Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Dumbarton Oaks

    4.5 (140 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 5:30 pm

    Dumbarton Oaks Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Dumbarton Oaks

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Dana M.

    The museum and garden felt like you were transported to Europe! There's so much detail in the architecture and the grounds are very well kept. I can only imagine the beauty in the spring when the Wisterias are in bloom all over.

    Gary G.

    My wife discovered the Wisteria flowers on display at these gardens and reserved tickets for us to visit Friday afternoon. Based on Internet research, I had my hopes up that this private garden would be filled with lavish flowers. Street parking is the only option available that we identified and was hard to find but it did seem like spots opened later in the day. There seemed to be a mix of free and 2 hr limit type parking. We eventually found the entrance as most of the entry points directed you around the fence line to the main entrance. We were greeted by the disorganization of three security guards trying to control access of a handful of people to the point I had to speak up and ask how we enter with our tickets. One of the security reps pulled up a device to scan our tickets and we were allowed to enter. No maps were provided so we were lost in the gardens, simply following the people and path in front of us for what looked appealing. We found some Wisteria flowers but not very many, and what was visible was not overly impressive. We may have arrived too late in their season but the prior weekend was full and booked for a private event according to my wife. Neither of us were impressed at what seemed like a stroll through a garden of plants, trees, and bushes instead of flowers. There weren't any signs or placards describing anything so we were left guessing at what appeared to be fruit on a tree. We got a few pictures and left for the museum which we discovered had closed a few minutes before our arrival. Overall, not impressed compared to other gardens we've visited in the past. Maybe bad timing of our visit. I'm not sure we will return especially for the $13.52 cost of a ticket.

    Alexis B.

    I visited Dumbarton Oaks for the first time a few weeks ago, and I really enjoyed my visit! I only visited the library (there is also the Dumbarton House and gardens), which is now a museum housing collections of mostly Byzantine and pre-Colombian art. The library/museum is a beautiful building (especially the Music Room!), with a modern extension designed by Philip Johnson (which houses the pre-Colombian art), so their collection is beautifully displayed. It's not huge, but the collection is interesting and different from the collections of other DC museums. I found my visit interesting and definitely worthwhile. There are hundreds of things to do in DC, but don't sleep on Dumbarton Oaks!

    Tania A.

    Visiting the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens came highly recommended by colleagues and friends, to capture and appreciate the beginnings of spring and also for an alternative option to see cherry blossoms instead of going to the Tidal Basin! Ideally located in the heart of Georgetown, it truly is amazing that such an expansive and niche location has such hidden gems within its stunning grounds. We walked around for over two hours admiring the South Lawn, Arbor Terrace, Kitchen Gardens, and the Fountain Terrace plus so much more. It's truly amazing just how much time and care is put into curating the intricate and peaceful spaces. I highly recommended purchasing tickets before visiting the location. Not only are there timed entries, there are also a limited number of tickets available at any given time. While I was at the entrance there were a few people trying to purchase tickets, and they were all unfortunately told they were all sold out. 10/10 would recommend visiting these amazing gardens - and I look forward to visiting again when the flora and foliage are at a different stage in the season. I've heard great things about when their wisteria is in full bloom!!

    Cherry blossom tree (and engagement ring!)
    Alex J.

    I came here after getting engaged to my fiancée, and we were blown away by how gorgeous this park was! Prior to coming, you do need to obtain timed entry tickets (about $11 a person plus taxes), so unfortunately this isn't a free park! But it's totally worth the money. There are tulip fields and cherry blossoms and lots of walking paths where you can explore and spread out. It smells heavenly here, the vast amount of plants and trees in the vicinity offer a refreshing breath of fresh air almost immediately as you enter. The size of this park is something that stood out to me as well; we were able to have moments of peace and quiet surrounded by sounds of nature amid the patrons in the park. We did not get to walk the entire grounds, but I know I would love to come back here. I may try to get a photo permit and come back here for engagement photos, it's stunning! Staff were friendly and welcoming; the garden was well maintained and clean. This is great for picnics, a stroll, photos, and especially flower enthusiasts! Tucked away in Georgetown, this place is a hidden gem.

