The United States National Arboretum is one of the best-kept secrets in Washington, DC. While the nation’s capital gets nearly 22 million visitors a year, the National Arboretum only gets about 500,000 visitors. Especially when it comes to cherry blossom season, this area is a gold mine!

The first time I visited the National Arboretum, I had no idea what to expect, and therefore didn’t get the most out of my experience. Learn from my mistakes, my friends!

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What can you expect while visiting the National Arboretum?

These 446 acres of agricultural land, located just 2 miles from the nation’s capital, are connected by roadways that span 9.5 miles. That’s A LOT of nature to find in the middle of a major metropolitan city! 

Visiting the National Arboretum can be a centering, relaxing experience. You will get to surround yourself with some of the most beautiful lands in the DC area. It can also be a bit overwhelming to try and discern exactly which areas to hit (and why), or it can be underwhelming if you don’t see the right things. 

That’s where I come in! This post is designed to help you plan a visit to the National Arboretum.

In this article:

• Basic information
• A little history
• Best time to go
• 3 reasons to visit the National Arboretum
• FAQ

Basic information

Hours: 8am – 5pm daily (closed on Christmas)

Bathrooms: There are bathrooms located in the same building as the gift shop. The gift shop is permanently closed, but the bathrooms remain open and are located on the left side of the building. There are many stalls and they were in decent condition when we went!

Getting there: The easiest way to get to the National Arboretum is by car. It’s a 40-minute walk from the nearest metro station, but is only a 10-minute drive from the Capitol building. If you don’t have a car, Uber or Lyft are great options. The entrance from R Street entrance is closed after 2 p.m. on weekdays, so you’ll want to use the New York Avenue entrance after that time. For more info and driving directions, visit the Arboretum’s website.

Parking: Parking is free throughout the facilities. I would recommend parking in the big lot at the main entrance, but there are also plenty of little pull-offs throughout the grounds if you find this parking lot full. 

A little history

The United States National Arboretum was established in 1927 by Congress as a designated area for research conducted by the US Department of Agriculture. Another motivation for designing this facility was for educational programs and at large, to provide the community with a public garden. 

Getting these gardens off the ground (pun intended) was no easy task. Congress signed off because of the well-suited soil and physiography, and the fact that there were no established buildings on the land, but this was only the beginning of the process. 

President Calvin Coolidge signed $300,000 for this project only ten months later. It was initially 189 acres, and then six years later it grew by another 196 acres. Although it has grown to the 446 acres that now occupy the arboretum, there are hopes that it will still continue to expand. There have been rumblings about adding a Chinese garden since 2003, but when construction was set to begin in 2016, the project was canceled. Hopefully it will get picked up again in the future.

Best time to go

In my opinion, the best time to visit the National Arboretum is in March when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. You get to experience the absolute bliss of the blossoms without the crowds of the tidal basin!

Depending on the kind of experience you want, you can either drive through the nine miles of roads snaking through the grounds, or you can walk for 2-3 hours to experience it up close. Of course, you can cut your walking journey short and only see the highlights; there is a walking tour of the cherry blossoms that is really fun to follow!

3 Reasons to visit the National Arboretum

1. Experience the cherry blossoms without the crazy crowds. 

The National Arboretum is home to three dozen of cherry blossoms. It’s a delight to walk through the spread, and though they are relatively far apart compared to more popular areas for cherry blossom viewing, they still give a fabulous experience.

There is a self-guided tour that includes 40 stops, and is definitely worth it if you have the time! You can view more information about it here.

2. Discover new species of plants. 

The grounds at the National Arboretum are HUGE. There is a vast collection of plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. It features various gardens and exhibits, such as the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, the National Herb Garden, the Asian Collections, the Azalea Collections, and the National Grove of State Trees.

National Arboretum Collections

The Asian Collections: Featuring trees from East Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea. Highlights include Japanese maples, cherry blossoms, and Chinese dogwoods.

The Gotelli Conifer Collection: A collection of coniferous trees from various regions, including pine, spruce, fir, and cedar species.

The National Grove of State Trees: A collection of trees representing each of the 50 states, showcasing the diversity of trees found across the United States.

