The National Arboretum Boasts Acres of Scenery and Greenery Right in DC

It’s that time of the year… when the world falls in love…with SPRING that is! But does the thought of fighting it out with the Cherry Blossom tourists flocking to the National Mall leave you cold? What if I told you that you didn’t have to?

A mere three miles away from Capitol Hill is a little garden called the National Arboretum. The Arboretum boasts 446 acres of greenery with 9.5 miles of winding roadways.

Within these wonderfully quiet and peaceful acres is an incredible Bonsai exhibit, the most fragrant collection of boxwoods and more flowers than your amateur photographer heart could handle. There is ample parking and a Koi pond that would entertain adults and children alike (bring plenty of quarters). Pack a picnic or buy your lunch there. Bring your bicycle or if you are there on a weekend, take advantage of their guided 40-minute tram ride around the entire Arboretum.

The pièce de résistance of this green wonderland is The National Capitol Columns originally installed on the East Portico of the Capitol Building in 1828. Replaced in 1958 they were then installed at the Arboretum in the 1980s. Now they sit graciously in this little garden of Eden. It shouldn’t be missed!

Tags: Bonsai exhibit, featured, National Arboretum, National Capitol Columns, picnic in DC

Category: THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND DC