    Katie W.

    Beautiful location to wander on a nice day and lovely museum as well! The museum is small but very interesting and a nice wander. The gardens are the biggest stand out though. Gorgeous flowers and so many different and varied set ups. Many lovely spots to sit and take in the views. They do have timed tickets for entry, so on popular days like weekends, can be important to plan ahead.

    Rachel S.

    With a museum and garden, Dumbarton Oaks is a must-see in Georgetown! We visited the garden on a Saturday afternoon in April--basically peak time so it was rather crowded. Tickets are about $14/person including taxes, and prepaid timed tickets are needed to enter in the spring season. When I went in April, there were tons of gorgeous tulips, wisteria, and other flowers in bloom, their fragrances filling the air. Truly a magical and lovely urban oasis. There were groups at all the major photo spots but plenty of small paths to explore as well for more peace and quiet. This is a perfect spot for picnics, aesthetic or special occasion photos, and immersion in nature!

    Johnnie C.

    On a recommendation, I visited the Dunbarton Oaks grounds for a bit of strolling through manicured gardens. It was hard not to think of the poem "The Lady of Shalott" with many pathways and walled gardens. The garden was like a mystery you wanted to solve and could only do so by exploring every bit (I didn't make it). For $10 you could lose yourself for hours walking, reading a book, exploring... if you have been to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL it has a similar ethereal feel that you are never ready to leave. Like all gardens, every season offers a new perspective making a repeat visit a must. I am really glad that I made my way there, and am sure I will make my way back.

    ::gasp::
    Nina R.

    The secret treasures that exist behind the hedges and gates are not limited to only the house. The gardens are similarly striking, and feature ground cover, stunning lilies, beautiful cherry blossoms, and more. You could easily spend hours here.

    pool
    Sharika M.

    What a hidden gem! The museum is free year round and the garden is free during the winter. A very historical home that is well maintained. I actually didn't realize that there was a museum and art gallery. I visited the interior garden and exterior garden during the winter and thoroughly appreciated it. Would love to come back to see the museum and garden in full bloom! The Dumbarton Oaks is located walking distance from downtown Georgetown.

    Emilce R.

    What a magical place! I visited here late June and although nothing was in bloom I still highly recommend this place. The grounds felt like I stepped onto the set of Bridgerton. There were so many beautiful picture spots. It's located just minutes away from Georgetown in DC. The staff was very friendly and inside they have a museum and gift shop which was a nice break from the summer sun. I recommend taking a water bottle when walking around the outside grounds. However no water is allowed inside the museum area. I'll make sure to come back when the flowers are in bloom.

    Ericka R.

    Wow! What a beauty of a place. The gardens were fascinating! The house was just beautiful. We got to go inside and see all the amazing old artifacts and paintings, furnishings they had and it just has this magical feel to it that transports you to another time. I would definitely tell anyone to book a trip to this mansion! You won't regret it.

    Cherry blossoms
    Graysen V.

    Very beautiful, but definitely on the smaller side. It was a wonderful place to see cherry blossoms and avoid tourists and the tidal basin, but the $7 ticket still felt a little steep? Lots of great events though and a good spot to come and read to make your time of the ticket

    Garden

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 0
    Love this 32
    Oh no 0
    Photo of abby g.
    0
    14
    16

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C C.
    0
    44
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Meka D.
    324
    305
    1002

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ash C.
    685
    440
    1462

    11 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rabia J.
    3682
    1516
    6082

    12 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kaitlyn H.
    168
    31
    23

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Dumbarton Oaks Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Dumbarton Oaks

    How much is admission during spring?

