Atop a hill, at the highest point of Georgetown in Washington, DC, sits Dumbarton Oaks. This real-life secret garden offers visitors the opportunity to get lost among acres of beautifully manicured green spaces surrounded by Victorian terraces and dotted with brick paths. Owned by Harvard University, the property houses a library, museum, and acres of gardens, and will surely provide you a respite from the typical hustle and bustle that characterizes the District of Columbia. Below are some photos from our early-August visit to the Garden and logistics to help you plan your trip.
– Logistics –
Hours & Admission: From mid-March through October, the garden and museum are open Tuesday-Sunday from 2:00-6:00pm. Adult admission is $10 per person with discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel. From November through March 14th, the grounds are open from 2:00-5:00pm and admission is free.
Parking: Ample two-hour parking is available within walking distance of the entrance.
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.
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!
