20 BEST Gardens in Washington DC: Explore These Hidden Gems Before They’re Gone

The United States Botanic Garden is a beautiful destination showcasing a variety of exotic plants from around the world. The sprawling grounds are home to a glass-domed conservatory, where visitors can explore rare and unique plant species in a lush and vibrant setting. Inside the conservatory, there is also a gallery dedicated to showcasing rare plants, as well as a butterfly garden that adds a touch of whimsy to the experience.

Visitors can wander through the gardens and marvel at the diverse array of flora on display, from tropical blooms to desert succulents. The conservatory provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the United States Botanic Garden offers a delightful experience for all ages to enjoy.

The Bishop’s Garden is a peaceful and picturesque oasis located in the heart of Washington, D.C. This hidden gem is tucked away behind the National Cathedral and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden features a variety of beautiful flowers, shrubs, and trees that bloom throughout the year, creating a colorful and vibrant landscape.

Visitors can wander through winding paths and discover charming stone benches and peaceful fountains scattered throughout the garden. The Bishop’s Garden is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a quiet picnic, or simply to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist exploring the city, a visit to this tranquil garden is sure to rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is a peaceful nature preserve with a boardwalk trail that winds through ponds and a marsh. The tranquil setting is perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the sights and sounds of the natural surroundings.

Visitors can explore the short trails that lead to the boardwalk, where they can observe aquatic plants and wildlife up close. The park also offers picnic spots for those looking to relax and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a serene outdoor experience.

The United States National Arboretum is a beautiful outdoor space filled with a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and plants. Visitors can explore the grounds for free and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The arboretum also features a museum where guests can learn more about the different types of plants found in the area.

In addition to the plants, the arboretum has a designated picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal outdoors. It’s the perfect spot for a family outing or a peaceful afternoon in nature. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing day out, the United States National Arboretum has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Smithsonian Pollinator Garden is a beautiful 11,000-square-foot garden that showcases the life cycle of butterflies through its plantings and habitats. Visitors can take tours of the garden to learn more about these fascinating insects and the plants they love.

The garden is filled with a variety of flowers and plants that attract butterflies, providing them with food and shelter throughout their life stages. It’s a great place to observe these colorful creatures up close and learn about the important role they play in pollination and the ecosystem.

Constitution Gardens is a charming small park that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park features a serene pond with a picturesque island in the center, providing a tranquil setting for visitors to relax and unwind.

The compact garden is filled with a variety of cozy spots where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking to have a quiet picnic, read a book, or simply take a leisurely stroll, Constitution Gardens offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Enid A. Haupt Garden is a beautiful garden with horticultural beds that cover 4 acres of land. The garden features a variety of plants and flowers, surrounded by benches, cast-iron fixtures, and water features. Visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while taking in the stunning views of the garden.

The horticultural beds are meticulously maintained and showcase a diverse range of plant species. The garden is a popular spot for visitors to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply sit and admire the natural beauty. Enid A. Haupt Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens is a beautiful and serene spot in the U.S. Botanic Garden. The 2-acre garden is filled with a variety of unique plants and flowers that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. The highlight of the garden is the stunning cast-iron fountain, which adds a touch of drama and elegance to the surroundings.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, admiring the colorful blooms and lush greenery. The peaceful atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape, Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking beauty and tranquility in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is a grand estate filled with beautiful French and Russian treasures. The estate features stunning 18th-century Russian Imperial and French decorative art, as well as a 13-acre garden and a charming cafe. Visitors can explore the opulent interiors of the estate and marvel at the exquisite collection of art and artifacts.

The estate offers a unique glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the elite in the past, with its impressive collection of treasures from two of the most influential cultures in history. Guests can wander through the meticulously manicured gardens and enjoy a peaceful moment at the cafe, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing day out.

The Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden is a beautiful garden located in Washington, D.C. It is home to over 1,000 varieties of roses, making it a stunning and colorful place to visit. The garden is named after Kathrine Dulin Folger, a prominent philanthropist and lover of roses.

Visitors to the garden can stroll along winding pathways lined with vibrant rose bushes, taking in the sights and scents of the different varieties. The garden is a popular spot for weddings, picnics, and leisurely walks, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re a rose enthusiast or just looking for a tranquil oasis in the city, the Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden is a must-visit destination.

