Gardens in Washington DC
THE 10 BEST Washington DC Gardens
Gardens in Washington DC
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What travelers are saying
- Becky V7249320280 contributionsWe visited Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens recently on vacation and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful mansion and gardens. Hope to visit again in the spring or summer.Written February 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LANCE O1,127 contributionsThe Botanical Gardens near the east end of The Mall in Washington D.C. are very, very beautiful...we visited during the December holiday season when there were not so many tourists, and had a great time viewing the magnificent outdoors electric train diorama...and then strolling through the wonderful indoor displays and exhibits of an incredible diverse array of plant life.
Quite impressive...would certainly recommendWritten February 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jeff90038Los Angeles, CA33 contributionsWent specifically to see the bonsai collection and was quite impressed by the variety, age, and styles. A nice place to spend an afternoon.Written September 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steven H2 contributionsThe museum is very fascinating with antiquities, and the gardens are beautiful.
There seems to be a surprise around every bend when you explore the vast gardens.
Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to take it all in. The different levels are really unique and it's much larger an area than it looks like from the street.Written December 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - worktotravel14Trenton, NJ2,045 contributionsOf course, when Yayoi Kusama's in the building the Hirshorn becomes an intense experience because it is a crowded. We weren't there for her or her exhibits which we hope to see one day, but we were there to enjoy a second half of an art class, looking at inspiration and then taking in two other beautiful artists works, Laurie Anderson, and Sam Gilliam. Mr. Gilliam's exhibit was particularly special as a local artist, an artist of color who was the van guard, and who had recently passed. The hustle and bustle of the museum can be much to take, but it is wonderful be able to a part of the Smithsonian experience -- and to be in awe that we get to be a part of an era where we honor art as a quintessential experience for humanity.Written January 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alice3 contributionsI had a great experience! It was kind of a shame that I was the only one there for my tour time, but it was also wonderful for me! Stacy was my guide, and she is extremely knowledgeable about the history surrounding the house, including the owners and the enslaved people who lived there. I ended up staying around 2.5 hours for the tour, and exploring the gardens.Written September 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Margaret BGreenbelt, MD671 contributionsBeautiful garden right on the National Mall. Great place to stop in and experience the beauty while in the midst of touristing.Written December 24, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- paxaWashington DC, DC6,827 contributionsThis park is a real hidden gem. I can't believe it took us living in DC forever and just visiting it for the first time. For a garden that's right in the middle of the city it has a charming wilderness and deserted feel to it. We came here in mid August after the peak lotus bloom season but there were still plenty of flowers around. Buggy in a good way - no mosquitos which was a pleasant surprise as the whole place is a marsh - lots of pretty dragonflies and butterflies. Also many egrets, even saw one in flight which is a rare sight. Nice trails around the ponds, boardwalks over the marsh and paved bike trails. A bit tricky to get to when you are unfamiliar with the surrounding streets but now that we know how to get there will definitely visit more often.Written August 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravellerNew York City, NY2,959 contributionsI visited the Bartholdi Park in August 2021. It is located not far from the US Capitol. It has a beautiful fountain which is a good photo opportunity. Bartholdi was the creator of the Statue of Liberty.Written August 20, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JoyceZGBellmore, NY63 contributionsThis garden was a delightful surprise near the gorgeous original Smithsonian building. I loved the spectacular way that all the flowers and plants were arranged. The Horticulturist, Janet Draper, is truly an amazing artist! We met her as she worked, and she told us the history of the original Smithsonian adjacent to the garden. She was very interesting to talk to.Written October 28, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jessicafb_16King George, VA176 contributionsWhat a lovely surprise to find on our visit to the Cathedral. This garden is a decent size and well maintained. It has lots of paths and a few areas to sit. The gazebo is a great spot for photos. Areas range from the green lawn, to an herb garden, a small coi pond, rose garden, hidden fountain, and gazebo of course. The herb garden is built around a baptismal and the sign said it was based on a 9th century monastic garden. I've never seen such huge lilies! The conifer trees were really cool and twisty. A half-tame bunny was helping itself to some weeds on one of the paths. Most of the plants are labeled and I only saw a few weeds. It makes a great foreground to the Cathedral, or visit it all on its own for a bit of peace or a nature re-charge.Written July 9, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,804 contributionsSimilar to the Bird Habitat, this garden is part of the Smithsonian Garden Projects. Its goal is to have a garden designed exclusively for the use of the pollinators like the butterflies and bees. The plants are adequately labeled, noting that they are preferred by these pollinators, either as sources of their foods and places for them to lay their eggs.
Took note of the names of these plants and decided to have them added in my OWN garden beds for 2020 planting season!Written October 20, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,804 contributionsUnable to see the interiors of the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building, I was feeling disappointed. Then I saw this beautiful Garden with big roses and other plants plus a beautiful Fountain! There are benches here to sit down and enjoy the ambience.
My disappointment slowly disappeared as I watched the beautiful hanging baskets with yellow flowers, big rose flowers, people passing by, etc. Rested here about 10 minutes.
Located very near the Smithsonian Institution Building/Castle and the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, stop by and enjoy this Garden!Written October 20, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SuperlegalbabeGrenada2,334 contributionsGreat local community garden and dog run. The community garden has free plot where local resident can apply to grow their own vegetables and fruit. On the other side there is a so called 'Fence free dog park' where there is a gadget you can attach to your dog's collar and let the dog run free. It is against DC law to let your dog go leash free apart from designated area. So for all of us loving dog owner beware, someone got a ticket in here before. None the less, it is a great convenient dog run, the closest dog park is on the 14th street.Written May 12, 2014This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,804 contributionsWalking around the Museum Areas, I came across this attraction, an urban habitat for BIRDS. Plants here are intended to attract birds and make this place their home. During my visit, I did not see any birds yet.
The signage around this attraction made me learn what plants to have in my OWN gardens to attract birds and provide them home. Glad to see that the Smithsonian not only takes care of museums and zoos, but also parks and habitats!Written October 20, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington DC
- These places are best for gardens in Washington DC:
- United States Botanic Garden
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- U.S. National Arboretum
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
- These are the best places for kid-friendly gardens in Washington DC:
- United States Botanic Garden
- U.S. National Arboretum
- Enid A. Haupt Garden
- Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
- Mary Livingston Ripley Garden
- These are the best places for couples seeking gardens in Washington DC:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- Dumbarton Oaks
- United States Botanic Garden
- U.S. National Arboretum
- Tudor Place
- These are the best places for groups seeking gardens in Washington DC:See more gardens for groups in Washington DC on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly gardens in Washington DC:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- Dumbarton Oaks
- United States Botanic Garden
- U.S. National Arboretum
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- These are the most romantic places for gardens in Washington DC:See more romantic gardens in Washington DC on Tripadvisor
- These are the best hidden gems for gardens in Washington DC:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- Dumbarton Oaks
- U.S. National Arboretum
- Tudor Place
- Enid A. Haupt Garden