Established in 1927 by an act of Congress, the U.S. Arboretum's 446 acres provide opportunity for rest, recreation, and scientific study. Visitors will find gardens devoted to magnolias, azaleas and dogwoods among other plants as well as a grove of state trees. Gardeners and birders will find abundant resources as well as hikes and workshops. The arboretum is also home more than 150 bonsai plants, including a Japanese white pine that began as a bonsai in 1626.
Parking and public transportation at the U.S. National Arboretum
There is ample parking throughout the arboretum. Bicycling is encouraged and bike racks are located at each parking area. Visitors may access the arboretum via two entrances: one at 3501 New York Ave. NE, and the other at 24th & R Sts. NE, off Bladensburg Road. The closest Metrorail stop is Stadium Armory (blue/orange/silver lines.) From there, transfer to a B2 Metro bus towards Bladensburg Rd.
Best and worst times to go to the U.S. National Arboretum
There is always something in bloom, but the spring and summer months offer the most vibrant color and diversity of blooming plants at the arboretum. Check out blooming daffodils, and cherry and magnolia trees in March/April; azaleas, dogwoods and roses in May; and lilies and wildflowers in June.
Admission to the U.S. National Arboretum
The arboretum grounds are open daily (except December 25) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for federal holidays. Admission is free.
Must see/do at the U.S. National Arboretum
Don't miss the arboretum's National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. The pavilions and gardens are home to more than 150 bonsai plants including a 200-year-old Japanese red pine and a nearly 400-year-old Japanese white pine that began as a bonsai in 1626.
Other places to visit near the U.S. National Arboretum
Nature lovers will find nearby Kingman and Heritage Islands offer a range of activities from biking and hiking to birding and boating. The islands are just to the south of the arboretum in the Anacostia River. Or, take in a soccer game at the nearby RFK Stadium.
Insider tip for visitors to the U.S. National Arboretum
While the arboretum closes at 5 p.m. daily, night hikes are offered each month coinciding with the full moon. The hikes are at a brisk pace over uneven terrain and are designed to showcase the beauty of the arboretum's gardens, meadows and woods by night. Sign up early as the hikes fill up quickly.
Author's bio: Jennifer E. Cooper is a writer and sometimes artist who has lived in Washington, D.C. for more than a decade. She is currently writing a book about her 3,000-mile walk across the United States.
With over 65,000 plants, the United States Botanical Gardens in Washington, D.C. is a green oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis. From the towering trees of the jungle, small succulents of the desserts, to an incredible variety of gorgeous orchids, the Botanical Gardens offers an amazing experience to everyone from botanists to those who don't know a conifer from a crocus.
Best and worst time to go to Botanical Gardens
While spring and summer are the best time to see blooms (and to visit the outdoor butterfly garden), the sheer diversity of plants means there are no bad times to visit the gardens, which are open from 10 am to 5 p.m. every day of the year. Winter visitors arriving between Thanksgiving and New Years will even be treated to elaborate model train displays set up all over the conservatory, with live music and extended hours on certain nights (check website for details).
Must see/do at Botanical Gardens
One of the most popular exhibits in the Botanical Gardens is a set of balconies which runs around the edge of the jungle exhibition in the conservatory, allowing visitors to get a tree-tops view of the canopy. The orchid display, which features a rotating array of plants from a collection of over 5,000 species, is also a must-see. The 'Plants-in-Culture' exhibition is another great choice; fascinating, educational, and a hands-on experience for kids.
Admission to Botanical Gardens
Admission to the Botanical Gardens is free, and, after a renovation finished in 2001, the conservatory is now completely accessible to all visitors.
Parking and public transportation to Botanical Gardens
While there is limited paid street parking available around the Botanical Gardens, visitors are STRONGLY encouraged to use public transportation. The best way to reach the Botanical Gardens by Metro is to ride the blue, orange or silver lines to Federal Center Southwest, and then to walk up Third street to Independence Avenue (roughly five minutes). Visitors using the DC Bike Share also have easy access to the gardens, there is a bike dock right outside the entrance, at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Independence Avenue.
Food at Botanical Gardens
While there are no eating facilities at the Botanical Gardens themselves, the neighborhoods around the gardens are great places to eat. In the immediate vicinity of the gardens browse second street and D street for some good options. Alternately, take the subway two stops down to Eastern Market and walk along Pennsylvania Avenue or Eighth street, both of which house an incredible variety of amazing restaurants.
Insider tip for visitors to Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens is not only home to plants, it's also home to some great events. From model train exhibits in the winter to live concerts year-round visitors are strongly advised to check out the programs calendar on the website to see what is happening at the gardens while they are in town.
Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at DC cocktail parties.
