Atop a hill, at the highest point of Georgetown in Washington, DC, sits Dumbarton Oaks; A real-life secret garden that offers visitors the opportunity to get lost as they wander along brick paths through beautifully manicured green spaces surrounded by Victorian terraces. Owned by Harvard University, the property houses a library, museum, and acres of gardens, and provides a respite from the typical hustle and bustle that characterizes the District. Below are some photos from our early-August visit to the Garden and logistics to help you plan your trip.
Logistics for Visiting Dumbarton Oaks
Hours & Admission: From March 1st through the end of November, the garden and museum are open Tuesday-Sunday from 2:00-6:00pm. Adult admission is $15 per person and children two and under are free. There is no point of sale on site, and tickets must be purchased on Eventbrite. From December 1 through February 28th, the grounds are open from 2:00-5:00pm and admission is free.
In 2025, the Museum and Gardens are closed on the following days: Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth); Friday, July 4 (Independence Day); Tuesday, November 11 (Veterans’ Day); Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving); Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day); Thursday, January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day). The gardens will also be closed for events on Thursday, June 5 and October 9-11.
Parking: The entrance to the Gardens is located at the intersection of 31st and R streets NW in Washington, DC’s Georgetown neighborhood. Ample two-hour parking is available within walking distance of the entrance, and there is no time limit to park in these spots on Sundays.
Bloom Times: The gardens are beautiful during all seasons, but if you want to plan your visit around a particular plant (like wisteria, cherry blossoms, or forsythia), I’ve linked the average bloom times of all flower varieties present here.
Where to Stay near Dumbarton Oaks: If you’re coming from out of town or just looking to extend your time in Georgetown, we could not recommend a stay at the Poppy Guesthouse and Gardens more. This boutique hotel is locally owned and managed, and located both a quick walk from Dumbarton Oaks as well as many of the neighborhood’s other iconic spots. We really enjoyed their outdoor terrace and patio– both of which kept our little “secret garden staycation” theme going strong. Find more of our recommendations for exploring Georgetown here.
We hope you will enjoy visiting this hidden garden tucked into the heart of Washington, DC. If you have any questions or additional tips, please let us know with a comment!
