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Gardens in Washington DC

THE 10 BEST Washington DC Gardens

Gardens in Washington DC

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What travelers are saying

  • Becky V
    7249320280 contributions
    Beautiful
    We 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.
    Review of: Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
    Written 1 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ctimms125
    Austin, TX67 contributions
    The models of the buildings inside the gardens were amazing!
    We went in November, so I can only imagine how amazing the gardens would be in the spring. But models of the amazing buildings of Washington DC were made from plants and nestled in the gardens and they were spectacular!
    Review of: United States Botanic Garden
    Written 29 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeff90038
    Los Angeles, CA33 contributions
    Must see bonsai collection
    Went specifically to see the bonsai collection and was quite impressed by the variety, age, and styles. A nice place to spend an afternoon.
    Review of: U.S. National Arboretum
    Written 23 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steven H
    2 contributions
    Dumbarton Oaks is a must visit for any garden enthusiasts.
    The 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.
    Review of: Dumbarton Oaks
    Written 6 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • worktotravel14
    Trenton, NJ2,045 contributions
    Hectic atmosphere with beautiful art
    Of 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.
    Review of: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
    Written 7 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alice
    3 contributions
    Tudor Place is well worth the visit
    I 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.
    Review of: Tudor Place
    Written 30 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Margaret B
    Greenbelt, MD671 contributions
    Beautiful
    Beautiful garden right on the National Mall. Great place to stop in and experience the beauty while in the midst of touristing.
    Review of: Enid A. Haupt Garden
    Written 24 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • paxa
    Washington DC, DC6,827 contributions
    A real hidden gem in the middle of the city
    This 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.
    Review of: Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
    Written 15 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveller
    New York City, NY2,959 contributions
    Beautiful fountain
    I 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.
    Review of: Bartholdi Park
    Written 20 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JoyceZG
    Bellmore, NY63 contributions
    Breathtaking!
    This 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.
    Review of: Mary Livingston Ripley Garden
    Written 28 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jessicafb_16
    King George, VA176 contributions
    beautiful garden to stroll or sit
    What 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.
    Review of: The Bishop's Garden
    Written 9 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, DC5,804 contributions
    HABITAT FOR THE BUTTERFLIES!
    Similar 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!
    Review of: Smithsonian Pollinator Garden
    Written 20 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, DC5,804 contributions
    MADE MY DISAPPOINTMENT DISAPPEAR!
    Unable 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!
    Review of: Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden
    Written 20 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Superlegalbabe
    Grenada2,334 contributions
    Great community garden and dog run in Parkview
    Great 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.
    Review of: Wangari Garden
    Written 12 May 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, DC5,804 contributions
    GLAD TO SEE ANOTHER HABITAT GARDEN!
    Walking 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!
    Review of: The Smithsonian Urban Bird Habitat
    Written 20 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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