(Please give thumbs up if you found review helpful) While visiting family in the Maryland Area, we took drove to DC to experience the United States Botanic Garden. Not being one that would select this given all the other museums and sites in the area, I'm glad we went. The plants are well displayed utilizing groupings of regions, climates or types of plants. There were docents available to answer geeky plant questions but most impressive was the self-guided audio tour. This worked with your phone and provided information in an entertaining way that would appeal to a wide group of people. The added bonus on why this maybe a must is that as you tour the grounds, they have displays / replicas of all of DC's greatest tourist sites made from plant mater. It was impressive and made what I thought could be a boring visit looking at plants into a vastly entertaining experience in which was educational too...

A fun activity to do with your family for free. There were different sections you walk through — tropical, desert, Mediterranean, orchids, etc. I recommend going early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowd. It’s a giant greenhouse, so be prepared to be a bit warm, especially in the tropical plant section with higher temps and mists spraying throughout. The walkway wasn’t wide and it could be a bit cramped when there’s a lot of people. The orchid section was so popular that there was a traffic jam. In addition to the beautiful plants, there were some neat little exhibits such as the one about corn where you get to learn about what everyday products consists of corn byproducts (like toothpaste!). The small gift shop was adorable and fun to look around. Even the restroom was pretty — they had real orchids next to every sink, it was quite lovely.

Such a beautiful place to visit when you’re in DC. ♥️ It’s free! And my absolute favorite part of it is sitting on one of the benches and enjoying the garden. It’s so delightful! 🪴 There’s lots of interesting information near each and every plant. They also have an east and west gallery sections, where the temperature is a lot cooler in there. Keep in mind that it’s a little busy on the weekends. All in all, this garden is a MUST to visit! 🌱

A really beautiful and enjoyable place! They’ve got some really awesome plant species here! The tropical room is especially great! Not only is it beautiful, but with the humidity you’ll really feel like you’re in the rainforest! Also very cool to see the endangered plants you aren’t likely to see anywhere else.

Beautifully rich and totally free! Great for families with kids, couples, and friends. The staff is friendly and professional and the place is the home to so many different plants by recreating his habitat which is amazing. From tropical to desert, there is a huge range of plants to admire. Each room is unique. Interactive areas are also well built and informative. No ticket required, it's free - just walk in.Very nice place for everyone to have access to!

These gardens are absolutely stunning and very well maintained. There’s many lush exhibits of flowers, trees, crops, and all sorts of other plants and structures. The tropics exhibit is by far my favorite! This place does a great job of replicating the different environments that plants from all over the world grow in, and providing details on each exhibit of their origins and properties. The educational and cultural exhibits are a lot of fun too. The layout here is easy to navigate and not overwhelming. And best of all it’s free admission with no reservations required. Perfect trip with family or friends to brighten up a cold day. The outdoor exhibits are closed for the winter, but we look forward to coming back for those.

The building was closed, but we were able to explore the garden area which is dense enough to be able to think you are in the woods outside the city. The Patrick Dougherty Stickwork Sculpture was an interesting maze to walk through. We found a bird nest in the twisted vines used to make the sculpture.

We visited the Botanical Gardens today and had an enjoyable experience. We were able to get street parking near Maryland Ave and parked using the Park Mobile App. It was the perfect place for pictures, nature and serenity. We also loved the children’s playground and the upper level which gives you a breathtaking views of the interior. We got lunch after at the food truck across the street from Maryland Ave and took pictures at the National Mall.

I’m a local & visited to see the train display. The train display was minimal but WOW was the conservatory an incredible surprise. I can’t believe I haven’t been here before. You are truly transported into multiple parts of the world immediately. I highly recommend coming solo, with your partner or family. Completely free and an amazing experience.

Amazing spot with a great variety of plants. It was a really hot day, so the humid interior didn’t feel too great, but nothing against the place itself. I loved all the different sections. They also had a corpse plant which had just recently bloomed and was incredible to see in person. The staff was also very knowledgeable. I would love to return and even better, it’s free! The outdoor gardens are something I overlooked but got to spend some time in afterwards. I can’t wait to go back.

