Top 10 Gardens in DC

I’m not going to lie: I do not like winters. I am not one for snow and all snow related activities. My reason is a very practical one: I am thinking of all the cleanup I will have to do afterwards and it depresses me. Spring, however, is my favorite season of all. Yes my seasonal allergies might be through the roof, but I still love seeing nature coming back to life and witnessing the various pops of colors. A favorite pastime of ours in the Spring is to visit the many gardens in our nation’s Capital. Covid-19 definitely put a damper on our Spring excursions but a couple gardens remained open, much to our relief! Here are our top 10 gardens in the DC area.

Disclaimer: as lockdown orders are slowly lifted, I will try to update on the status of each garden. However I would still urge you to check hours of operation before heading out there.

Updated September 7, 2022

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U.S. Botanic Garden

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC, 20001

Located next to the Capitol building, the US Botanic Garden is a must-stop on the National Mall. Plants from all around the world are housed in this 29,000 square feet space. Besides learning about the different plants, my daughter likes to roam the grounds and the Conservatory and get her hands dirty (literally!) at the Children’s Garden. There kids can use the gardening tools and dig, water, plant in a very hands-on activity. The Children’s Garden is only open Spring to Fall so make sure to plan accordingly.

Furthermore kids 3rd to 6th grade can set off on an adventure within the Conservatory as a Junior Botanist. Working in teams and armed with a special backpack, they will be able to explore room by room, filling up different activity sheets and participating in various hands-on activities. Adults with an ID can pick up the Junior Botanist Adventure Kits at the Visitor Information.

• Admission to the US Botanic Garden and its programs is free.
• Closest Metro stations: Federal Center SW, L’Enfant Plaza and Capitol South.

National Arboretum

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC, 20002

Home to the original columns from the East Portico of the US Capitol, the National Arboretum sits on 446 acres of green space Northeast of the city. The vast area consists of multiples trees, shrubs and plants all blooming at different times during the year. We like to spend the day here, bringing a picnic along. We always make sure to stop at the Bonsai garden: for some reason my daughter gets a kick at the bonsai trees and cannot stop laughing at all the “little” trees.

• Admission is free.
• Closest Metro stations: Stadium Armory

Dumbarton Oaks

1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007

A beautiful estate from a bygone era, Dumbarton Oaks is tucked in the Georgetown residential neighborhood. This 100-year old estate offers 16 acres of terraced gardens, vistas, orchards, meadows and wooded pathways. Ideal place to get lost into. Springtime showcases the beautiful wisteria and tulips all around the gardens. Dumbarton Oaks is one of our favorite gardens in DC.

• Hours of operation: 2 to 6 pm Tuesday through Sunday
• Admission is $10 but free in the Winter season (November 1 to March 14)
• Closest Metro stations: Dupont Circle or Foggy Bottom are both over a mile away.
• Two-hour street parking is available

Tudor Place

1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC, 20007

A couple blocks from Dumbarton Oaks is Tudor Place. Another grand estate from a time now bygone, it is now a National Historic Landmark.

• Free self-guided tours of the Garden
• Closest Metro stations: Dupont Circle or Foggy Bottom are both over a mile away.
• Two-hour street parking is available

Enid A. Haupt Garden

12 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20219

Set behind the Smithsonian Castle, this well manicured garden is set to be modern representation of American Victorian gardens. We love this garden for its magnificent magnolias trees. When they bloom, a little before the famed Cherry Blossoms, they turn the garden into a beautiful sea of pink color. The magnolia flowers also have a distinctive sweet smell adding a little more hmmpph to this magical garden. Peak bloom doesn’t last long as the delicate flowers cannot sustain wind and heavy rain.

• Admission is free
• Closest metro: Smithsonian

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC, 20019

Nestled near the banks of the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington DC, the 12-acre Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens features lotuses, water lilies and other wildlife. The family-friendly Lotus and Water Lily Festival is held annually. This special event is held over 2 days and features cultural performances, family games, arts and crafts, all against the backdrop of blooming lotuses and water lilies.

• Free admission
• Closest metro is Deanwood
• Free limited parking on site

Franciscan Monastery

1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, DC, 20017

The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is a historical landmark and an oasis of peace in the middle of DC. A little off the beaten path, it is the perfect place to avoid crowds. The beautifully landscaped gardens go well in hand with the magnificent architecture, a replica of the Holy Land.

• Viewing hours: 9 am – 4:45 pm
• Guided Garden tours are offered every Saturday during the Summer: 11 am & noon
• Admission is free although donations are welcome
• Parking is free on site
• Closest Metro: Brookland

Brookside Gardens

1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902

Located in Montgmery County, Maryland, Brookside Gardens boasts several gardens and 2 indoor conservatories. The gardens are divided into distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk.

• Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking.
• Closest Metro: Glenmont (one mile away)

Hillwood Estate

4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20008

The former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood Estate is now an arts museum (the Faberge eggs collection is worth a visit). The fabulous grounds have a definitive European flair, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

• Admission: $18 for adults and $5 for kids 6-18 (a couple dollars cheaper if purchased online)
• Open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday
• No metro access but parking is free

Bishop’s Garden at National Cathedral

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20016

Another favorite gardens in DC, Bishop’s Garden is set on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. The Garden comes alive in the Spring with magnificent magnolia trees, tulips, orchids and other exotic flowers.

• Free admission. There is on site parking, a garage or you can also park on the street (meter applies)
• Closest Metro: Cleveland Park, Woodley Park-Zoo

I strongly encourage you to visit these beautiful gardens as it can be refreshing for your physical and mental state. What’s your favorite gardens in the DC area? Maybe one not referred in the post? Please let me know in a comment.

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