U.S. Botanic Gardens

Activity Overview

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a plant museum at it's finest. A truly green oasis, with a jungle, a desert. a National Garden with a First Ladies water garden, a rose garden and exhibits on ecology and evolutionary biology.

More than 200 years ago, George Washington had a vision for the capital city of the United States that included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the young nation.

Things to See & Do

From roses to orchids, the rainforest to the Mid-Atlantic, rare and endangered plants to the latest in home gardens, you will find a world of plants and environments in our permanent exhibits and gardens. Any time of year, you'll see something beautiful in bloom at the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, the National Garden, and Bartholdi Park.

The indoor gardens and galleries of our Conservatory, with the jungle, desert and primeval paradise, offer the perfect foil to a winter day or harried schedule. The diversity of form, color, fruit, and fragrance reminds us that plants make our lives possible and enjoyable.

Outdoors, our National Garden offers the finest of Mid-Atlantic plants and Bartholdi Park just across Independence Avenue demonstrates a variety of approaches to the home landscape.

U.S. Botanic Garden Insider Tips

• View or print this online map to get an idea of the garden layout.
• Dining: There are no dining facilities at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Many months of the year, there are tables and chairs on the Conservatory Terrace, in the National Garden and in Bartholdi Park, and visitors are invited to bring lunch and enjoy being outdoors.
• This is fantastic place to unwind and relax. Be sure to bring your camera - kids will really enjoy discovering things taking pictures here too!