fall offering to anyone interested in a little night time adventure.Listed in: I've got five on it.
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Review from Juliet S.
10/30/2011
My husband's words to me when we left after our first visit: "Maybe you shouldn't review this place on Yelp...the fewer people that know about this place, the better!"
And so, I am conflicted. Keep the glory of the National Arboretum to ourselves (well...and everyone who already knows and loves it), or share with others? I can't be THAT greedy...
Like so many other people, we have driven by the National Arboretum a zillion times with all the intention in the world of one day visiting. On a lazy Sunday afternoon replete with sunshine, I suggested we finally go visit. (My husband has called DC home since 2003 - six years longer than I!) I suppose the only drawback is that one must really have access to a car in order to visit. The Arboretum is nowhere near a metro, and I have no idea which buses even come close to the entrance.
The Arboretum at first struck us as very "nice". But the longer we stayed and meandered through the grounds (...I even took a nap, I felt so at ease...), the more we realized that this place was far more than just nice. Still in DC, but you feel transported many miles away. It is peaceful, tranquil, and calm. A more-than-nice place to come and relax, go for a run, or just admire the beauties of nature on display.
We were a bit thrown off by the columns until we read about them. Originally part of the Capitol, and donated post-renovations about 20 years ago, they do look a little...out of place? I mean, this isn't Rome we're visiting. Quirky, yes, but one can't deny that their presence is striking - in a good way.
The herb garden, the ferns (see if you can spy the frogs and tadpoles under the bridge!), and the bonsai gardens are just wonderful. Even though the grounds are not over-the-top, and really quite simple, it is impressive that this place exists and is so well maintained.
Not sure if there is much reason to visit in the winter, but certainly autumn, spring, and summer give plenty of reason to come and spend a few lazy hours. -
Review from Michelle W.
Alexandria, VA
10/28/2011
So I actually really love this place. All the other reviews can tell you how beautiful the trees and flowers are.
Every time I have had to ask the staff something the service has just been really poor. One time I needed to use the restroom so I went into the visitor's center which said it has bathrooms but when I asked the guy working there he told me to, "go to the house across the street. There are more bathrooms there." ok... so I get out and look for a house but there's nothing. It took me a few minutes to find the gift center which is what he was talking about and it was around a corner. Also, the bathrooms were really dirty. I'll spare you the details but it was one of the worst public bathrooms I've ever seen.
The worst staff experience I had was last week though. After driving through the tunnels in DC to get here my husband left the lights to the car on and when we got back to it the battery was dead. No problem, there are a bunch of security trucks around. When I went to ask the staff for help I was told, "Our security staff won't give jumps." Seriously?! It would take 5 minutes. How hard is it for someone to take five minutes and jump me? I really found that ridiculous. And he wouldn't give me a reason either.
So my advice is to come here, enjoy the beautiful trees and flowers but make sure you are well prepared, because if you need any assistance from staff you probably won't get it. -
Review from Penelope W.
Rockville, MD
10/23/2011 1 photo
I'm hopeless for gardens, flowers, and nature. I can't believe that it took so many years for me to get to the National Arboretum. The moment I arrived I regretted not making the commitment to go earlier in my life. This is one of the most beautiful places in DC and I consider it a hidden treasure. It's away from all the touristy areas and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. You can get lost in this place for hours. Although the parking lot is completly filled, you never feel like this place is crowded.
I chose to do the self guided walking tour so I could take my time to do whatever I wanted. As much as I love flowers, I can't tell them apart and I'm worse with herbs. Fortunately everything is labeled in this place! You learn about the different varieties of basil, peppers, rosemary, etc.
This is a wonderful place for a date or to wow your out of town guests. -
Review from Danny V.
7/26/2011
I hesitated visiting this place for many, many years and I can't believe what I was missing. My loss.
Need to detox and de-stress? Photo student in search of a several great photo ops? Hiker in search of different scenery? Tired of running in hectic D.C. streets and sidewalks? Hiding from your ex and in need of a place where he/she'll never find you?
