United States National Arboretum — Attraction in Washington

Overall it was an enjoyable first visit for the 3 of us. There are a few natural hiking & walking trails, but the Koi pond and the bonsai museum were the highlight of our visit. There is a surprising lack of trees throughout. Most of the place looks more like a meadow, field or grassland than an arboretum — after all, the word “arboretum“ literally means garden of trees. And surprisingly much of the walking paths are concrete or asphalt. The only exception was the Fern Valley; it was small, but lush, tree-lined with a natural walking path.

Tip #1: In the summer, go very early or late afternoon and bring ice water as not only is there not much shade, few places to sit down, but only vending machines for bottled water, refreshments & snacks; they only have a small water fountain offering free room temp water which had no water bottle filler. At an arboretum I expected a more environmentally friendly option than a one-time use plastic bottle of water for people to get a cool glass of water.

Tip #2: Many of the plants & tree specimens are not labeled as they apparently rely on their online app. to provide this information, so download that and become familiar with it before going.

It would be nice if they offered guided tours on Saturday mornings for a fee and/or some public education gardening programs such as: Creating a rain garden, benefits of a rain barrel/composting, encouraging bees & other pollinators, using native plants, xeriscape landscaping, basics of good tree pruning, etc. I also didn’t see any information on volunteering, but hopefully they offer such a program to offset costs since many ppl would love to have the opportunity to garden/weed in a National Arboretum.

I’m sure it would be more enjoyable in the Spring, especially when the cherry trees are in bloom or early Summer. We went on a hot mid-July morning, which clearly influenced my review. I did enjoy the educational information posted in the lobby of the visitor center lobby such as how to plant/trim a tree, but an expansion of this concept in the form of classes or videos and detailed displays of bad tree pruning would be even more useful & educational.

In summary, we had a pleasant, though quite warm, experience…but short of what I expected from an National arboretum. This could be far more beautiful, inviting & functional with more natural trails, shade trees, and sitting areas, as well as tours and other educational public programs for a small fee. Having a rain-garden installed or other similar water-preserving methods with information on a plaque would create a wonderful educational opportunity for...

Phew, had the most unpleasant experience there, which was honestly totally unexpected.

For a family weekend in DC, we decided to stop by the Arboretum to check out the conifers and bonsais to take a break from the busyness of downtown. We made it right inside the park to the columns and we got out to walk around them. We snapped a few photos of the surroundings on our phones. As we headed on to the fern forest a security guard flagged us down and asked if we had a photography permit, to which we said no. She then told us we had to leave the park immediately and that she had just told another group taking photos the same. We said we didn't know you needed a permit and she said there were signs. There was indeed one small broken-off sign next to the columns that said you need a permit for commercial photography. We ensured her our phone photos were not for commercial use. She said it didn't matter. We got in our car and looked on the website and it said that you are welcome to take photos on the premises but need a permit if it is for commercial use--which is totally understandable. So we drove up to the visitor center to ask what to do. The security guard chose to follow us and proceeded to yell at us by the visitor center. It all seemed completely blown out of proportion. We shared with her once again that the website states you can absolutely take photos in the Arboretum as long as they are not for commercial use. She kept yelling "it didn't matter" what the website said, and that we needed a permit. When we walked into the visitor center and asked for the photography rules, the person behind the counter gave us a printout of the same rules that were listed on the website ("National Arboretum guests are welcome to take photographs of the grounds, plants, nature, and collections as they explore the public gardens as well as snapshots of themselves and others in their party; a permit is not required in these cases."). However, when she heard the security guard had told us we needed a permit, she all of a sudden said we did and also asked us to leave. It was overall so unpleasant and genuinely so confusing. There were so many more respectful ways they could have handled the situation, but it is safe to say that our family is too scared to...

The National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. is a truly enchanting destination that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. My visit was filled with awe as I walked among the majestic columns, traversed under stunning pergolas, and explored the beautifully designed pathways. One of the highlights was the bonsai garden, which is a marvel of miniature horticultural artistry, showcasing an incredible collection of meticulously cared-for trees. The entire Arboretum is a fantastical place that offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, providing a perfect retreat for nature lovers and casual visitors alike.

A particularly memorable experience was witnessing a total solar eclipse there. The environment and ambience of the Arboretum elevated the event to an extraordinary level, making it a profoundly powerful experience. The combination of natural beauty and meticulously maintained gardens creates a perfect setting for such celestial events, adding a unique dimension to the viewing experience. The National Arboretum is not just a place to visit but a place to experience, offering a unique blend of tranquility, beauty, and inspiration. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a casual visitor, or someone looking to witness extraordinary events like an eclipse, the Arboretum provides an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after you leave. Each visit reveals something new, making it a destination worth returning to time and again.

The staff at the Arboretum are knowledgeable and passionate about the plant life, offering insights and information that enhance the visit. Seasonal events and exhibitions ensure there is always something fresh to see and learn. The Arboretum's commitment to conservation and education makes it a valuable resource for the community and a must-visit location for anyone in the...