United States Botanic Garden

The Basics

Set on the grounds of the US Capitol Building, the United States Botanic Garden sees more than a million visitors each year. The elaborate gardens are included on many city tours. Stop by on a hop-on hop-off bus, take it in on a private sightseeing tour of the city, or see the garden’s holiday highlights on a Segway tour. For tips on how to capture the gardens on camera, join a professional photographer on a small group photo tour of Capitol Hill.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The United States Botanic Garden is a must-see for plant enthusiasts.
• The gardens are free to enter and open daily.xa0
• All areas are wheelchair accessible, including elevator access to the Conservatory’s jungle canopy.
• Visitor guides are offered in nine languages and sign language interpretation is available if you request it in advance.
• Cameras and lap easels for sketching are welcome at the exhibits, but to set up a tripod or free-standing easel you will need to reserve a permit in advance.

How to Get There

The United States Botanic Garden is on Maryland Avenue, a block southwest of the US Capitol Building. To reach the site by Metrorail, stop at the Federal Center SW station two blocks from the Conservatory (take the Orange, Blue, or Silver line). Metrobus routes 32, 34, and 36 and the DC Circulator National Mall route also stop beside the gardens. To simplify your visit, choose a tour with hotel pickup.

When to Get There

The Conservatory and National Garden are open year-round from 10am to 5pm with the National Garden staying open until 7pm from Memorial Day until Labor Day. You can explore Bartholdi Park from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Exhibits and attractions are constantly changing so look ahead to see what’s blooming. The Conservatory’s prized titan arum, also known as the corpse flower, only blooms every few years so catching it in action is a rare treat.

Season’s Greenings at the United States Botanic Garden

Visitors flock to the botanic garden’s annual holiday show to see toy trains coursing through the festive displays of poinsettias and model replicas of DC’s monuments. Each year’s Season's Greening is centered around a new theme drawing both tourists and locals to the decorated conservatory. On select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December the Conservatory stays open until 8pm for special holiday concerts.

Ways to explore

More than a million visitors each year explore the elaborate gardens at the United States Botanic Garden. Plan on at least an hour or two to wander, read the educational displays, or even sit down with a sketch pad. Many people visit independently, but the gardens are also included on city tours. Stop by on a hop-on hop-off bus, take it all in during a private sightseeing tour, or admire the garden’s highlights during a Segway tour. For tips on how to capture the gardens on camera, join a professional photographer on a small-group photo tour of Capitol Hill.

Accessibility

All areas of the Botanic Garden are wheelchair accessible, including elevator access to the Conservatory’s jungle canopy.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, lap easel and sketchpad, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers of breathable clothing

Not allowed

pets, smoking, bicycles; tripods or free-standing easels require permits

Amenities

Restrooms, baby-changing facilities, picnic areas

Address 

The United States Botanic Garden is located on Maryland Avenue, a block southwest of the US Capitol Building. It is recommended to reach this landmark by public transportation or group tour with hotel pickup.

Driving

Metered street parking is available in the streets surrounding the garden, but is very limited. The garden does not offer its own parking lot.

Public transportation

To reach the garden by Metrorail, take the Orange, Blue, or Silver line to the Federal Center SW station, two blocks from the Conservatory. Metrobus routes 32, 34, and 36 also stop beside the garden.

Best times to visit

The Conservatory and National Garden are open year-round from 10 am to 5pm with the National Garden staying open later from April through September. Morning hours are peaceful. Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are open from dawn to dusk.

Best days to visit

If possible, choose a weekday over a weekend for a visit. While generally quieter, weekdays can also see school groups. This landmark is closed on Christmas Day.

Best months to visit

Spring (April, May) and fall (September, October) offer pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds. Summer is a popular time to visit but can be very hot and quite crowded.

Special events

A wide variety of events are scheduled throughout the year, from gardening workshops to science talks to seasonal events such as a winter holiday show.