446-acre living museum featuring diverse plant collections, historic columns, and seasonal floral displays.

General Information

Hours:

Daily: 8am to 5pm
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum: 10am to 4pm
Closed December 25
Extended summer hours (June 1–Aug 30): Grounds open until 8pm, last entry 7:30pm

Fees:

Admission is free for all visitors

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed on leash on the grounds, but not inside buildings or the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

Seasons:

All year, with seasonal highlights including spring azaleas and fall foliage

Location:

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Website:

usna.usda.gov

How to Get There

Drive east on New York Avenue, turn right onto Bladensburg Road, then left onto R Street NE to reach the entrance.

Overview

The United States National Arboretum is a botanical treasure nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering a serene escape into nature across 446 acres of curated gardens, collections, and natural landscapes. Established in 1927 by an act of Congress, the Arboretum serves as a center for botanical research, conservation, and public education. Among its most iconic features are the National Capitol Columns—22 Corinthian columns that once graced the U.S. Capitol’s east portico—now dramatically displayed on the Ellipse Meadow. Visitors can also explore the Gotelli Conifer Collection, the Asian Collections, and the Flowering Tree Walk, each showcasing a rich diversity of plant life from around the world.

A highlight of any visit is the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, home to centuries-old miniature trees that reflect the artistry and philosophy of East Asian horticultural traditions. The Arboretum’s seasonal beauty is ever-changing, from vibrant azalea blooms in spring to fiery foliage in autumn, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers, photographers, and families. With free admission, ample parking, and pet-friendly grounds, the U.S. National Arboretum invites all to discover the quiet majesty of its living collections and the stories they tell about our natural world.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the United States National Arboretum, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.