    Yes, I went on 03/22/24 and paid $11 per ticket.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Dumbarton Oaks

    . The Byzantine collection comprised of many objects made of precious metals and stones from 4th to 15th centuries..

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Botanical Gardens 5,188 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    National Gallery of Art - Mother and child

    National Gallery of Art

    (889 reviews)

    Step into the National Gallery of Art, and suddenly you're strolling through a palace of culture…read moreright on the National Mall. The gallery opened in 1941 thanks to financier and art lover Andrew W. Mellon, who believed the American people deserved a museum every bit as grand as those in Europe. Built in gleaming marble by architect John Russell Pope, the place feels less like a museum and more like walking through a royal treasury of creativity. One room might greet you with the grace of Raphael, while another lets you stare straight into the swirling brilliance of Vincent van Gogh. And here's the delicious little detail: this world-class collection began with just over a hundred paintings and a few dozen sculptures from Mellon's personal stash ehis gift to the nation. Today the gallery holds well over 150,000 works, spanning centuries of human imagination. It's the kind of place where you wander in for a quick look and suddenly find yourself rubbing elbows with masterpieces that usually live in textbooks. No velvet ropes, no fancy invitation required just walk in and enjoy the riches. Now that's what I call art with a little champagne sparkle.

    Came here after seeing it on tiktok. The East gallery didn't have as much, but I was also able to…read morecheck out the outdoor sculpture garden. I came specifically to see a few pieces (Degas' Little Dancer), but the layout was a little confusing. The best part was the gelato selection in the Cascade Cafe. I bought a small pumpkin gelato for about $7 and the flavor was perfect. The security guards are a little strict with the fact that you cannot exit the museum until you've finished all your food at the cafe first. 2026 #20

    Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden - Fernand Leger

    Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

    (546 reviews)

    $

    The Hirshhorn offers a distinct contrast to the National Gallery of Art, and its rotating exhibits…read morehelp keep each visit feeling fresh. Some of the outdoor sculptures were visible, though a few pieces were either being relocated or blocked off. There were not many, so it made for a quick walk around the circular exterior. Upon entering, we went through security, which led into the main lobby where there is also a café. The coffee was both expensive and underwhelming, so I would recommend grabbing a drink elsewhere. The museum has three floors, and I found it easiest to start at the top and work your way down. *Laurie Anderson Four Talks: one of my favorite exhibits. The installation was fully immersive, covering the entire room. The writing and drawings across all four walls really brought the concept together. *Adam Pendleton Love Queen: a visually striking exhibit that transitions into a black and white video. While the artwork itself did not resonate with me as much, the video left both me and other visitors in a quiet, reflective state. *Revolutions Art from the Hirshhorn Collection: more traditional in style and subject matter. I did wish there was more context provided for some of the pieces, especially the sculptures, as a few lacked historical explanation. *Basquiat x Banksy: a more modern collection that reflects themes of racial and class divide. The bold colors and strong perspectives made this one of the more engaging sections. *Big Things For Big Rooms: a bit too literal for my taste, as it largely consisted of oversized objects without much added depth. *Mark Bradford Pickett's Charge: an older but well maintained exhibit. The circular layout of the museum complemented the work nicely. The textures and use of color were particularly compelling. The gift shop offered a wide range of items, including pieces inspired by past exhibitions and collaborations. I especially liked the Basquiat and Banksy merchandise, though it was nice to see representation from other collections as well. Overall, this is an easy museum to explore in one visit. I wish I could have seen the updated sculpture garden, but the rotating exhibits alone make it worth coming back.

    This is a pretty cool museum, but they REALLY overhyped the Basquiat x Banksy collaboration. There…read morewas one piece of Banksy art which was a take on a Basquiat piece. The Basquiat collection was also pretty sparse. Mr. Smithsonian should be ashamed. I hope he's looking up and reading this. The museum's upper floors are 2 concentric circles so I'd recommend doing 2 loops around to avoid missing anything. There were displays with videos, lights, paint, and other media. I enjoyed exploring. The sculpture garden was closed when I was there, so I was unable to see anything there. I also don't know what was on the ground floor besides the entrance and the cafe. Seemed like something else should have been there. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It's worth a visit for sure and I enjoyed my time. But I was drawn in by the false hype.

