The U.S. National Arboretum is a 446-acre public garden in northeast Washington, D.C., run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

The National Arboretum sits on the grounds of a former military hospital in the Anacostia neighborhood. It is free to enter, open year-round, and holds one of the largest collections of trees and woody plants in the country. The site includes themed gardens, walking trails, a bonsai collection, and seasonal displays that change throughout the year.

Unlike many arboretums that charge admission or require membership, the National Arboretum operates as a public resource with no entry fee. Parking is also free. The grounds are maintained by USDA botanists and horticulturists who conduct research on plant breeding, disease resistance, and landscape design.

The arboretum functions as both a public garden and a working research facility. Visitors can walk the grounds independently, or join guided tours offered on weekends. The site is accessible by car, public transit (Metro bus routes 40 and 42 stop nearby), or bicycle.

Key Takeaways

  • The National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE in Washington, D.C., and charges no admission fee.
  • The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally and the site closes on Christmas Day.
  • Major collections include the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the Fern Valley, the Conifer Collection, and the Herb Garden.
  • Guided tram tours run on weekends and holidays from March through November, and visitors can also explore on foot using marked trails.
  • Facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, a cafe, and ample free parking for cars and bicycles.

What You'll Find in Each Section of the Grounds

The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum houses one of the most significant bonsai collections outside Japan. The museum building is climate-controlled and displays trees that are decades or centuries old, some on loan from private collectors and institutions worldwide. This section is indoors and remains open year-round.

Fern Valley is a shaded woodland garden with over 60 species of ferns, hostas, and shade-loving plants. The path winds through a natural ravine and is one of the most popular walking routes on the grounds. It is particularly lush in spring and early summer.

The Conifer Collection spans multiple acres and includes dwarf conifers, specimen evergreens, and rare cultivars. This area is visible year-round and offers structure and color during winter months when deciduous trees are bare.

The Herb Garden, Flowering Tree Collection, Azalea Collection, and Crape Myrtle Collection are seasonal highlights. The Azalea Collection peaks in April and May; Crape Myrtles bloom in summer; and the Flowering Tree Collection (cherries, magnolias, crabapples) is strongest in spring.

Hours, Admission, and How to Get There

The National Arboretum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grounds close on Christmas Day. Hours may be adjusted during extreme weather or for special events, so checking the official website before your visit is recommended.

Admission is free. There is no charge for parking, and no reservation is required to walk the grounds on your own. Guided tram tours cost a small fee (typically $5 to $10 per person) and run on weekends and select holidays from March through November. Tram tours depart on a set schedule and last approximately one hour.

By car, the arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE. The parking lot is large and free. By public transit, take Metro bus route 40 or 42 to the New York Avenue stop, which is a short walk from the entrance. Bicycles are permitted on designated paths, and there is bike parking near the main entrance.

Seasonal Highlights and What Blooms When

Spring (March through May) is the busiest season. The Flowering Tree Collection (cherries, crabapples, magnolias) blooms in March and April. The Azalea Collection reaches peak bloom in late April and early May. The Orchid Collection, housed indoors, displays specimens year-round but has special exhibitions in spring.

Summer (June through August) features the Crape Myrtle Collection in full bloom, typically from late June through August. The grounds are green and lush, though heat and humidity can be intense. The Conifer Collection and Fern Valley remain cool and shaded.

Fall (September through November) brings color to deciduous trees and shrubs. The grounds are less crowded than spring. Tram tours continue through November. Many trees and shrubs display fruit and seed structures that are ornamental in their own right.

Winter (December through February) is quiet and peaceful. Evergreens, conifers, and winter-blooming plants like witch hazel provide color and structure. The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is a warm indoor destination. Some paths may be muddy or icy depending on weather.

Facilities and What to Bring

The arboretum has restrooms near the main entrance and scattered throughout the grounds. A small cafe serves coffee, snacks, and light lunch items. A gift shop sells books, seeds, plants, and garden-related merchandise. Both the cafe and gift shop have limited hours; checking ahead is wise if you plan to use them.

The grounds are largely paved or well-maintained gravel paths, though some areas are uneven or hilly. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. In spring and after rain, paths can be muddy. The site is not fully shaded, so sunscreen and a hat are useful in summer. Bring water, especially on warm days.

Dogs are not permitted on the grounds. Bicycles are allowed on designated paths only. Picnicking is not permitted, though you may eat at the cafe. Photography for personal use is permitted; commercial photography requires a permit.

Research and Educational Programs

The National Arboretum is a working research institution. USDA scientists conduct studies on plant breeding, disease resistance, invasive species management, and landscape horticulture. Much of this research is not visible to casual visitors but shapes the plants and collections on display.

The arboretum offers workshops, lectures, and classes throughout the year on topics like bonsai care, native plant gardening, pruning techniques, and plant identification. These programs are typically free or low-cost and are open to the public. A calendar of events is posted on the website.

School groups and organized tours can arrange group visits. Educational materials and plant identification guides are available at the visitor center and online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to visit the National Arboretum?

No. Admission to the grounds is free, and parking is free. Guided tram tours cost a small fee (typically $5 to $10 per person) and run on weekends and holidays from March through November. All other activities and facilities are included in free admission.

Can I bring my dog or other pets?

Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the grounds. Service animals are permitted. The policy is in place to protect the plants and wildlife on the property.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring (April and May) is peak season for flowering trees and azaleas, but the grounds are crowded. Fall is quieter and still colorful. Summer is warm and humid but features the Crape Myrtle Collection. Winter is peaceful and features evergreens and the indoor Bonsai Museum.

How long does it take to walk the grounds?

A casual walk through the main collections takes two to three hours. The entire grounds can take four to five hours to explore thoroughly. Guided tram tours last about one hour and cover the major highlights.

Are the paths wheelchair accessible?

Many paths are paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Some areas are hilly or have uneven terrain. The visitor center, restrooms, cafe, and gift shop are accessible. Specific questions about accessibility for your needs can be directed to the arboretum staff.