National Arboretum.
Have a picnic, bring a camera and bring a friend. This is a forgotten side of D.C. and often passed over
by tourists and locals alike.
Whether you are planning to spend an hour or half a day- just go.Listed in: Off the Beaten Path
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Review from Cristina G.
Washington, DC
8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a surprise! I have lived in DC or 7 years now and never made it out to the Arboretum and what loss it has been. This place is amazing! Beautiful flowers, trees of all sorts, an herb garden that makes me envious and a Koi pod that is amazing. All of this is free! I said FREE! What a gem of a place. I could see this as a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery when the weather gets a tad cooler.
Tourists and locals should give this place a visit. -
Review from Rahul J.
10/9/2011
Superb! The herb garden, the bonsais, the columns. Too bad we had just an hour here. I will be back for sure. What a restful place. A little out of the way but yet in DC.
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Review from Ryan R.
Ashburn, VA
8/11/2011
This is my go to place even though I have yet to get there without first getting lost, and doubt I've ever been during flower season. I personally just love the Bonsai plants, very interesting stuff to me for some reason (I blame Karate Kid). The koi pond is pretty nice as well. Last time I stopped by there, a crane or stork kind of thing was near the koi pond deck. (You know that guy that advertises those pickles? One of those!) Anyways, I thought that was pretty awesome.
And I agree with the other poster, if you like to take photos this is the place to go to. I have 4 bonsai plant pictures in my living room from this place. Even gained enough knowledge about Bonsai there that I have ventured into the art myself. 50 years from now my tree will be pretty flippin' sweet! -
Review from olivia d.
7/21/2011 ROTD 8/11/2011
after driving by the arboretum for years and years, seeing people's awesome reviews on it, and thinking "hey, we should go there someday," we finally stopped by on a sunny saturday with lunch and a huge nalgene water bottle.
in a word, this place is lovely.
except this is yelp and there's no way i can just write a review summed up in one word, so let me go on and hear myself talk.
the main building has a large koi pond with an impressive array of fish, from little bitty ones to huge ginormous ones. on weekends, you can buy fishie food from a little machine for 50 cents and feed the little monsters. it's crazy -- the little ones will flop all over the big ones, and practically hop out of the water, and it's a fishie mob scene. great fun. a few tables and chairs with umbrellas dot the patio around the pond and make for a perfect family lunch scene. they also sell some food on site.
within a very short walking distance from the main building, there is a bonsai garden, herb garden and the old corinthian columns from the US Capitol.
i haven't tried the tram tour or seen the full extent of the grounds, but i hope to check it all out soon. it's so cliche, but this really is a hidden gem in the city. -
Review from CLARENCE J.
Arlington, VA
4/16/2011
(I'd probably give this a 2.5 if I could.) This is an okay place for a nice walk. I greedily expected more though -- my impression was that it would be even bigger and, for some reason, more isolated from the sights and sounds of the city despite its proximity. Maybe on a second visit I'll be able to enjoy it more, but this time I spent the whole time annoyed by how I still felt squashed by the city instead of at least in a comfortable green oasis. I also wanted more critters around -- the few birds and the groundhog or three didn't scratch the itch.
Aside from my greediness, there are a wide variety of plants, which is definitely interesting, and the setup is nice. And it -is- a good size, with driving or riding the tram the most convenient method to go between some areas. And it's free, so the price is right. It's probably also a great place for a bike ride, with some moderate hilliness (the highest being a steep-ish 241-ft hill), wide roads, and little traffic. -
Review from Erica W.
Washington, DC
5/8/2011
I love this place. I can't believe I've lived here for almost 4 years and I just discovered this gem. It's a great place to ride a bike and enjoy the views. The azaleas are absolutely beautiful.
My favorite part might have been watching the koi fight for food. You can buy a handful of kibbles for 50 cents and the koi will literally jump over each other to get at the food. Hilarious, but also a little gross.....those things are huge!
This is definitely my new favorite place to escape the city. -
Review from Keon D.