Interesting place to visit - lots of plants to see and learn about. We went just afer Christmas while they were still decorated for the holidays and had displays of miniature versions of various buildings and monuments that are in DC. They also had a display of plant and animal artwork mixed in with their model train display.

This is a really cool place to visit. It is also a hidden gem, so it wont be as crowded as the rest of the monuments. The botanical gardens has a wonderful series of artificial biosphere filled with various plants from around the world. Prepare to be amazed by the variety of items and the information presented. The facility is modern and well designed. Staff are very friendly and open to helping you.

Outdoor trails are open! It’s beautiful! I walked through as part of my fitness walk! Plan to come back with my mother soon!

Are you interested in plants and natural history? So you have to visit this place. They have plants from everywhere. The place is clean, safe, and very well-cared. I spent the whole evening going on from plant to plant to learn more about them.

This garden has a huge conservatory. I didn't know it was going to be this big so couldn't pay attention every single plant or flower. There is a garden for kids that they could water flowers by themselves. Beautiful fountains were in side of main building. If you like orchids you need to check out this place because there were so many. There were so so many people in the garden especially inside of conservatory. It was impossible to take pictures without putting someone else in my frame. There are several walking path outside and picnic areas. This place is very close from United States Capitol. Definitely one of MUST GO place if you love beautiful plants and flowers.

I am not a plant person, let’s be honest here. My wife loves plants and flowers. So I made sure we made a stop here. It is beautiful. They have displays inside and out. Definitely worth taking a couple of hours and looking around. Plus it is free. The orchids are beautiful.

Cool activity to do with friends and/or family. A fun activity to do with your family for free. I’ve been getting into the plants guild , and it was awesome how they keep them in different sections with their own environments: tropical, desert, mediterranean, hawaiian, orchids, etc. The free admission is a plus, and the staff is so nice with everyone. I recommend coming in the morning, as I didn’t have to wait to enter, and during the winter is a safe spot from the cold.. so it’s something you can do. Beautiful plants, lots of species, specimens one of a kind from different regions, all in one place.

If I could, I would never leave this place. From the moment you approach the building, your can see and, more importantly, smell the wonderful collection of plants everywhere. My all-time favorite part of the grounds, the section I visit every time I'm in DC. is the nook in Zone 5 with the carnivorous plants- something you definitely don't see every day! Find a bench to rest in your favorite zone, track down every single species of plant, learn about different gardening techniques, or hang out in the canopy walk of the rain forest to catch some awesome views of the city. Either way, make sure you swing by on your next visit to DC!

The BEST indoor botanic garden conservatory I've ever been to. The ceilings are incredibly high and there are catwalks to walk high above the plants. It is very hot and humid inside so I'd recommend dressing light. If you enjoy plants I would highly recommend these botanic gardens. The exterior gardens are not the best I've seen, but the indoor ones definitely are.

This is such a delightful retreat for an afternoon lunch or just a date in the different ecotones of the world. You could walk into a completely tropical climate full of tropical trees that have terrace views, or walk into a desert of cactus. There’s a section on medicinal plants followed by rare and endangered species which is mind blowing. I absolutely loved my shortest trip to Hawaii and then to a garden of orchids and roses. Be sure to checkout the inner and outer gardens. There are interesting wall murals of tea from China and other such use. But the most amazing part was the TOILET. Yes, you heard it right. It’s full of ornamental plants that smells amazing and the sound of water and birds will make you feel you’re in the cleanest part of the world, unlike what public restrooms are known for.

This garden in the museum row is fabulous. Tons of plants and trees that are unique. Many I've never seen before. Lots of cool features in this garden. The paths around the gardens are great. Highly recommend coming here even if it's just for 45 min. 5/5. _______________________________________________ Follow me for more reviews, tips and photos.