    The Phillips Collection - Miró and the United States

    The Phillips Collection

    (260 reviews)

    Dupont Circle

    It is a great museum/collection of art that highlights certain type of art form or an artist. Their…read moremain collection is quite good and it will take solid 1 whole hour to see the collection assuming you don't decide to stare at certain peices much longer. Then, plan even longer visit. I have many friends who are associated with this museum, so it feels good to support my friends and their operations. If you are an avid modern and contemporary art fan, highly recommend joining as a member for about $100. Seasonally they usually change their special exhibits. Don't forget to check out the beewax room! So many people just walk past it.

    For a paid art gallery I used to be so fond of, I expected much more from my visit and experience…read more Parking is tricky if you aren't familiar with the area and need to park on the street. Many of their pieces were out elsewhere on a loaner, which I found disappointing. The curators watch and follow you like you're a toddler readying to damage the pieces. Not quite relaxing. My favorite thing to go take a look at is the Rothko pieces in the upstairs Rothko Room. As your eyes get adjusted to the ambiance, you start seeing far more gradation of shades and colors you don't initially see it. Very fascinating every time. My least favorite? The wax room. The smell just gets me every time. I also like how many pieces by Kandinsky this gallery has. Too bad the outdoor garden was off limits and the cafe overcrowded. The gift shop has some nice magnets I found great for souvenirs shopping. Would I return again? Probably not given how expensive the visit was for so little to see inside.

    The Kreeger Museum - An intimate portrait of who the Kreeger's were. Books tell the tale.

    The Kreeger Museum

    (63 reviews)

    Foxhall

    DC has a lot of museums. I know. I get it. Here is the thing...not every great museum is nestled in…read morethe heart of the Federal District. Some museums are a little off the main thoroughfare and are nonetheless worth a visit. Such is The Kreeger Museum. I randomly came across the Kreeger while on YouTube of all places. It intrigued me that there was a museum nestled in a residential neighborhood. Okay..neighborhood, in this case, deserves some air quotes. We are in seven to eight digital home values in this "neighborhood." When you see the artwork, it all begins to make sense. The Kreeger family was a husband wife dynamo that collected modern and impressionist artwork in an exciting and approachable way. Yes, to the detractors - the couple was known to ONLY collect the works of male artists. Since their passing, the conservatorship has invested in acquiring works from female artists that blend harmoniously with the existing collection. Parking is easy, whether you Uber or drive yourself. I very much hope to go back to see the collection again as well as to walk their sculpture garden. Museum well, my friends.

    Highly recommend a visit to The Kreeger Museum. It was a special treat to experience the…read morearchitectural masterpiece by Philip Johnson. The Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Philip Johnson (1906-2005) was in his late fifties when he designed the Kreeger residence in 1963. Johnson is considered one of the foremost architects of the 20th century. Don't miss the gardens!

    Planet Word Museum - lexicon lane

    Planet Word Museum

    (218 reviews)

