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. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except for federal holidays from November through February. Admission to the grounds and museum is free and no tickets are needed.

APRIL 8 UPDATE: Spring vehicular traffic restrictions have been modified.

Vehicular travel is restricted to facilitate additional parking during our peak visitation season. Visitors may park in any of the three parking lots on the property, and some overflow parallel parking will be available along the one-way loop as well. Please follow all posted signage about parking and no parking areas. Accessible parking will be available in all lots, both large and roadside.

During times of particularly high visitation, the Arboretum’s gates may be temporarily closed for at least 30 minutes at a time. These closures are most likely to occur on weekends; closures are unlikely on weekdays. Pedestrians and bicyclists are not subject to restrictions and may enter and exit, including via the R Street gate, at any time. Drivers, please be mindful of pedestrians walking and cycling along the roadways.

Monday through Thursday

  • 8 am – 2 pm: Vehicles may enter and exit via the New York Avenue and R Street gates.
  • 2 pm – 5 pm: Vehicles may enter and exit via the New York Avenue gate. The R Street gate is exit only during these hours.
  • The main one-way loop will be in place Monday – Thursday. Most of the roadways in the Arboretum’s eastern portion will also be open to normal vehicular traffic. Visitors with physical restrictions are especially encouraged to take advantage of this increased vehicular access.

Friday through Sunday

  • 8 am – 5 pm: Vehicles may enter and exit via the New York Avenue gate. The R Street gate is exit only all day.
  • The main one-way loop will be the only area of the Arboretum accessible by vehicles. Please do not drive around any barriers.

These restrictions will continue until mid-May, and this website will be updated when they are lifted. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy your visit!

Ikebana International Exhibition

The Washington D.C. chapter of Ikebana International is displaying their arrangements over two weekends this April.

Learn more here!

Eagle Cam Returns

The nesting pair of wild bald eagles at the US National Arboretum have laid 2 eggs this season: DC8 on 2/17 and DC9 on 2/20. The expected hatch times are late March. Watch here live!

Agents of Discovery Mission Now Available!

Learn about trees and nature while playing a fun game on your smartphone on your next visit to the National Arboretum!

Read More