The United States National Arboretum – Washington, D.C.

The United States National Arboretum – Washington, D.C.

The Arboretum was established in 1927 by an Act of Congress.  It was established to serve the public need for scientific research, education, and gardens that conserve and showcase plants to enhance the environment.  With 446 acres of land and 9.5 miles of roadways you are able to see this stunning example of nature in a most enjoyable manner.

At the National Arboretum there is continual research on the technologies to assist the floral and nursery industries in providing quality flowers and plants for sale.  There is testing and genetic improvement on the plants to improve their quality.  The Arboretum also works to develop new methods of pest and disease control.

The gardens include single-genus groupings which include such flowers as the azalea, boxwood, daffodil, daylily, dogwood, holly, magnolia, maple and peony.  This is a stunning sight that you won’t want to miss.  The major garden features include such things as aquatic plants, the Asian Collections, the Fern Valley Native Plant Collections, the Flowering Tree Collection, the Flowering Tree Walk, the Friendship Garden, the Gotelli Dwarf and Slow-Growing Conifer Collection, the Introduction Garden, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, the National Capitol Columns, the National Grove of State Trees, and the National Herb Garden.  Having the opportunity to see such a wonderful range of plants in one setting is truly a fabulous opportunity.  If you are planning to do any landscaping at home you will certainly get some ideas from your visit here and be able to learn about the care and maintenance of each species.

The Arboretum holds educational programs such as symposia, lecture, workshops and demonstrations on plants and flowers as well as art exhibitions for you to enjoy.

You may want to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beauty of the grounds while you eat.  Although there are vending machines in some locations and there is a food cart with snacks and drinks and a lunch menu on the east terrace of the Administration Building you will probably truly enjoy bringing you picnic lunch and taking a restful break and enjoy the sights.  You are asked to please enjoy your picnic on the east terrace of at the picnic area at the National Grove of State Trees.  They request that you do not picnic elsewhere on the grounds.

If you are planning a wedding and would like to have it at the Arboretum you are encouraged to contact the Arboretum and see if the Dogwood Collection is available for the time you want to have your ceremony. 

You can tour the Arboretum by car, bus or bicycle. There is also a tram for you to use if you choose. For those that prefer a short walking tour or are disabled and unable to do the whole grounds there are easily accessible areas such as the Aquatic Garden and Koi Pond surrounding the Administration Building, the Friendship Garden, the National Herb Garden, and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. These are less strenuous than some of the other trails that are perfect for the more serious hikers.

Hours:
The Arboretum grounds are open every day of the year except December 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Administration Building is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily from November 1 to the end of February.  From March 1 to October 31, the Administration Building is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.  The Administration Building is closed on some federal holidays.  Check our Home Page if you are visiting on a federal holiday to see if the Administration Building will be open.

The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so plan to visit this collection first if you visit late in the day.

The Arbor House Gift Shop is open from March 1 through mid-December.  Weekday hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and weekend hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission:
Admission is free to everyone.

Parking:
There is ample free parking.  Large lots are located near the Grove of State Trees, near the R Street entrance, and near the New York Avenue entrance.  Smaller lots are scattered throughout the grounds.

Location and Directions:
The National Arboretum is located in the northeast section of Washington, DC, approximately 10 minutes from the Capitol Building. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Avenue, NE, and the other at 24th & R Streets, NE, off Bladensburg Road.

    * From Northwest Washington:  Follow New York Avenue east to the intersection of Bladensburg Road. Turn right (south) onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.
    * From the Maryland suburbs:  Take the Capital Beltway (I 495/I 95) to exit 22B towards Washington. Follow the Baltimore Washington Parkway approximately 7 miles to New York Avenue. Get in your left lane. You will approach the intersection of Bladensburg Road where only the two left lanes turn onto Bladensburg Road. Make the left onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.
    * From Virginia (I 395):  Follow I 395 north over the 14th Street Bridge. Follow signs until the freeway ends at New York Avenue. Turn right onto New York Avenue and follow New York Avenue east to the intersection of Bladensburg Road. Turn right (south) onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.
    * From Virginia (I 95 and I 295):  Follow I 95 North and cross the Wilson Bridge. Stay in the right lane over the bridge. Bear onto the I 95/I 295 North to Washington. Follow I 295 to the exit Rt. 50 West – New York Avenue and continue on Rt. 50 (New York Avenue) to Bladensburg Road where only the two left lanes turn onto Bladensburg Road. Make the left onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.
    * From Virginia (I 66):  Cross the Roosevelt Bridge and follow Constitution Avenue past the Capitol Building. Bear left onto Maryland Avenue. Follow Maryland Avenue to Bladensburg Road. Make a left onto Bladensburg Road and travel 1 mile to R Street. Make a right onto R Street and continue 2 block to the Arboretum gates.

Metro Access:
The closest Metrorail subway stop is Stadium Armory Station on the Blue and Orange lines. Transfer to Metrobus B-2; disembark the bus on Bladensburg Road and walk 2 blocks to R Street. Make a right on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.

Public Tram Tours Information:
Tour Hours:  10:30 a.m. (Only available if not previously reserved.  Please call prior if you are planning to take this tour.)
11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Tickets:  On sale at the ticket kiosk located in the parking lot near the R Street Gate.
Tickets must be purchased the day of the tour. Gift Certificates are available.
Ticket Prices:  
Adults: $4.00

FONA & NBF members and Seniors: $3.00

Children aged 4-16: $2.00

Children under 4: Free (must share a seat with adult if tram is full).
 
*** Refunds are not given unless the U.S. National Arboretum cancels the tour. 

During the 35-minute non-stop ride, you will hear an informative, taped narrative about the Arboretum, its history, mission, and research, and the display gardens and collections.

Location: 3501 New York Avenue, NE; Washington, D. C. 20002-1958

Tel: 202-245-2726   

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