The U.S. National Arboretum is a 446-acre public garden and research site in Northeast Washington, DC, with gardens, wooded paths and open meadows to explore. See the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the flowering tree collections and the 22 Corinthian columns that once stood at the U.S. Capitol. Spring brings cherry blossoms and azaleas, including the Hamilton Hill collection. The grounds are spacious enough for a long walk or a picnic, but their size makes this a better stop if you have time to move between areas.
A garden and research site in Northeast DC
The U.S. National Arboretum was established in 1927 by an act of Congress. It is a public garden and a center for botanical research and plant conservation, with collections arranged across 446 acres in Northeast Washington.
The grounds bring together cultivated gardens, wooded areas, meadows and roads. You can explore on foot or by bike, and some visitors drive between the different sections. Give yourself time to move around: the collections are spread across a large site, rather than gathered in one compact garden.
Bonsai, penjing and plant collections
The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum displays carefully shaped miniature trees. Its collection includes specimens more than 200 years old, and is one of the arboretum’s central attractions. The National Herb Garden and Flowering Tree Walk offer a different way to explore plants, while Fern Valley focuses on native plants.
Other collections include aquatic plants and the National Grove of State Trees. The arboretum’s grounds are also used for botanical research and conservation, so a visit brings gardens and plant collections together in one place.
The Capitol Columns in Ellipse Meadow
The 22 Corinthian columns in Ellipse Meadow once formed part of the U.S. Capitol’s East Portico. They were removed when the Capitol was expanded and later placed at the arboretum. Standing apart from the surrounding gardens, the columns are a distinctive landmark and a popular setting for photographs.
The open meadow around them makes this a good stop between garden areas. Their shape and scale are especially striking against the surrounding landscape, with long shadows in the later part of the day.
Seasonal flowers and walks
Spring is a strong season for flowering trees, cherry blossoms and azaleas. The Hamilton Hill Azalea Collection is one of the arboretum’s notable spring displays. Cherry trees are spread around the grounds, so the blossoms appear in different areas rather than in one single grove.
The collections change with the seasons. Camellias are noted from mid-autumn through early spring, while other flowering trees and plants add color at different points of the year. Walking routes and roads connect the gardens, wooded areas and open spaces; the scale of the grounds makes a leisurely pace more comfortable than trying to see everything quickly.
Planning your visit
The arboretum is at 3501 New York Avenue NE. The site is large, and driving can make it easier to visit several areas in one outing. Walking and biking are alternatives, though you should plan for a substantial amount of time outdoors. The grounds include roads used by cars and bikes.
The arboretum has a mobile app with self-guided tours. Download it before arriving if you want to use it, as on-site Wi-Fi is not available. Spring weekends can draw families and other visitors, so a quieter visit is more likely outside the busiest seasonal periods. Admission is free.
Perguntas frequentes
Is admission to the U.S. National Arboretum free?
Yes. Admission to the arboretum is free.
How long should I spend at the National Arboretum?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours to explore a few collections and the Capitol Columns. The grounds cover 446 acres, so seeing more areas takes longer.
What are the main things to see?
Highlights include the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the 22 Capitol Columns, the Hamilton Hill Azalea Collection and the flowering tree collections.
When is the best time to see blossoms?
Spring is the time to look for cherry blossoms and azaleas, including the Hamilton Hill collection.
Can I get around the arboretum by car or bike?
Yes. Visitors explore on foot, by bike or by car. The grounds are spread out, so driving can help you move between areas.
