Disconnect from the noise of the city and take a few days to relax and let yourself be carried away by the enchanting nature. Discover the garden of America in Washington D.C, a beautiful place that will show you an incredible variety of flowers that will impress you. Stroll and explore all the trails, activities and secrets that National Arboretum hides.
Activity/Places highlight
Walk among trees, meadows and floral plantings in this magical place in eastern Washington DC. The National Arboretum is a unique site in the world, inside it preserves and exhibits trees, shrubs, flowers and other varieties of incredible plantings. This place is ideal for a quiet afternoon, with lovely paths and trails where you can walk or ride a bike. There are also greenhouses, ponds, and fountains that give life to the garden of 180 hectares.
All parts of the garden are very well maintained. The beautiful trails take you to incredible secret places, such as the strange columns of the National Capitol and a wonderful plaza lit up by the sunlight. In addition, you will also arrive at a fountain located around a group of columns donated after a remodeling of part of the United States Capitol.
Collections
National Arboretum has a variety of collections of special plants and flowers. If you go first, you will be received by thousands of azaleas. Meanwhile, the colors of the Dogwood collection are wonderful from early on. You also have the option of knowing the peaceful Herb Garden, the fragrances and the colorful Asian collection.
It is impossible for you to miss the Bonsai collection. It is considered one of the best collections in the world since it has these small trees of up to 400 years. You can also admire the intense green splendor of the Holly and Magnolia collections. In addition to the almost mystical tranquility offered by the redwood forest at dawn.
How to get there
The nearest airports are College Park Airport (CGS), about 13 minutes by car and Reagan Washington Airport (DCA), about 14 minutes by car. The main entrance is on R Street, two blocks north of Bladensburg Road. The National Arboretum is located in the heart of an old and somewhat ramshackle part of the city. Because of this, it is better to arrive by car. If you do not have your own car, the staff will be happy to call you a taxi for your return.
When to go
Go to the end of April until June to enjoy floral exhibitions or mid-October for flat colors.
How long
This is an amazing place where you can spend a day and go around some parts easily. however, you will only see a fraction of what the National Arboretum offers. This is due to the great variety of collections, trails, and places to see.
Opening and closing hours
The gardens are open every day of the year, except on December 25. They open from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. The national museum of Bonsai and Penjing opens from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. The latter open every day, less federal holidays from November to February.
Planning
There are several tours that National Arboretum offers, they are for a maximum of 30 people. You must book 2 weeks in advance. There are no restaurants in the Arboretum, so it is best to prepare for a picnic. There are areas that allow picnics in the garden and eat surrounded by endless plants and flowers. As for accommodation, there are several hotels near the garden, book the one that suits you.
Inside Information
A 35-minute tram-narrated trip is available several times a day on weekends and holidays, from mid-April to mid-October. It is also important to know the rules of the place. Some of them, pets are allowed while they are leashed and are trained not to bite or make needs near the plants. It is allowed to eat in the picnic areas and on the terrace of the information center. In addition, it is not allowed to damage the plants and flowers, not to step on the bushes, as well as to take them from where they belong.
History
Hidden on the east side of Washington, DC, the National Arboretum was launched in 1927. However, it had its real start in 1935 during the Depression. The Civil Conservation Corps dedicated thousands of hours of work to create the different areas and roads we see today.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Without a doubt, when thinking about visiting Washington it is impossible not to think about the white house. Believe it or not, if you can enter the presidential house and take a walk through the halls and the different rooms. The only essential thing you should know is that to visit the white house, you must request permission to visit in advance through the website. It is recommended to request.
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