    Downtown

    Planet Word is a fun pit stop geared mostly toward children, though adults will still find plenty…read moreto enjoy. The space feels very modern, with clean and well maintained exhibits throughout. I appreciated the free coat rack and lockers available to all visitors. One thing to note is that the stairs are unidirectional, so moving between floors requires walking across the entire level each time. We were advised to start on the third floor and work our way down. The third floor featured a massive globe surrounded by multilingual iPads. Each one offered different languages along with cultural and linguistic context. The video and audio quality stood out as especially clear. There was also an interactive show exploring the history and cultural influences behind everyday words. While museum shows can sometimes feel skippable, this one held attention for the full fifteen minutes with clever use of visuals, lighting, and a dynamic word driven backdrop. On the second floor, the free photobooth stood out as a highlight. Individuals or pairs pose based on randomly assigned words. The photo quality is not the best, but it still makes for a fun and memorable souvenir. There is also a sing along room where groups of children gather to perform songs. I had to laugh when Eminem came on, though I was genuinely impressed by how the lyrics were broken down and analyzed on screen. A small library space is also available, stocked mostly with children's books for casual reading. I also tried the Lexicon Lane experience, which cost forty dollars and is designed for groups of up to four. It is set up similarly to an escape room, but with a stronger focus on wordplay and language based puzzles. Since we were the first group of the day, we had full choice of the cases, while later groups had to pick from what remained. Each case offers a normal or expert level, though both were fairly challenging. Some puzzles rely heavily on familiarity with American idioms and cultural references, which could make them tougher for some players. That said, the staff were very accommodating and offered helpful nudges when groups got stuck. I would especially recommend this for puzzle lovers, as it is a unique add on and actually more affordable than a typical escape room. One of the standout aspects of Planet Word is the staff. They were consistently friendly, approachable, and clearly invested in making the experience enjoyable. Overall, it is a great museum to visit if you are looking to be entertained for an hour or so.

    What a niche and cool museum! I took my 11 and 13yo here and we had a lot of fun exploring!…read more I appreciate that it's donation based and the ability to make reservations to help keep crowds at bay. Maybe next time I'll work up the courage to join some crews for karaoke!

    United States Botanic Garden - Annual holiday train set

    United States Botanic Garden

    (619 reviews)

    This place is genuinely cool and worth the trip. The greenhouse conservatory is massive with a full…read moreglass ceiling, tropical trees reaching up to the rafters, ferns and rock formations everywhere. Feels like you stepped into a rainforest, not a building. The desert section with the cacti and dramatic rock formations is a nice contrast too. The specialty exhibit with the labeled specimens is a highlight. They had an ant plant display with actual species tags like Hoya bilobata and Kraenzlinella mounted on driftwood and mossy rocks. The level of curation is serious, clearly put together by people who actually know their stuff. Make sure to come early before it gets super crowded. Parking around the area is a little challenging, but street parking readily available. We came in a Sunday it wasn't too bad, but make sure to get there early and dress accordingly!

    Dear reader, The…read moreUnited States Botanic Garden is an absolute treasure and one of the loveliest ways to spend your time in DC. It feels peaceful, fascinating, and quietly spectacular all at once, which is really a rather strong combination. From the moment you walk in, there is so much to take in that it becomes very easy to lose track of time in the best possible way. The large orchid exhibit was especially breathtaking. It had that rare quality of making everyone slow down a bit and simply look, which feels increasingly impressive these days. The colours, shapes, and sheer variety were amazing. It made the entire visit feel even more special. The medicinal plant section was another standout for me because there is genuinely so much to learn there. It adds a thoughtful and educational layer to the visit without ever feeling dry or overly serious. The atriums are amazing and full of interesting things to see like bananas(?!), and the large tropical area is particularly fun to explore. It feels lush, immersive, and just a little dramatic, as though you have wandered into a completely different climate for a while. The outdoor area is also wonderful and makes the whole place feel even more expansive and relaxing. A further point in its favour is the gift shop, which is absolutely worth a stop. It is full of interesting things and does not feel like an afterthought, which one must appreciate. Even better, the prices are pretty fair, so it is actually possible to leave with a little something without feeling entirely taken advantage of. They have a vending machine where you can get really fun art prints too! Overall, the United States Botanic Garden is beautiful, engaging, and very much worth visiting. Between the orchids, the tropical rooms, the medicinal plants, the outdoor spaces, and the charming gift shop, there is so much to enjoy. I would happily return again and again, and quite enthusiastically at that.

    Dumbarton Oaks - gardens - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...