The U.S. National Arboretum is a sprawling 446 acre park maintained by the Department of Agriculture. Its main purpose is to increase the value of plants through research and conservation. But with 9.5 miles of pathways winding through fields and forests, the arboretum is also one of Washington DC’s best hiking spots. Grab a map from the visitor’s center to keep from getting lost in the large and hilly expanse. Entrance to the National Arboretum in DC is completely free.
You won’t be able to miss the National Capitol Columns, the arboretum’s most famous attraction. Twenty two sandstone columns that once graced the U.S. Capitol Building now hold up the sky in a vast field surrounded by trees. It is a favorite spot of local photographers.
Other spots worth seeking out include the Grove of State Trees, Fern Valley, the Dogwood Collection, and the National Herb Garden. Note that if you plan to climb Mount Hamilton for a view of the Capitol Building, the view is mostly obscured by trees. But the thousands of azaleas covering the slopes make for a lovely walk in late summer and early autumn. In fact, the National Arboretum is one of the best places in DC to view fall foliage.
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is located within the arboretum. Bradford pear, Japanese maple, quince, gingko, and even California Redwood trees can be pruned into delicate shapes with time and patience. During the autumn, the leaves of the miniature trees turned brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange.
Getting There
The National Arboretum is located in Northeast Washington DC and is best reached by car. There is ample free parking if you drive. “Stadium-Armory” is the nearest Metro stop and can be accessed via the Blue/Orange/Silver. It’s a long walk from the station, but Metrobus B-2 services the route.
Would you like to visit the National Arboretum in DC in the Fall?
The park is amazing, so Chinese so I bet you felt like being in China in some way. The leaves and trees look so charming during the autumn and I wish I was there right now. Dongguan is very hot these days.
It was so pretty, I felt like I was back in Shanghai’s Yu Gardens!
What a lovely space! I had no idea it was so large. Love the Bonsai garden – the leaf colors are spectacular! We’re still pretty green down here. Great photos!
Thanks! We’ll have to visit the park in the spring when the flowers are in bloom!
I grew up about 2 hours away from D.C and I can’t believe I never knew about this!! Gorgeous photos-you’re making me really miss the fall! Here in SE Asia, it’s aaaaalways summer.
I know, isn’t it incredible?! I definitely recommend a visit when you are back in the States. I want to go in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom!
Look at all those gorgeous colors! And I love the bonsai trees
The bonsai trees were definitely a highlight. I had no idea they could come in so many shapes and colors!
The park is awesome beautiful. Can’t believe that small tree, Japanese White Pine, is 388 years old! its so small.
I know, it’s crazy to think that it’s been passed from one person to the next, each expertly pruning the branches. I don’t have that kind of patience!
Why didn’t I go here when I was in D.C.? This looks right up my street and would have been a welcome respite from museum after museum after museum!
I read that the park only receives 500,000 visitors a year, and most of those are probably locals. It’s a shame it isn’t better advertised! Now at least you have something to look forward to on your return visit 🙂