9/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Hidden gem in dc
Lately I've been making a point of coming to places I've never been in DC and this place fit the bill. The arboretum is very large and has ample parking and connecting roads where you can drive further into the park and park closer to certain attractions. Like many others said, when you enter here you felt like you've left dc.
Inside you'll find several areas with different sets of plants. Also not far from the arboretum is kenilworth aquatic gardens. Neat things to see here are the national capital columns (sometimes people get married here), pond with water lillies and koi fish, and some beautiful gardens near the administration building. The last time I was here I was fortunate to see lots of butterflies come near some of the flowers. In here is so large you cant really see it all in one go easily and I also read they have hiking tours.
I recommend coming here to see something new in dc :-) -
Review from Valencia G.
Fairfax, VA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Never heard of this place until I was bored and was on yelp. For some reason this popped up and I thought this would be a great place to check out. it's on the border of DC but it is sooo close to MD. It's off of New York Avenue and I feel that the place is so unknown due to the fact that it is not metro accessible. It will stay unknown for a long time due to that. Upon arriving I was so happy to go in the fall so that we could see the changing of the leaves and enjoy the weather without it being too hot or too cold. There are an incredible amount of plants and trees. The place is huge and having the benefit of driving to each place really helps. Do yourself a favor and drive to each place. One thing I wish I would've known is to bring my dog. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them and of course keep them out of the plants. If I were to come again i would definitely bring my dog as its a great place for them to walk around as I would drive from place to place.
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Review from Zach G.
Washington, DC
4/12/2010 ROTD 8/16/2010
Despite the fact that I live less than 2 miles from this place, I only managed to get there for the first time last weekend. I probably never would have bothered, if not for my buddy Sean's suggestion that I run here since my normal route on the Mall was going to be overrun with tourists and Cherry Blossom 10 Miler runners. What a gorgeous place and what a great place for a run.
This place really makes you feel like you've left DC. When I left and ran back through Trinidad to get home it was pretty depressing. The colorful flowers and trees are a pretty stark contrast to that neighborhood. There are lots of secluded, but beautiful areas where people spend a few hours reading, meditating, or just enjoying the environment. I was there at midday on a weekend and even then it was nowhere near crowded. I definitely see myself coming back to run and maybe other times to enjoy a lazy afternoon just lazing around or reading. I really want to check out this bonsai museum others have spoken of too.
My only complaint was the signage. I understand the desire to keep it unobtrusive to minimize the impact on the natural beauty, but a map of the place at a few of the intersections in the interior of the arboretum would really help with navigation. On the whole though, awesome place. -
Review from MacRae O.
5/9/2010
The *only* reason the arboretum gets four stars instead of five is that it would be even more ah-mayyyy-zing if it had even more funding -- because it's already an amazing, wonderful place. (Are you listening, federales? Drop more bones on places like the arboretum and our fabulous national parks instead of wars and more highways. Got it?)
Love to spend time here at the arboretum getting hep to all the plants of the world. There's an entire bonsai garden filled with precious wee trees; an Asian garden; a redwood stand; a grove of each state-tree in the U.S.; an azalea garden that's insanely grand in early spring; a conifer forest...It goes on and on.
Having this oasis of flora smack in the city is pretty cool. It's a great place to stroll around, have a picnic (just don't bring your wine, or the arboretum po-po will roll up in their Excursions to reprimand you -- trust me), or take a more rigorous walk in a beautiful setting. Despite what some others may say, the gardens *are* well-manicured, well-maintained, and well-taken-care-of; the in-between spaces are wild and free like they should be. And, like so many other great DC institutions, the arboretum is FREE!!!
My biggest complaint about the arboretum, tho, is that it's hard to get from site to site in this sprawling expanse of nature as a pedestrian...you have to walk the windy, one-lane, unpainted roads contending with all the vehicle traffic. Annoying to have to constantly check your theoretical rear-view lest you end up roadkill. Also, there could be a few more water fountains. Actually, there could be ANY outside the visitors center. Why build bathrooms here and there and not add water fountains? Bring your water bottle! -
Review from Bradley N.
