Top 5 Best Gardens in D.C.
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Updated March 20, 2024
Washington, DC has so many great attractions and things to do, from museums to monuments. One type of attraction that is often overlooked is the gardens around the city. Everyone knows about the Cherry Blossoms, but all the other gorgeous blooms don’t always get their day in the sun (see what I did there?). Next time you’re thinking of outdoor things to do in the capital, here are my top 5 best gardens in D.C.
1. Dumbarton Oaks
Price: $11 for garden admission from March-October. November-February is free.
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Best Time to Visit: Spring
My Favorite Blooms: Magnolias, Wisteria
Dumbarton Oaks is at the top of my list of best gardens in D.C. for many reasons. It has a wide variety of plants and flowers, so no matter when you visit, something will be blooming or at least leafy and green. Even in the winter (when the garden is free!), there is green everywhere. The gardens are also big enough that you never feel like you’re on top of other people, which I love. I like to pretend I’m the only person walking through a secret garden while I’m here, which is easy to do.
Beyond the gardens, Dumbarton Oaks also has a fantastic museum, and even better, it’s always free! The exhibits explore Byzantine art, pre-Columbian artifacts, a textile room, a music room, and my favorite, the rare book gallery.
2. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Price: $18 regular admission
Neighborhood: Forest Hills, near Rock Creek Park
Best Time to Visit: Summer
My Favorite Blooms: Japanese Maples, Orchids
Hillwood Estate is a close second on my list of the best gardens in D.C. for a lot of the same reasons that Dumbarton is #1. It’s big enough to not feel crowded, it’s got wonderful exhibits to explore beyond the gardens and something is blooming all year-long. One of my favorite aspects of Hillwood is that you can rent a picnic blanket for free (just ask anyone at the front desk). This is such a great perk to be able to find a spot and enjoy the fresh air and people watching.
Along with the gardens, which feature a Japanese-style garden, a greenhouse, a French parterre, and even a putting green, Hillwood has much more to offer. The mansion/museum is worth a tour for its opulence, and the rotating exhibits are also worth a visit.
3. United States National Arboretum
Price: Free
Neighborhood: East of D.C., near Ivy City
Best Time to Visit: Spring
My Favorite Blooms: Azaleas, Bonsai Garden
If you’re looking for a getaway a little removed from the city, the National Arboretum is a must-visit. With 446 acres to explore, this the largest garden on my list. This means you can visit numerous times without seeing everything. One thing to keep in mind is that you will need a car to fully enjoy the Arboretum, since it is so large. Whether you want to see azaleas or Japanese bonsai trees or the herb garden, there is literally something for everyone here.
A unique and fun feature that the Arboretum may be best known for are the Capital Columns. Originally on the East Portico of the Capital building, the columns are on Ellipse meadow and are definitely worth a stop.
4. Enid A. Haupt Garden
Price: Free
Neighborhood: the National Mall
Best Time to Visit: Spring
My Favorite Blooms: Magnolias
A hidden gem in the heart of D.C. is the Enid A. Haupt Garden. Located steps from the National Mall, adjacent to the Smithsonian Castle, this garden is lovely during any season. It is particularly gorgeous during the Spring, however, when the Magnolias bloom. *Tip: the Magnolias bloom around the same time as the more famous Cherry Blossoms, so come here for less crowds.
Although compact, this garden feels much bigger because of its many little nooks and benches tucked away in the foliage. There are numerous places to sit and relax while feeling like you’re not in the middle of the city. I have spent many an afternoon enjoying the garden while eating a donut (if y’all don’t know by now, I’m donut-obsessed!), before easily heading to my next museum or monument.
5. United States Botanic Garden
Price: Free
Neighborhood: Capital Hill
Best Time to Visit: Winter Holidays
My Favorite Blooms: Everything!
For another garden close by all the museums and monuments, the U.S. Botanic Garden is perfect. Unlike many gardens, the Botanic Garden is most popular (in my opinion) during the winter. Although a great place to visit year-round, the conservatory is a warm refuge when the temperatures drop. Plus the poinsettias and other holiday decor are only available from November to January.
If you cannot make it during the holidays, it’s still worth a visit. Between the orchids, the butterfly garden and the tropics section with a canopy walk, the Botanic Garden is a no-brainer if you love gardens.
I hope that you have found a new garden to explore or a newfound interest in visiting the capital after reading my top 5 best gardens in D.C. And if you’re interested in more hidden gems in D.C., stay tuned!
5 Comments
Syd
The photos are gorgeous! I had no idea there were so many amazing gardens in D.C.!
Jordan
They definitely take a back seat to all the amazing museums and monuments. But they are wonderful too!
Bri
Wow these are stunning gardens!! Would love to visit them
Valeriya Goffe
Lovely post about the gardens to visit in DC! I’ve been to some and planning to visit the others the next time I’m in DC. Love spring in this city, there are so many trees and flowers blooming.
Jordan
I hope you will get to visit soon! I agree, Spring in DC is my favorite. It’s just so gorgeous!