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United States National Arboretum, Washington DC

3501 New York Avenue Northeast, Washington, District of Columbia

Description

The United States National Arboretum comprises various themed landscaped gardens, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, the National Grove of State Trees (all 51 of them) and artistic elements such as the National Capitol Columns (a set of 22 Corinthian columns which were once part of the East Portico of the US Capitol building). It also functions as a major center of botanical research conducted by the USDA and holds an extensive herbarium (over 800,000 specimens) documenting wild and cultivated plant diversity. Trivia: 'penjng' is the ancient Chinese art of depicting artistically formed trees, other plants, and landscapes in miniature.

Access & Transport

The National Arboretum is located in the northeast section of Washington, 5km from the US Capitol. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Avenue, NE, and the other at 24th & R Streets, NE, off Bladensburg Road. The closest metro station is Stadium Armory Station on the Blue and Orange lines, 3km to the south. Directions info: https://www.usna.usda.gov/visit/hours-and-directions/

Instructions & Recommendations

Pets must be leashed at all time and picnic is restricted to designated areas. Playing ball, flying kites, fishing, rollerblading and other sports activities are prohibited.

Meta review

Probably because it is out of the city center with its profusion of museum and monuments, the National Arboretum is comparatively less well known but it still, overall, gets very good online reviews. Visitors describe it as large with plenty to see; not world class maybe but free and with many highlights such as the bonsai and azalea collections. It is also a great place for a walk or picnic and a good cherry blossom viewing spot, not as impressive but less crowded than downtown DC. The only recurring negative complaints relate to the maintenance level (but that was during the Covid restriction periods and shortly thereafter) and the bad signage.

Environmental & Social

Green activity with a conservation aspect to it and community friendly (free entrance)

Conclusion

The National Arboretum is an excellent option for those looking to take a break from the city centre and enjoy a walk, picnic or with an interest in botany - best in springtime and summer.

Key positive

Large size and diverse flora

The Bonsai & Penjing Museum

No entrance fees

Key negative

Not well connected by public transport

Can improve signage

Suitability

There is a mix of concrete/asphalted paths that are accessible to wheelchair users and some garden paths that are not.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in August 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open from 10h00 to 16h00. Closed on Christmas day

av. transport time:0h 35m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday08:00 - 17:00

Tuesday08:00 - 17:00

Wednesday08:00 - 17:00

Thursday08:00 - 17:00

Friday08:00 - 17:00

Saturday08:00 - 17:00

Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Free

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