Nestled in the heart of the nation's capital, the Botanical Garden is an enchanting oasis that effortlessly combines horticultural wonders with educational experiences. From the meticulously curated collections of rare and exotic plants to the breathtaking displays that change with the seasons, every visit is a journey through nature's diverse tapestry. The garden's design, featuring themed rooms that transport you to different corners of the globe, creates a sense of wanderlust right in the heart of DC. It's not just a garden; it's a botanical voyage around the world. What sets the Us Botanical Garden apart is its commitment to conservation and sustainability. The conservation efforts and emphasis on the importance of plant life contribute to a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world. I love how every visit to the National Botanical Garden is a feast for the senses and a moment of tranquility in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle. It's a gem that truly deserves its place in the capital's landscape. Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone looking for a serene escape in the heart of the city, the Botanical Garden is a must-visit. Immerse yourself in its beauty, learn something new, and let the floral symphony captivate your senses. And here's the bonus – they offer free parking, making it an even more accessible and convenient destination for families. It's a beautiful family activity that seamlessly blends education with entertainment.I can't recommend this botanical haven enough – it's a true treasure in the heart of Washington, D.C. 🌸🌿 I love it! 🌿🌸

A lovely garden, scenic both inside and out (right outside the U.S. Capitol, a great backdrop for photos). I loved how the main DC monuments were carved out of plants and wood!! That was the highlight of it, in the main hall adjoining to the various greenhouses. The catwalk at the top allows you a great overhead view. On the ground, there's all sorts of decorative plaques telling you what the plants are, and where they come from. All very well organized, and we went during the holiday season, when it felt like an even more eye-opening experience.

I stopped by on a Friday afternoon and January and could enter right away. There's an incredible variety of plants inside, separated by ecosystem. Each "ecosystem" and many individual plants have QR codes to additional information. The plant spaces have some well places benches, and even in January there are many plants blooming. There are a couple spaces that are more interactive or informative like a museum day up.

The United States Botanic Garden is a true gem in the heart of Washington, D.C. The garden features a stunning collection of plant life from all around the world, housed in a series of beautiful indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visitors can explore the tropical rainforest exhibit, marvel at the desert plants, and wander through the various seasonal displays. The garden also features a variety of educational programs and events for all ages, including workshops, tours, and lectures. The garden's conservatory is a particular highlight, featuring a breathtaking display of exotic plants and flowers. The garden is free to enter and open year-round, making it an accessible and enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a botany enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, the United States Botanic Garden is a must-visit destination in Washington, D.C.

The United States Botanic Garden is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Washington D.C. This hidden gem is tucked away on the grounds of the United States Capitol and is a stunning oasis of nature in the heart of the city. As soon as I walked into the conservatory, I was struck by the beauty and diversity of the plants on display. The conservatory features a variety of ecosystems, from the lush tropical rainforest to the arid desert, and everything in between. The plants are carefully curated and expertly arranged, making for a visually stunning experience. One of the highlights of my visit was the orchid exhibit, which showcased an incredible variety of these delicate and exotic flowers. The scent and colors of the orchids were absolutely mesmerizing and made for a truly unforgettable experience.

I really enjoyed this museum! It was wheel accessible and easy to enjoy with my kids in a double stroller. The array of plants were fantastic. They had a scavenger hunt for the kids to find plants in different exhibits which was awesome. And there was a kids area that allowed the kids to plant their own garden. Very fund and highly recommended for families.

Beautiful botanic gardens with plants from all over the world, considerably less humid than I had assumed. The greenhouses are divided pretty logically. I wish there were more information plaques for certain plants so I could learn more about them rather than just read their scientific name. Some plants have QR codes with information, some short descriptions, but some don't have anything. I also enjoyed the east and west wings that were more information based. Roses in the rose garden smelled lovely!

Beautiful experience! The entry is free and parking available in near by streets. Well maintained with right temperatures for different plants inside glass house. Nice place outside the glasshouse to hang out with family or friends. Tables are available for having snacks or food. My dad loves plants and enjoyed himself identifying different plants.

We really had a great experience visiting this garden. You will get to see a lot plants and their natural habitat & they have created environment for each of them. You will also get to see some plants which were present in the period of dinosaurs as most of them are extinct as of today. It’s really good for kids to learn and enjoy their time.

