Top Things to do in Washington DC
What to do and see in Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC): The Best Gardens
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
Restaurants in Washington DC
1. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,251 reviews
Hillwood, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, sits on 25 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington DC. Along with a world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative arts, Hillwood also features extensive gardens and special exhibitions.
Reviewed By wbee2016 - Lincoln, United States
Ms. Post amassed a huge and varied collection of Russian artifacts from the days of Imperial family rule, including Fabrege eggs, jewelry, porcelain, and religious icons. Arrive early to see the gardens and grounds when not crowded. When standing on the steps looking toward the putting green across the lunar lawn, spot the Washington monument in the distance. Take the docent led mansion tour. Not on the guided tour but not to be missed is the icon room. There is a cafe on the grounds with delicious lunch fare and attentive service. This is a quiet jewel in a bustling tourist town. Go when you need to refresh.
2. The Bishop's Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By PUMBRIDGE - London, United Kingdom
The Bishop's Garden, right beside the mighty National Cathedral, is the perfect place to relax after you've done the cathedral tour. If your feet feel anything like mine did after doing the grand guided experience inside, plus the lower chapels, then the tower, then the giftshop, you'll need some time to sit. The garden is on quite a slope (there's a cafe/restaurant at the top, with tables under canopies), but the brickwork is wonderful, the paths - though a little hazardous in places - meander through it, and mature trees frame everything. You get a good overview of the garden if you gaze down from the top of the observation tower (reached by an elevator inside the cathedral). Its origins are as old as the cathedral itself (early 1900s), with interesting sculptures and objects, including an ancient 9th century baptismal font - a vast carved stone bowl. Planting includes plants mentioned in the Bible, and a series of trees and bushes that have been given to the garden keepers over the past century. You are shielded from the traffic and car parking areas by the garden walls, and the fact that it's at a lower terraced level, so you feel insulated from the hubbub around you. There are plenty of wooden benches to sit on and enjoy the butterflies, bees and sounds of the cathedral bells in the distance.
3. United States Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. Dumbarton Oaks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Dumbarton Oaks is an institute of Harvard University dedicated to supporting scholarship internationally in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies through fellowships, meetings, exhibitions, and publications. It opens its doors to the public to visit its historic Gardens, designed by Beatrix Farrand; its Museum, with world-class collections of art; and its Music Room, for lectures and concerts.
Reviewed By NikaJunie - Jersey City, United States
This is a hidden gem, but will only be interesting to people with certain refined tastes. Basically, it is a big, early 19th century country house set in a large, extraordinary garden. It contains a small museum dedicated to Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. Musical events and lectures are often held here and it is a center of active scholarship, an enclave of Harvard University. These areas do not form a coherent whole but, rather, reflect the interests of the donors. If you are drawn to landscaping, Byzantium, or the ancient Americas you should not miss Dumbarton Oaks. There is a good bookshop/gift shop. Opening hours are limited, so plan ahead.
5. U.S. National Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 670 reviews
Established in 1927 by an Act of the United States Congress, this national treasure contains 446 acres of fabulous flora and fauna and is especially known for its Asian, azalea and conifer collections.
Reviewed By PeninaPaula - Jerusalem, Israel
We spent several hours wandering around the National Arboretum and meandering along its colorful paths. The azalea grove was in full bloom (May) and the reds, pinks and oranges all mingled in wild bursts of color. There were majestic stands of trees (such as State Tree grove), and well-manicured gardens of all kinds - herb garden, rose gardens, and a Japanese garden. Be prepared to do a fair amount of walking to see as much as possible, but it is all within easy reach.
6. Enid A. Haupt Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
This garden displays elaborate geometric designs.
Reviewed By MMMH - Dungarvan, Ireland
We happened upon this beautiful garden by complete chance. What an amazing place to visit! There are a number of entrances so you can walk parallel to the footpath along Independence Ave. It is a complete oasis in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. What a lovely surprise.
7. United States Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,777 reviews
Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth's fragile ecosystems. U.S. Botanic Garden campus includes the Conservatory, the National Garden, and Bartholdi Park.
Reviewed By dawnfromseattle - Vienna, United States
I went for a history/culinary presentation that was held right in the midst of the orchid exhibit. It was beautiful. The orchid displays are worth the trip. The garden isn't big but it is nicely done. I go at least twice each year. If you need a meal to top off your visit, check out the nearby Museum of the American Indian cafeteria. The Indian tacos are fantastic.
8. Tudor Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
A model of Federal-period architecture in the nation’s capital, Tudor Place was home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants from 1805 to 1983 and the enslaved workers and servants who lived and worked here. With over 18,000 decorative objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon, Tudor Place sits on 5 ½ acres in the heart of Georgetown.
Reviewed By DDavistraveler - Tulsa, United States
What a lovely historic home, then you find out the George and Martha Washington connection wonderful items relating to the Washingtons and incredible history of the four owners and six generations of occupancy. An awesome must see for repeat visitors to DC
9. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By jinxminx888 - Takoma Park, United States
I have been to Kenilworth many times over the years and like to get there every summer. It used to be a privately owned aquatic plant selling business and now it is a national park! It is free to enter and small enough to see the whole thing. There is a small visitor center with bathrooms and water fountains and a tiny gift shop, and a main area of ponds. Many of them are filled with lotuses, which are absolutely magical when they bloom in the summer, and they bloom for a long time. Toward the back left as you face the ponds is a boardwalk trail out to the swamp where you can see redwinged blackbirds, herons, egrets, muskrats, etc. and to the right is the Anacostia River, with a trail through the woods that connects up to the Anacostia River Trail, which is a bike trail that connects up as part of a 25 mile trail system that runs through Maryland and DC. I often see something cool on the trail - a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar, a rabbit, a turtle... There are both waterlily and lotus ponds. They are all beautiful, though the lotuses are more spectacular. You will hear the croak and splash of frogs as you walk through, though they are hard to see. There are also a lot of geese around, so watch your step - it can also be muddy after a rain - if you take the boardwalk to the swamp, you'll see why. There's not a lot of shade, so it's hot in the summer but it's so worth a visit. It's just a very unique national park, and extremely beautiful. It's off the regular tourist trail but definitely worth a visit in the summer months. I also love it in the late fall - there are lots of lotus pods around. I hope to go in the snow some time. Fantastic for photography. My one complaint is it closes so early on summer evenings. Did I mention it's free??
10. Bartholdi Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By jinxminx888 - Takoma Park, United States
I've been going to the US Botanic Gardens for some time and never noticed this little park before. It's on the "city" side of the USBG, not the Mall side. So, behind it. The park is lovely with lots of benches and little nooks. It's quite small. When I was there in the fall, there were plantings of carnivorous plants in the little garden beds (the park belongs to the Botanic Gardens). There were some striking pitcher plants. After you check out the plantings, the fountain is the star of the show. It is named for Frederic Bartholdi, who designed it. He is also the designer of the Statue of Liberty, so that's interesting. I love the lanterns the fountain incorporates. Walking around it, you get different light and backgrounds for photos. There were a couple of homeless people there when I went there - I didn't bother them and they didn't bother me. This close to the National Mall, it's quite a safe area for everyone to enjoy. I posted the photos on my social media and a few of my friends piped up with "oh, I love that place!". It's just a quite little oasis, well worth a visit if you're at the Botanic Gardens.
TAGS
