1. Dupont Circle Park

Right at our doorstep, Dupont Circle Park is a vibrant urban oasis. The central fountain, shaded benches, and surrounding greenery make it a perfect spot for relaxation or people-watching.

2. Heurich House Garden

Just a short stroll away, the Heurich House Garden offers a peaceful retreat behind the historic Brewmaster’s Castle. Open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, it's an ideal spot for a quiet lunch or leisurely read.

3. Enid A. Haupt Garden

Located behind the Smithsonian Castle, this 4.2-acre garden blends Victorian and European styles. Its vibrant flowerbeds and shaded paths provide a tranquil escape on the National Mall.

4. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens

Nestled in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks boasts terraced gardens, orchards, and wooded areas. This 37-acre estate offers a picturesque setting for leisurely walks and contemplation.

5. U.S. Botanic Garden

A living plant museum, the U.S. Botanic Garden showcases diverse flora from around the world. Its outdoor gardens and conservatory provide a sensory-rich experience year-round.

6. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden 

Combining art and nature, this garden features monumental sculptures amidst beautifully landscaped grounds. It's a serene spot to enjoy art in the open air.

7. Rock Creek Park

Spanning over 1,700 acres, Rock Creek Park offers extensive trails, picnic areas, and natural beauty. It's a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.

8. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens 

This 13-acre estate features meticulously maintained gardens, including a Japanese garden, rose garden, and French parterre. It's a testament to landscape artistry.

9. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

A unique blend of wetlands and cultivated gardens, Kenilworth offers boardwalks through aquatic habitats and vibrant lotus blooms in summer.

10. Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral

Designed in medieval European style, this garden features stone pathways, herb beds, and a peaceful atmosphere, all nestled beside the grandeur of the cathedral.

11. Tregaron Conservancy

Nestled between Woodley Park and Cleveland Park, the Tregaron Conservancy spans 20 acres of historic gardens, meadows, and ponds. Open daily from dawn to dusk, this hidden gem offers mulched trails, rustic stairways, and stepping stones that invite peaceful exploration.

12. Green Spring Gardens (Alexandria, VA)

A horticultural haven, Green Spring Gardens features a mix of formal gardens, native plant collections, and wooded stream valleys. The site also includes a historic house, greenhouse, and educational programs, making it a perfect spot for both leisurely strolls and learning opportunities.

13. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna, VA)

Spanning 95 acres, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens showcases ornamental display gardens, native plant collections, and serene lakes. Visitors can also enjoy the Korean Bell Garden, the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, symbolizing peace and harmony.

14. Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD)

Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. It features a variety of themed gardens, including a rose garden, Japanese-style garden, and butterfly garden, offering year-round beauty and tranquility.

15. Ladew Topiary Gardens (Monkton, MD)

Renowned for its impressive topiary sculptures, Ladew Topiary Gardens encompasses 22 acres of formal gardens, a historic manor house, and a mile-long nature walk. The gardens are celebrated for their creativity and horticultural excellence.