I stopped by this lovely Botanical Gardens after visiting The Capitol earlier in the day. I went during a busy extended 4th of July weekend, and I was amazed that this place wasn't too crowded, and I didn't have to wait to enter in spite of the free admission. The place is beautiful, well maintained and relaxing and suitable for all ages regardless if you like plants and flowers. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about all the species that they have in the greenhouse. This is definitely a must-see while visiting the DC area.

I love this place. No one seems to know that between the US Capitol and the American Indian Museum is the US Botanical Garden. After you are tired of seeing all the gigantic buildings on the mall, stop in here and take a reprieve back to nature. You will not be disappointed by the variety of plants. I personally like walking the catwalk and seeing the 20 foot tall philodendrons in the Amazonian jungle.

The United States Botanic Garden is an absolute gem in the heart of Washington, D.C. This lush oasis offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. The meticulously maintained gardens showcase an incredible variety of plant life from around the world. Whether you're a botany enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful stroll, this place has something for everyone. The Conservatory is a highlight, with its stunning array of exotic plants and seasonal displays. The outdoor gardens, including the Rose Garden and National Garden, are equally captivating. The knowledgeable staff are always ready to answer questions and share their passion for horticulture. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers and a testament to the beauty of the natural world.

Beautiful and amazing places to see. We went in the summer time... Would love to visit in the spring. The orchid exhibit is stunning as well as the desert exhibit... Both inside the conservatory. Outside in the gardens, the rise garden was gorgeous and lots of places to sit and enjoy the fountains and flowers.

Excellent botanical garden! Very informative walking around the garden and it was not too crowded when I went on the weekend. Mix of both indoor and outdoor areas to explore. Indoor area is broken up into various sections to walk through. Free admission and knowledgeable staff

Nothing like a botanical garden on a cold, rainy day! The gardens are free and were not crowded. Amazing flowers and plants divided by biome…desserts, tropical, and really cool gardening experiment room!

I really enjoyed my visit to the US Botanic Garden. This was my second visit to the Garden. The Outdoor Gardens were interesting even though many of the plants are dormant. The numerous Gardens in the Conservatory were all very impressive. I especially liked the Tropics Garden and Canopy Walk. The Hawaii, World Desert, Primeval Gardens along with the Garden Court were great as well.

Always lovely. The inside and outside gardens are full of flowers. Great place to take kids. They even have a children’s garden where kids can plant something and water it. So cute! You can spend a lot of time here if you like, but you can also easily see everything in about an hour.

The place is magical! You cant miss this place when you visit DC; an amazingly curated botanical garden. It has regional greenhouses where you will find different climates and vegetation, from around the globe in the same place. Simply awesome!!

Really enjoyed this large free botanic. I especially enjoyed the section with the food types and history. So cool that they are right next to the white house.

I have had a great experience here. The gardens are very well kept. Nice place to get fresh air or as a romantic date. I will say they may need a little bit of better signage to let you know exactly where you're at. I found it a little difficult to read the map with the numbers. Other than that I highly recommend Botanic Gardens!!!

it was nice to find this oasis during one of our afternoon walks. Nice places to sit and enjoy the plants and trees. When We went there ,the outdoor patio was only the area that is available to visit but it was great experience near the congress center.

We visited the garden for the first time on a trip to visit family. It's a great place for the whole family. Our 2 year old granddaughter was with us. It was a chilly December day but it was still fun to explore outdoor and indoor exhibits. The various exhibits are all worth a thorough look. We especially enjoyed the orchid displays.

Do you want something neat to do but for FREE? The US Botanic Garden is such a great activity to do that literally won't cost you a cent! Unless you're looking to purchase something at the gift shop located inside. As you would imagine, it gets very hot and humid there and we visited in the winter time and it was almost unbearable at times so if you plan to visit in the summer, be warned. The garden housed so many beautiful plants and it was pretty busy despite going there first thing in the morning when they opened. I do not recommend strollers as there is minimal room and stairs. They do have a small kids area off the to the side which is perfect for stepping away from all the chaos and giving your kids space to roam a bit. Because of where it is located, highly recommend looking for a parking garage nearby as street parking isn't always available.

