The National Arboretum isn’t exactly unknown. It’s operated by the Department of Agriculture and is a major center of botanical research. But even though most people know it’s there, it’s one of those places that DC locals sheepishly admit they’ve never seen. The biggest reason for this is because the Arboretum is a little bit out of the way. In the Northeast corner of DC, there’s no metro stop close by and not many buses go up there, except for the B2 Metrobus. But the National Arboretum is worth the effort to get there for it’s natural beauty and stunning flora and fauna.
The Capitol Columns are a crowning achievement at the Arboretum.
Flickr/Geoff Livingston The columns were part of the original US Congress building and moved to the arboretum when the Capitol was expanded in the 1950s.
The Arboretum is 446 acres and has many garden collections with a wide variety of specialities, including an herb garden and the National Grove of State trees, among others.
Flickr/pcouture Visitors are free to wander through the gardens.
There are benches and secluded spots to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Flickr/pcouture You can also bring a picnic lunch and relax on the lawns or at the picnic tables on the grounds.
The Bonsai collection is one of the most popular attractions at the Arboretum, which features a stunning collection of Bonsai trees.
Flickr/pcouture The collection began in 1976 when Japanese bonsai enthusiasts donated 53 bonsai as a gift for the US Bicentennial and the collection has grown steadily.
There’s also stunning birds, bugs, and fish at the Arboretum, including a koi pond and butterflies and various birds throughout the grounds.
Flickr/Stephanie Clifford
What’s wonderful about the Arboretum is that the nature differs with the season.
Flickr/Katja Schulz You can get a completely different visit in the fall than you would in the spring.
Most visitors forget that they are even in DC surrounded by serene gardens.
Flickr/Blake Patterson It’s a popular spot with joggers, bikers, and dog owners, all of which are allowed in the Arboretum.
The National Arboretum is the place to bring your friends, your partner or your children, grab a camera and enjoy the natural beauty.
Flickr/0975
Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks to the Arboretum is that you can quickly lose track of time and spend hours in just one exhibit!
Flickr/DC Gardens
So don’t forget to bring a watch and remember, you can always return, no matter what time of year!
Flickr/Michael Bentley
Don’t miss all of our our hidden gems in Washington DC!
Flickr/Geoff Livingston
The columns were part of the original US Congress building and moved to the arboretum when the Capitol was expanded in the 1950s.
Flickr/pcouture
Visitors are free to wander through the gardens.
You can also bring a picnic lunch and relax on the lawns or at the picnic tables on the grounds.
The collection began in 1976 when Japanese bonsai enthusiasts donated 53 bonsai as a gift for the US Bicentennial and the collection has grown steadily.
Flickr/Stephanie Clifford
Flickr/Katja Schulz
You can get a completely different visit in the fall than you would in the spring.
Flickr/Blake Patterson
It’s a popular spot with joggers, bikers, and dog owners, all of which are allowed in the Arboretum.
Flickr/0975
Flickr/DC Gardens
Flickr/Michael Bentley
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