USA Botanic Garden

Botanical garden · The Capitol Grounds

USA Botanic Garden

Botanical garden · The Capitol Grounds

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001

Highlights

Discover a hidden gem in D.C. with sprawling gardens, exotic plants, a vibrant conservatory, and a butterfly garden—perfect for a relaxing escape!

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 Get directions

usbg.gov

@usbotanicgarden

@afar

"Park Break One deceptive thing about D.C. is that it looks like a small place, but it’s surprising how much walking you do when you're here. Walking in and between the museums, monuments, and other landmarks, you’ll be exhausted if you don’t pace yourself. So here’s a bit of advice from a local: Take lots of breaks. One of my favorite spots to rest for a few minutes or eat a bite is Bartholdi Park, located in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol, across the street from the Botanic Garden. Most visitors spend their time in the Botanic Garden; few cross the street to this little park. Bartholdi Park was developed as a demonstration garden where folks could learn about and get planting ideas for landscaping their home gardens. For most visitors, it’s less about seeing how plants grow than making use of the benches, tables, and chairs that the park has to offer—not to mention wonderful views of the Capitol and the glass conservatory of the Botanic Garden. A small fountain sits in the center of the garden and helps to drown out the noise from the traffic going up and down Independence Avenue. You won’t even feel like you’re in the heart of the tourist area. A bit of history trivia: The beautiful fountain was created by Frederik Auguste Bartholdi (the park bears his name) who went on to gain fame as the architect of the Statue of Liberty. Metro stop: Federal Center SW"

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View Postcard for United States Botanic Garden

Google

In the winter there is obviously significantly less to see, a ton of ferns and bushes indoors. There are multiple climates shown indoors and that is fun and interesting, very good place to bring a kid who enjoys reading and educational content. Not super engaging for all children, though they do have a children's garden where they can water plants and things. The outdoor area has year-round events and is beautiful in the spring/summer/fall. Highly recommend checking out this FREE garden if you're in the area.

Benedict Uy

Google

The botanical gardens are located at the US Capitol end of the National Mall. There is an outdoor area as well as an indoor greenhouse (conservatory), which opens at different times. Both don't requre a timed ticket for entry. During winter, there aren't many blooming flowers but I went during December and there was a large outdoor model with trains which was really interesting. They also redid some areas to go with Christmas. There were also quite a few interesting sculptures located around the garden like the long-nosed-bat. The indoor one was enormous with a range of different conditions for the different varieties of plants inside. It was quite nice to walk around and look at the different flowers and plants located in the different areas. I thought one of the more enjoyable aspects was trying to find the wooden models of the different memorials and buildings located around the city. At either end of the atrium area there was a shop and the other end had an informative display about interesting plants like the poisonous ones or the ones used for medicine or agriculture. I really enjoyed the wander through the building even though I was a bit rushed. It was a nice place to casually wander and look at and smell some plants.

Tong Yi Tsui

Google

I can't believe that in all my previous visits to Washington DC, I've never come to this botanical Garden simply because I didn't think it would be worthwhile compared to the bigger botanical garden in Bronx. I stand corrected. While this botanical garden may be smaller, the quality of the plants and vegetation, the building itself, and the way that it's constructed is really ideal for a cold rainy day. Not to mention the admission is free. The kids had a blast here and took hundreds of photos for their own enjoyment.

NANCY T

Google

Beautiful place open to anyone and everyone who loves the study of plants or wants to experience the sensual nature of growing living flora. This structure is an unexpected treasure hiding in the heart of DC. Filled with vegetation from many different biomes, plants are accurately and artfully displayed within different chambers inside the building. Staff are very helpful and courteous. I highly recommend a visit definitely once, but more often is suggested as displays and focus changes. For example, the holiday display is magnificent. This is a kid-friendly environment and activities are offered for children to become better acquainted with botany.

Serena Liao

Google

I always enjoy visiting this place, feels refreshed, happy and peaceful, even though with all the other visitors around me. We visited during the orchid exhibits, nice to see different varieties of orchids, plus the rain forest, and different gardens around the world. Go no matter the time of the year.

Adish Rao

Google

Got to visit the garden during the Washington Landmark exhibition and was blown away by the re-creation of these landmarks using natural materials. Was definitely worth the visit. The outdoor trains were also super cool! Highly recommended! And it’s all free!

Christina

Google

We visited here during New Year holiday. What a beautiful place! Huge indoor greenhouse! Holiday time special exhibition is wonderful. Outdoor sculpture and train show is fabulous as well. Admission is free. We had good time here.

Leo

Google

A extremely beautiful location it is a must when visiting Washington and is such a good contrast to the many museums in the area. All the plants and flowers are beautiful however the recommend wearing light clothing as it is very humid.