Missoula, MT
12/15/2009
Five stars if they made the cars park outside. New York Ave in DC can be quite rough during commuting hours. Well, pretty much ALL the time, if we are being honest. So it's incredibly helpful and perhaps more than little ironic that one of the most serene, zen-like places in the District is hidden nearby in plain sight, separated from the well-worn, patched-up pavement and long, impatient lines of idling automobiles by only a stone wall and some imposing metal gates. The National Arboretum truly ranks above the museums and the Mall when it comes to great spots to visit in DC. You walk, you photograph, and you admire the beauty of landscaped nature. It's a simple formula, really, but an amazingly effective one at that.
The bonsai and penjing specimens inside and out are extraordinary, some hundreds of years old while others are still little children in their 30s and 40s. Regardless of their ages or provenance, they all beg to be admired in silent reverence, as if you were passing through sacred space. The springtime azalea blooms are legendary (and draw in the CO-spewing SUVs that the plants must LOVE), and the fall colors are vibrant and splendiferous. I bet it's neat during a winter snowfall, too, or shortly after a violent, cloud-bursting thunderstorm has driven off some of the city's equally-legendary humidity in the summer.
Each time I came here, I left a little bit more in tune with the non-human world, and I always gained some additional respect for the women and men who maintain these green spaces in such pristine condition, despite the heavy usage they get, in part b/c the admission is free.
So, the next time you're stuck in DC traffic, hang a left on Bladensburg Road and come here for a few minutes, or a few hours, of bliss. Your car won't mind. The cherry blossoms get all the hype around these parts, but it's in the National Arboretum where the real magic happens!Listed in: Mr N. goes to Washington
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Review from Sam R.
Ashburn, VA
3/24/2009 5 photos
You + date + picnic items + beautiful weather = in like flint.
OK, granted I haven't tested out the theory since I actually came with my girlfriend to shoot some photos and walk around. But there were plenty of other couples on the grounds with the right idea. Next time a picnic will be in order.
For some reason in my mind I thought this was going to be a small park that you could simply walk around easily. Umm - NO. You could walk the whole park, assuming you love hiking and hate your feet. Much easier to drive and park or better yet bring your bike.
Beautiful grounds, bonsai and the ever present capitol columns. Once you're in the park it does feel like another world away from the city. -
Review from Libby F.
1/31/2010 2 photos
Winter isn't really the best time of the year to take in all that the National Arboretum has to offer. It just so happened that DC had an unusually warm day in January and my friend and I decided this would be a nice place to stroll around for an hour or so.
The Bonsai Museum is really cool and they have an impressive collection of orchids too. The looming U.S. Capitol columns are a site to be seen. Wouldn't it be fun to exchange your wedding nuptials here?
Did you know you can find the official state tree for all 50 states here? So they they! There is a wall with the names of all the state trees and an etching of their leaves.
This is a great piece of DC land to explore by bike or foot. Dogs are allowed too. Best of all, it's free. -
Review from chas w.
Washington, DC
2/3/2010
Probably the most under-appreciated place in Washington DC. I only have two complaints:
Stay open later in the summer when daylight lasts until 9 p.m.
If a dog is off leash but not bothering anyone, let the dog run. -
Review from Monty C.
Arlington, VA
7/9/2008 1 photo
For those DC area residents that play tour guide on a regular basis and find themselves running out of fresh ideas, you may want to consider taking your next group of friends/relatives/passersby to the National Arboretum. Check their web site first though to see what is in bloom.
Highlights of the park include the original National Capitol Columns from the east portico of the Capitol Building. Replaced with marble pillars some time in the 1950s, these sandstone columns are arranged in a sprawling meadow overlooking a little reflecting pool.
The large collection of Bonsai trees are arranged among three or four little pavilions. One of these little trees has been in "training" for damn near 400 years. That is some serious OCD.
The herb garden is packed with smelly plants. You will find yourself saying stuff like, "Oh, that's what cinnamon looks like. Hmm."
