Agents of Discovery Mission Now Available
Now you can learn about trees and nature while playing a fun game on your smartphone on your next visit to the National Arboretum!
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Welcome to the U.S. National Arboretum
The grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except for Christmas Day. Admission is free and no tickets are needed.
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the Administration Building are currently closed to the public. Restrooms are available in the Arbor House near the R Street gate, in the Asian Collection and by the former Grove of State Trees.
Following the CDC guidelines, masks are no longer mandated outdoors on federal property including the U.S. National Arboretum.
Look for an orientation sign in parking areas for a map and other information. Visitor Guides are not currently available. Instead, find the Arboretum’s free app in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
New Capacity Limits Beginning Tuesday, April 13th
To protect the collections and ensure social distancing, the Arboretum is limiting the number of vehicles allowed on the grounds at a time. Traffic pattern changes and vehicle limits are anticipated to last through mid-May.
- All vehicular traffic must enter via the New York Avenue gate. Cars may exit via both the New York Avenue and R Street gates.
- Entrance via the R Street gate is restricted to foot and cyclist traffic only.
- On the grounds, vehicles are limited to a one-way loop. Most of the Arboretum’s roadways are available to pedestrians and cyclists only. All three major parking lots remain open.
- Consider visiting during the week or early in the day on weekends to avoid crowds. During periods of high visitation, gates are staffed to monitor entry numbers and may close intermittently if the grounds reach capacity.
Looking for a plant?
Our interactive map, the Arboretum Botanical Explorer (or “ABE”), is the perfect tool for the job.
Find plants, benches, and more from the comfort of your home computer.
Go to ABE
What's New
Koi Return to the Administration Building Pool!
After nearly a decade away, about 20 koi are returning to the aquatic garden at the Arboretum’s Administration Building on September 24! Their new and improved home features updated, robust filtration and fountain systems to...
Have you tried our mobile app?
The U.S. National Arboretum mobile app will help guests navigate the vast grounds of the Arboretum via a digital map. A search feature will allow visitors to explore the collections and other features, learn about available visitor...