National Botanical Garden, Washington DC
November 2023
“Why would I visit a garden when I’m in Washington DC, when there are so many museums and monuments to visit?”
A fair question. The Botanical Garden itself is lovely and well-maintained, and a welcome natural respite from all the buildings and exhibits in DC, and might be worth a visit just for the visual breather.
But the star is the Arboretum, a massive structure that houses plants in just about every biome on Earth, from arid desert-dwellers to luxurious jungle foliage. It’s a stunning achievement in gardening. And it’s free!
The staff also rotates botanical exhibits regularly. While I was there they featured recreations of buildings on the National Mall, made entirely out of natural materials like sticks. Amazing.
Fees: Free
Conditions: 67 Fahrenheit and clear; unseasonably warm