The Azalea Collections: Renowned for its stunning display of azalea blooms in spring, featuring a wide range of colors and varieties.

• The Boxwood Collection: Featuring different species and cultivars of boxwood, including traditional and rare varieties.
• The Holly Collection: A diverse collection of holly species and cultivars, known for their glossy green foliage and colorful berries.

National Arboretum Plans

Herbaceous Plants: The arboretum includes various gardens and displays showcasing herbaceous plants, including:

• The National Herb Garden: Featuring a wide range of culinary, medicinal, and aromatic herbs, organized by theme and use.
• The Perennial Collections: Displaying a diverse array of perennial plants, including flowers, grasses, and ferns, arranged in thematic gardens such as the Fern Valley and the Dogwood Collection.

Bonsai and Penjing: The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is one of the highlights of the arboretum, featuring a world-class collection of bonsai trees and penjing landscapes. These miniature trees and landscapes are meticulously cared for and represent centuries of horticultural tradition and artistry.

Native Plants: The arboretum emphasizes the conservation and promotion of native plant species through various collections and displays. These native plants play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife.

Rare and Endangered Species: The arboretum participates in conservation efforts to preserve rare and endangered plant species, both through its own collections and collaborative research programs with other institutions.

3. Take in the uniqueness of the National Capitol Columns. 

These 22 corinthian columns were originally part of the US Capitol building’s original construction, which began in 1828 and was completed in 1864.

They removed the columns from the Capitol building during a renovation project in the 1950s. Architectural changes to the Capitol necessitated the removal of these columns, and they were replaced with new ones. Rather than discarding the old columns, they were preserved and eventually found a new home at the National Arboretum.

The Corinthian columns are made of sandstone and stand at a height of 30 feet each. They’re huge! There are 22 columns in total, arranged in a semicircular pattern reminiscent of their original placement at the Capitol. Standing in the middle of these is a surreal experience; not to mention, totally instagrammable!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Arboretum?

An arboretum is a specialized type of botanical garden that focuses primarily on trees and woody plants. It is a place where various species of trees and shrubs are cultivated, studied, and displayed for educational and scientific purposes. Arboreta (plural form of arboretum) often serve as living museums, conservation sites, and research centers, providing opportunities for people to learn about different tree species, their habitats, and ecological importance.

How long does it take to walk the entire National Arboretum?

On average, it may take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours to walk through the main areas of the National Arboretum at a leisurely pace, taking time to appreciate the scenery and points of interest along the way. However, if you plan to explore all the trails, gardens, and collections in detail, it could take longer, potentially half a day or more.

What can visitors expect to see at the National Arboretum?

Visitors can explore a diverse range of plant collections, including ornamental, native, and exotic species. Highlights include the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, the National Herb Garden, the Asian Collections, the Azalea Collections, and the Gotelli Dwarf and Rare Conifer Collection.

Are there educational programs available for visitors?

Yes, the National Arboretum offers various educational programs, workshops, and tours for visitors of all ages. These programs cover topics such as gardening, horticulture, conservation, and botany. Schools and other groups can also arrange guided tours and field trips.

Is there an admission fee to visit the National Arboretum?

No, admission to the National Arboretum is free. However, some special events or programs may have associated fees. Donations to support the arboretum’s mission are always welcome.

What are the operating hours of the National Arboretum?

The National Arboretum is open to the public every day of the year except December 25. Operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM from April through September.

Is parking available at the National Arboretum?

Yes, free parking is available on-site for visitors. There are designated parking areas near the main entrances of the arboretum.

Are pets allowed at the National Arboretum?

Pets are welcome at the National Arboretum but must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Some areas, such as the National Herb Garden, may have restrictions on pets.

Can visitors bring food and drinks into the National Arboretum?

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages for picnics in designated areas. However, alcohol is not permitted on the premises.

Is the National Arboretum accessible to individuals with disabilities?

Yes, the National Arboretum strives to be accessible to all visitors. Accessible parking spaces, restrooms, and pathways are available throughout the arboretum. Wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Center.