Gardens in Washington DC
Top Gardens in Washington DC, DC
Gardens in Washington DC
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Historic Sites • Gardens
Upper Northwest
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Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Georgetown
Gardens
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- I visited this place🇨🇭🇺🇸🇨🇦🇫🇷🇬🇧Israel13,129 contributionsPROS
• Beautiful exhibits
• Very green and verdant
• Relaxing and refreshing
• Bubbling water outside
• Great and surprising location
• Easy access to other “stuff” such as our U.S. Capitol
CONS
• Hot and humid inside the tropical forest
“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… because I suggested the idea to Mrs. Place and Sister Place, since they were coming with me on one of my runs through everything that there is to see and do at our National Mall.
As for me, I split the time also viewing our nation’s Capitol Building (from as close as permitted) and discovering and exploring the James A. Garfield and Ulysses S. Grant statues- you can see my reviews and “helpful” photos of those three attractions.
TIPS
This place is unusual and unexpected to find here- it is definitely worth a visit, so go there.Written 7 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - whiskeysixNorth Carolina301 contributionsHillwood Estate houses an impressive and beautiful collection of Russian, French, and English objects of art and furniture.
We arrived at opening as walk ins, and spent an hour and a half walking around the beautiful, well maintained grounds and visiting the current Princess Grace dress exhibit. You can make your tour reservation online. After the home tour, we visited the cafe. We didn’t realize we should have made reservations there as well because they were full, but it was no problem because the to-go window was perfect! We spent almost three and a half hours enjoying the estate and resting at lunch.
There is a lot of shade and places to rest. There are elevators as well for those who need it.
Hillwood Estate participates in the Blue Star Museums program which runs through Labor Day. My family and I very much appreciated the complimentary access to the home and grounds.
I had been planning to visit this place for years and don’t know why I waited so long. What a hidden gem! I highly recommend visiting!Written 12 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Anne B61 contributionsWe stopped at the US Arboretum on our way into DC with my extended family and two nieces under the age of three. There was lots of room for the girls to run and play. The bonsai exhibit was phenomenal. The only downfall was the signage is a little bit unclear. It could’ve been difficult if we weren’t able to read a math effectively. My parents are planning to come back and spend additional time when they have the chance.Written 27 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CloCroHouston, TX210 contributionsSo glad we went out here, so peaceful and gorgeous gardens. The cherry blossoms had just a few people around, which was nice. We got some of our best photos here!
Other gardens were beautiful as well. Worth it!Written 30 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Arthur GEndicott, NY635 contributionsOur visit was a bit too early in the season, but the ranger was helpful in finding some blooms for us. Serene and quiet with some wildlife.Written 23 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- steveSedona, AZ6 contributionsIn the Georgetown neighborhood the gardens are a hidden gem. We meandered through the property in about 45 min. Flowering roses and dogwoods provide color against the lush green landscape. I would suggest some pesticide free bug spray.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cruiser5795215 contributionsThe Hirshorn always has exhibits that are worth stopping for. Unfortunately about 1/3 of the museum was closed. But it’s free and near so many other things… definitely worth the stop.Written 22 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- blairkk25New Jersey2,924 contributionsI visited the Enid A. Haupt Garden in August 2021. It is located behind the Smithsonian Castle. Once you exit the Smithsonian Castle there is a nice garden with hedge rows and flowers and there are two other gardens. I did not linger because it was a hot and humid day.Written 20 August 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 28 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- blairkk25New Jersey2,924 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 20 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jessicafb_16King George, VA163 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 9 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,690 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 20 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,690 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 20 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,690 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 20 October 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 12 May 2014This 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:
- U.S. National Arboretum
- United States Botanic Garden
- 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
- U.S. National Arboretum
- United States Botanic Garden
- 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
- U.S. National Arboretum
- United States Botanic Garden
- Tudor Place
- 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