United States National Arboretum: National Capitol Columns & Conifer Garden Family Winter Walk

About this adventure

Spanning 451 peaceful acres in Northeast DC, the United States National Arboretum is one of the capital's most majestic and under-the-radar family winter excursions. The centerpiece of the arboretum is the iconic National Capitol Columns—22 Corinthian sandstone columns salvaged from the U.S. Capitol’s 1828 East Portico—standing dramatically on a wide meadow against crisp winter skies, providing an unforgettable backdrop for family photographs. Families will particularly enjoy exploring the Gotelli Conifer Collection, regarded as one of the finest dwarf and specimen evergreen collections in North America, showcasing vivid winter needles in shades of blue, copper, and gold. Miles of paved roadways and trails are completely stroller-friendly, and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum pavilion offers protected viewing of winter trees. Plentiful free parking is available throughout the grounds.