The administration building is built over the top of a small pond full of big fat Koi fish and water lilies. Feeding time for the fish is guaranteed to thrill little kids and old ladies with cameras.
If you are a first time visitor to the DC area, the National Arboretum is a destination you shouldn't feel bad about skipping. Unless you are a hardcore horticulture enthusiast, there are tons of other free attractions that are much easier to access. -
Review from Michael H.
Washington, DC
3/15/2008
I do enjoy a nice lay on the lawn in front of the columns. Be sure to sprawl out with your partner(s) of choice.
In spring, the azalias are really nice. The grounds explode with color.
The new bonsai buildings are fantastic. Be sure to see the Japanese bonsai that has been cultivated ("in training") since 1625. That's only a few short years after the settlement of Jamestown!
The state trees exhibit, while laudable, needs some better signage and organization.
There are no good ways to get here by bicycle. You risk life and limb on busy streets. Plus, there are grates at the side with humongously wide slats that seem to be designed to swallow up bike tires whole, spitting out the poor cyclist onto the pavement. Luckily this did not happen to anyone in my party. Once you get there, though, the grounds are nice to ride around. -
Review from Nicole G.
Alexandria, VA
8/16/2010
My family was visiting from Canada and after spending the previous day in the city with all the crowds, the arboretum was exactly what they needed. We arrived early and spent the morning in the bonsai museum, ate our picnic lunch that we brought with us and then spent the afternoon walking through the dogwood and Asian collections. It was a wonderful day, great weather for walking and we all really enjoyed ourselves.
Great place to take out-of-towners! The bonsai garden is amazing. Bring lunch with you and eat by the koi pond. -
Review from Laura L.
Oh NATURE! The National Arboretum is often forgotten treasure in our great city of DC, but it's definitely worth a visit for a number of reasons.
One: it's free. It's a pretty good locale for an outing if you're bored and broke (I tend to find myself in that position often, and am usually left with less than desirable, free activities to choose from). I spent the day here with friends photographing all the neat things that were there.
Two: koi pond-- for 50 cents, you can get a handful of koi fish food and feed hungry packs of koi fish at pond- when was the last time you can say you've done that?!
Three: the bonsai garden-- so. many. tiny. trees! The sizeable collection of trees would make Mr. Miyagi shed a tear... or five. More bonsais than you can shake a (bonsai) stick at!
Four: the Capital Columns-- just like the name implies, they're huge columns. One of those things that you'll have to see in person to know how impressive they are.
Well worth a visit if you want to have that "get away from the city" feeling but only drive a few miles away. -
Review from angela n.
4/4/2010
We visited yesterday, smack in the middle of cherry blossom season, so the arboretum was probably more touristy than usual. But the park is so huge that it's easy to avoid the crowds to find peace and quiet. Less easy to avoid are the bees. Sooo many bees. Their constant buzzing was like a light saber that wouldn't turn off. And we saw more than one terrified child, and even a couple adults, freak out because "this damn bee won't stop stalking me!"
Tips:
- Pick up the cherry blossoms map in the visitors center. The cherry blossoms aren't as plentiful or concentrated as on the tidal basin, but the specimens that are here are gorgeous.
- Bring your bike, your dog, and/or a picnic.
- And don't miss the bonsai and Ikebana Japanese flower arranging exhibits. They're wacky.
Downsides:
It's totally far from the Metro. Unless you're willing to wait for the B2 bus (which comes every 20 minutes or so on weekends), you'll have to drive, unfortunately (There's tons of free parking). In fact most visitors come in cars. Also, the walking paths double as roads, so keep an ear and eye out for cars. -
Review from Chris T.
Washington, DC
1/31/2009
It's a pleasure living near here. 3 minutes on a bike or 10 minutes by foot and I can be in an alternate universe. Rarely crowded, the other people at the park seem to be there for a similar reason that I am: a peaceful break from the major tourist destinations downtown and a chance to escape the concrete jungle of government buildings. Because of this, there is a sort of mutual respect amongst attendees and everyone kind of just goes along on their own merry way.
