Timeline
17:44
Arrive at the National Arboretum entrance. The park is open until 17:00, so you have plenty of time to wander the gardens before the light changes.
18:14
Find a spot near the Roman-column-like structures. There are no food shops inside the park, so bring a snack or drink with you. Sit on a bench and watch the golden light begin to warm the trees around 17:53.
18:29
Watch the sun set toward the WSW at 18:29. The long shadows stretch across the carefully manicured lawns and the bonsai collection.
18:59
Stay a while longer as the light fades. The park closes at 17:00, so check the route for your departure if you plan to leave after dark. The atmosphere is peaceful and remote from the city noise.
Local tip
The park closes at 17:00. Plan your departure carefully if you stay past sunset. There are no food or drink shops on-site, so bring your own refreshments.
Check before you go
- National Arboretum closes at 17:00. You may need to leave before the sun sets if you do not have special permission to stay after hours. Check the route for transport options from the entrance.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).