I love visiting botanical gardens and this one did not disappoint during our trip to Washington, D.C. We unfortunately visited in the rain and so did not walk their outdoor gardens, but all of their indoor gardens were so tranquil and beautiful. We went when their corpse flower was in bloom which was cool to see. Loved the orchid room.

The holiday display at the Botanic Garden is such a delight! Several iconic DC buildings made out of plant materials plus the iconic train set in the outer gardens. Swing through by January 1 -- great experience for kids and adults alike! (But if you're just hoping for a USBG experience with fewer crowds... consider waiting until the new year.)

Fantastic place to visit if you only have a few days in DC and are interested in a diverse variety of plant life. Great place for kids and the elderly as well. Great for school groups too.

Beautifully curated conservatory. Great place to visit for any age group. You could spend 2 hours or the whole day and still feel like you have seen all of the museum. There are ample benches to sit in the midst of greenery and relax, take in fresh air and appreciate tropical rainforest irrespective of the weather outside!

lovely place to wander around in - reminded me of a very downsized Kew Gardens from back in London. also has an interesting exhibition in the greenhouse about agriculture and its relationship to culture. sadly had to leave early because of the tornado warning (!) but hopefully I'll get a chance to return.

Beautiful conservatory, not very big but very well kept and with very interesting plants I did love room 5, a very small room with plants with adaptations to survive in harsh environments and conditions. We were hoping to be here for the blooming of the corpse plant but no luck. The outdoor gardens are a dream, I'm a landscape designer and I was in paradise. The pollinator garden is so nice and we'll designed and every garden is well kept but looks very natural. The herbs garden bed was very pretty and they did a great job at showing how you can make a nice garden with edible plants as well. It wasn't too crowded when we got there on a Saturday at 10:30am but got increasingly more and more crowded by the hour. The bathrooms are inside and only one bathroom for men and one for women so it can get crowded. Outside the bathrooms there is a water fountain with water bottle refill. The best part.... it's FREE!! Make yourself a favorite and go visit this gem in DC!

The Botanical Gardens is a nice place to visit if you are in the DC area. If you need some green time or a break from seeing monuments, this is a good place! It is well maintained and provides a great deal of information on a variety of plants. There were friendly and knowledgeable professionals there who talked about different exhibits, making it a fabulous place for school field trips!

Gorgeous and educational. We traveled around the world viewing plants, flowers and medicinal plants! Free of charge, mask is optional.

Absolutely beautiful. The diversity of the exhibits were amazing. In the main exhibit, you can go on the catwalk and see from above. It has its own unique perspective and different variety of plants and flowers as well. The gift shop is very small and not a huge selection to choose from, but still lovely just the same.

If you’ve spent the day walking up the mall and around the museums, then this is a fantastic place to unwind. The glasshouse is beautiful in its own right, and features plants from many different climates. And the outdoor gardens are equally lovely. Definitely worth a stop if you’re near the Capital Building.

We started just going for a relaxing walk through the outdoor gardens and seeing the plants from around the mid-east, and then the inside took our breath away (good thing the air was fresh)! Absolutely amazing and definitely recommend a visit! Make sure you check out all of the rooms, everything from primeval to medicinal.

If you wanna see flowers and exotic trees from all over the world this is the place to go. They have a little bit of everything inside and out. There is even a place for kids to Learn.

It's decent. It's not as large as some of the botanic gardens from other states. It's got some good plants in it, although some of the plants that were in there were fairly common house plants. There were quite a few rare plants though that have been obviously tended to quite well and grown for quite a while as well.

Beautifully breathtaking! My husband & I had a picnic style lunch in Bartholdi Gardens & everything was perfect! Then we headed over to the actual Conservatory which was setup like an actual rainforest.

The botanical gardens are a beautiful hideaway from the normal everyday views of the world. An amazing display of some of the wonderful offerings this world has to offer in the way of beautiful plants and miscellaneous greenery. We were shocked to find there is no charge to see any of this and would highly suggest you stop in and check it out.

Really love this botanical garden. It’s free to the public and easy to access, nestled in between the Capitol and the National Mall area. There are lots of beautiful plants here, with nice information and exhibits as well to lean into the different landscapes, where plants are from, and even into the agricultural side of plants and the culture of food. This is a lovely space to escape the city for a moment and get a dose of green space and good air 😊 Highly recommend!