It's also a great place to run or ride your bike away from cars and the crowded multi-use trails. With several good hills and miles of paths, spending 60 minutes tooling around the Arboretum at a decent pace is a good workout and infinitely more fun than an treadmill or elliptical at a drab, stinky, gym.
This fall the park was amazingly beautiful as the leaves turned and I'm looking forward to April when everything starts blooming.Listed in: Welcome to land of the Rising…
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Review from Jamon B.
Washington, DC
4/20/2010
This is now one of my favorite places in DC. I can't believe it took me years to finally get here, but it was worth the wait.
Come here during cherry blossom season to avoid the crazy crowds on the Mall. There are just as many cherry blossoms, and you don't have to put up with busloads of Alabamans.
But it's even better because there is so much to see other than the cherry blossoms.
The bonzai museum is spectacular! 300 year-old trees. What's better than that? The Capitol columns and the magnolia grove are also pretty darn cool. -
Review from Brian W.
Takoma Park, MD
8/17/2006
Shhh!
Don't tell the tourists how great this place is. Let's leave this a local's hidden treasure. There's a bonsai museum, a national grove of state trees, the azalea collection, a dogwood collection and more! If you have even a remote interest in gardening you'll love this park.
Don't miss the National Capitol Columns which originally supported the East Portico of the Capitol. Seeing them majestically standing on the hilltop is worth the drive all by itself. -
Review from Jeff S.
Washington, DC
5/7/2007 2 photos
I was pleasantly surprised. We visited the arboretum because it was "something we had not done yet." It was great. There are plenty of trails to walk and sights to see. Who new a walk through the azaleas would be so cool. The original Capital Columns are also cool to visit.
There was plenty of space but their were a lot of people when we visited. It turns out their was a bonsai show and sale, so we had to maneuver through the grounds to find parking.
People bring picnics, sun, bike ride and just hike the grounds. This is a must do, especially if you think you have seen everything in DC. -
Review from Kim B.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2010
When I created a Yelp account, I had certain expectations. Certain expectations such as my first review would most definitely be about a food-related place (I mean, let's not kid ourselves, I *do* eat a lot...), yet when I sat down to contemplate places I've recently been, the Arboretum is what jumped into my mind. It is THAT awesome.
I'm in the process of checking things off of my "Things to do in DC before I move back to California" list, and one of my friends suggested we check the Arboretum out. Sure, why not, I'm a fan of nature and free stuff. I was blown away! Super old bonsai? Koi practically leaping out of the water to greet you (until they realize you don't have food for them)? State tree grove? Yes, please! Oh, and my personal fav, the Capitol columns! Okay, I know they're not exactly of the plant variety, but I was enamored. As in I probably took at least fifty pictures of them before my friend managed to drag me away.
We went during the weekend and drove in. It's true, having a car to drive from place to place was convenient. We also did a fair amount of walking and still didn't see everything it had to offer. What I would bring with me next time: picnic, water, book, the dog that I wish I had, and a shirt that wouldn't have given me such strange tan lines from meandering out in the sun for so long. I might've checked it off my list, but that doesn't mean I won't be back! -
Review from Jennifer S.
Arlington, VA
8/17/2006 3 photos
Brian W beat me to the punch.
I love this place for all the same reasons (and more). It is over 400 acres of green treasure in the midst of Rt 50 (NY Ave) where everything else seems filthy dirty. You can actually feel free to breathe deeply here. I was here once during the spring and could easily see spending hours just walking the grounds (and maybe lying on the grass some too). He is so right about the columns also - GORGEOUS (this history of which can be read on the website). This is a must visit if you are ever in this neck of the woods or need an excuse to be. -
Review from Karman L.
Boston, MA
7/22/2007
Peaceful, quiet, nice, clean, wonderful....can't believe I didn't bring my parents here when they visited me last week!
The garden has a serene atmosphere...Japanese Garden was relaxing...