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens is a beautiful historic garden located in Washington, D.C. It covers 27 acres and features a variety of landscapes, including formal gardens, wooded areas, and meadows. The garden was designed by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand in the early 20th century.

Visitors can explore winding paths, serene water features, and colorful flower beds throughout the garden. The garden also includes a variety of sculptures, fountains, and architectural elements that add to its charm. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic on a sunny day.

Wangari Gardens is a community garden located in Washington, D.C. It is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city, where people can come together to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. The garden is named after Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The garden offers plots for individuals and families to cultivate their own produce, as well as communal areas for group gardening activities. It also hosts educational workshops and events to promote sustainable living practices. Wangari Gardens is a vibrant and welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature and each other.

Tudor Place is a historic home built in 1816 that showcases a vast collection of items dating back to the 1700s up to the present day. Visitors can explore the house and learn about its rich history through hourly tours.

The home is filled with artifacts and memorabilia that offer a glimpse into the past, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. With its well-preserved architecture and fascinating exhibits, Tudor Place is a unique destination for anyone interested in experiencing a piece of American history.

Dumbarton Oaks is a famous research library and museum located in Washington, D.C. It is known for its extensive collection of Byzantine and pre-Columbian studies. The museum showcases a wide range of artifacts and artwork from these historical periods, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the past.

In addition to the museum, Dumbarton Oaks is also home to beautiful formal gardens that are meticulously maintained. The gardens offer a peaceful and serene setting for visitors to explore and enjoy. Overall, Dumbarton Oaks is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.

The Moongate Garden is a peaceful and serene oasis located in the heart of the city. As you enter through the traditional Chinese archway, you are greeted by a lush garden filled with vibrant flowers and exotic plants.

The sound of trickling water from the koi pond creates a calming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. The Moongate Garden is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The German-American Friendship Garden is a beautiful garden that celebrates the strong bond between Germany and the United States. It features a variety of plants that are native to both countries, symbolizing the cultural exchange and friendship between the two nations.

Visitors to the garden can enjoy the sight of plants such as the German beech tree and the American oak tree, as well as flowers like the German iris and the American rose. The garden serves as a peaceful and serene space where people can reflect on the shared history and values of Germany and the U.S., while appreciating the beauty of nature from both countries.

The National Herb Garden is a beautiful outdoor space located in Washington, D.C. It is home to over 800 different types of herbs, making it the perfect place for herb enthusiasts to explore and learn. The garden is divided into themed sections, such as the Culinary Herb Garden and the Medicinal Herb Garden, each showcasing a variety of plants with unique properties and uses.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, admiring the colorful displays and fragrant scents of the herbs. The National Herb Garden also offers educational programs and workshops for those looking to expand their knowledge of herbs and their benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the National Herb Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in herbs and their many uses.

The Rose Garden at the US Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and fragrant oasis in the heart of Washington, DC. The garden is home to a stunning array of roses in various colors and sizes, creating a picturesque and serene environment for visitors to enjoy.

Visitors can stroll through the garden’s winding pathways and admire the carefully curated collection of roses, which bloom from spring to fall. The garden also features a variety of companion plants that complement the roses, adding to the overall beauty and charm of the space. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Rose Garden at the US Botanic Gardens is a must-visit destination.

The Franciscan Monastery Garden is a peaceful oasis located in Washington, D.C. This historic garden features beautiful flowers, herbs, and trees that have been carefully tended to by the Franciscan monks for over a century. Visitors can stroll through the lush greenery and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

The garden also includes a replica of the Holy Land Grotto, which is a popular spot for meditation and reflection. In addition to the stunning flora, the garden is home to a variety of birds and butterflies, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers to relax and unwind. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to pray or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Franciscan Monastery Garden is a hidden gem worth exploring.

Brookside Gardens is a large, beautiful park that covers 50 acres of land. It features conservatories filled with a variety of plants, ponds, and lush greenery. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the colorful flowers and fruit trees that are scattered throughout the park.

The conservatories at Brookside Gardens house a diverse collection of plants, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to explore. The water elements, including ponds and fountains, add to the tranquil ambiance of the park. With its sprawling green space and vibrant plant life, Brookside Gardens is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.