Stopped to view the outside gardens on our walk to the capital, and they were really stunning. The botanical gardens I think are an under appreciated gem in DC, and definitely worth a visit. There is plenty to see both inside and out, and they do a good job of updating the plants to keep the displays fresh. Definitely plan to come back during Christmas! The model train display is a real highlight.

Great representation of different climatic zones within the U.S. and their flora. Gardens and beautiful landscaping all around the building as well. My favorite was the Orchids section, as well as the ever so humid Tropical section. ** Be sure to go up the flight of stairs to get a view from above. Please click “helpful” below

There are many museums and places you can visit when you come to washington. This botanical museum is definitely a must-see. There are plants and flowers that grow in sections and in every climate. Some parts are very hot and humid. Flowers in thousands of colors are fascinating. Inside, there are sections that visually tell the history of coffee grains. You can buy plant seeds at the souvenir shop at the exit.

Such a beautiful & relaxing botanic garden. I got lucky & visited on a day when the corpse flower had just opened up! The tropics room is amazing. Be sure to also visit Bartholdi fountain across the street, which is part of the botanic garden. Lovely place to sit & just take in the view.

Good staff outdoor gardens were very nice. I was a little underwhelmed with the size of the greenhouses but they were extremely well cared for. The whole facility indoor and out showed the care of its staff. Most impressive collection is orchids but pay attention as they are spread all over the facility. Don't forget to look up as well as down.

I must say this is a pleasant surprise. My mom and little brother visited DC for the first time. Thought of letting them visit something cool like space and air but we changed plan last minute and do this. My mom and little brother absolutely love this place. It’s like a maze with so many different trees and flowers and environmental set ups. They were so fascinated with many plants that they haven’t seen before and they just have a blast. There is no wait time and we went in July 4 weekend. Free entrance.

I was there for a plant wall art class which I was late for because I couldn't see the signs so the only reason I don't give it five stars is because it was really difficult to find anyone who worked there to ask where the room was, which ended up being right next to the entrance in case anyone else is there for a similar event. It was just blocked by a lot of other things but I did walk all over the building and it's beautiful 😍❤️ I also did notice that there was no one really working the gift shop area ... again seemed to be difficult to find people that were working there. The people who were in the event that were working the event were extremely amazing though! Suggest attending those. So, if you're visiting I would say come prepared maybe download an app and orientate yourself beforehand in case you're not able to get help while you're there 😉

Beautiful garden. I could spend the whole day here. Everything was neatly arranged and beautiful to look at. There are spots around the garden that are picturesque. A nice place to go with your family or loved one. During holidays it could get crowded.

A beautiful place to visit with a lot of beautiful plants. There is certainly a lot to see here, they have plants from many different climates, and regions. The gardens are well taken care of, and the plant diversity is plenty. The entrance into the greenhouse is free of charge, and there are many different flower types to see. If you're in the Washington D.C. area, this is a good place to visit.

Words cannot describe how beautiful is this place in the summer time. I am so glad that I visited during my vacation in Washington, DC. If you are a plant and orchid lover you must stop and visit this place. Their orchids collections it's so worth seeing. By the way, kids can plant a plant as well. Enjoy!

If you enjoy plants or flowers you’ll love this. Each plant is very well taken care of and they have each area climate controlled based on the plant’s habitats. This can be a quick visit and offers great photo opportunities if you like nature.

Took a trip with some friends here and really enjoyed seeing the amazing botanicals! Would love to come back again when the weather is slightly cooler! Tip: Be prepared for it to be humid as the plants need it so it can get pretty hot!!

If you're in the area, the Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit! The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about plants, and they always have interesting exhibits to check out. They're also very well-maintained, so you can rest assured that you'll be happy with your visit whether your a plant lover or not there is quite a bit to see especially ranging from the different continents and climates.

Amazing place if you love flowers and plants! A huge variety of plants is maintained in a climate controlled environment. I loved the fragrant area of orchids and the very well designed tropical plants area! This place is at a walkable distance from the USA Capitol building.