Can't wait until they build the Chinese Garden...looks great in model =D
http://www.flickr.com/...Listed in: Say Cheese! It's a Kodak…
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Review from Mel B.
Washington, DC
9/3/2007
This is a great place to go on the weekend and have a picnic on the grass right below the Corinthian pillars that one stood as the east portico of the US Capitol.
After going to the arboretum in Illinois, I was pretty spoiled- it's 1700 acres and every inch is gorgeous. The National Arboretum is beautiful but also has tons more potential. In fact, they have about $2,000,000 worth of planned projects for their 2020 Vision, which includes a Chinese Garden, more walkways, etc and it looks money.
The herb garden is so educational and the bonsai pavilion is amazing- some of those bonsais have been tended to- or "in training" as their plaques state- since the 1600's which is incredible.
If you're a photographer I highly recommend this venue- the covered walkway with the Corinthian in the background; the Corinthian pillars themselves; the curly onions in the herb garden; and the pagoda entry way into one of the bonsai pavilions all make for wonderful shots. -
Review from Craig M.
Acton, MA
10/14/2008
I agree with the other Yelpers - this is an often forgotten piece of heritage you wouldn't normally associate with the monuments of DC. I took my parents this past weekend (Columbus Day) for National Herb Day and it happened to be the Annual Orchid Festival as well.
The Arboretum is several hundred acres in NE DC that I never really knew about. Plus, admission is free - just like the other national museums. And the Tram ride through the park is totally worth the $4 and 45 mins it takes to complete. An audio tour is played while you navigate among the US largest single collection of rare and ornamental trees.
I'm sure the arboretum is a real treat in the spring and early summer when things are in bloom, but it was simply breath taking with the changing fall colors. I saw many folks jogging and walking in the park, while others sort of drove around. It seemed as if everyone's spirits had been lifted in this place - I definitely recommend it! -
Review from Mark S.
6/24/2009
FREE FREE FREE FREE
PROS: It's free, it's huge, it's beautiful
CONS: have to drive yourself or take the metro bus. metro does NOT come to this area. also the neighborhood that this park is located in.. seems a bit shady.
Lights of cool sights.. great place to go for a long walk or to spend the day. -
Review from Emily D.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2009
My favorite place in DC to get a nature fix.
Best parts of the arboretum: the incredible koi pond with hundreds of large colorful fish, the bonsai trees (especially in the spring), the relative lack of tourists, and the Japanese garden, particularly when the wisteria is in bloom. -
Review from Erin D.
4/2/2011
Once I get there, which can be a bit of a pain without a car, I love the arboretum. It's a wonderful place to spend a few hours on a nice day, and aside from the koi pond, it never seems to be crowded.
My personal favorite highlights:
*Koi pond. Throw in an entire handful of food (available for a quarter) at once, and those greedy little piggies will swim on top of each other, completely out of the water, to get at the kibble. Maybe this isn't the best for the fish, but it's highly entertaining.
*Bonsai garden. It is amazing to see the variety of trees and shapes they have in there, and some of the trees are hundreds of years old. Everyone hates going with me to the bonsai garden because I take way too long marveling at everything.
*Capitol columns. Well, not the actual columns, but those are pretty cool too. There are a few benches if you work your way into the field, which are a great place to get lost in a book.
*Herb garden. Take a little bit off the plants and taste the different herbs they have - another great way to spend an hour!
*The trails around the Asian Collections leading down to the Anacostia River. This is a beautiful and refreshing little hike.
There's also a bunch of little trails running throughout all of the collections in the arb. Bonus points because dogs are a-okay, except in the bonsai gardens. -
Review from Gabriela M.
Towson, MD
7/13/2010
OK the one thing I really dont like about this place is you have to get in your car and drive from highlighted areas... DO NOT think you can walk... the staff was not so helpful, when I asked where the next place to go was, they didnt say I should drive there, I ended up walking for a vvverry long time... which was not fun.
MUST SEE bonsai collection... so... so cool
I remember getting here somehow through the subway system, and not complaining, so mustve not been to far
