Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus

Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital; it is also the busiest. The warmer weather and blooming of plants makes Capitol Hill picturesque and inviting.

One of the most popular attractions in the city are the beautiful cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin, but did you know you can also see more than 100 cherry trees on the U.S. Capitol Grounds? The Senate Parks (bordered by Constitution Avenue, Louisiana Avenue, Delaware Avenue and Union Statue) has the largest concentration of these trees, but the oldest trees are located on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Our Votes

As the weather gets warm there are many great sites to see. Below are five great places to enjoy spring on the U.S. Capitol Campus, as voted by our employees.

1. Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens
   Just across Independence Ave. from the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) Conservatory are the gardens and centerpiece fountain named for its sculptor, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (later famous for the Statue of Liberty).
2. USBG Outdoor Gardens
   Located next to the Conservatory, this garden features a pollinator garden, a First Ladies Water Garden, Regional Garden and a rose garden.
3. Senate Parks*
   In addition to the more than 105 cherry trees located here take time to enjoy the view of the Capitol from the Senate Fountain.
4. Summerhouse
   A hidden gem located on the Senate-side of the West Front of the Capitol, this unique feature was designed by renowned landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted as a respite for visitors and Members of Congress.
5. West Front of the U.S. Capitol

Other Honorable Mentions

• Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building
  The grounds of this beautiful building include the magnificent Neptune Fountain along with a plaza that has picnic tables along with a great view of the U.S. Capitol Building.
• Rayburn Horseshoe
  The u-shaped drive on the east side of the Rayburn House Office Building is home to several cherry trees and many other beautiful blossoms.
• Capitol Reflecting Pool
  See a wider view of the West Front, watch broods of ducklings swim and take in the Grant Memorial, largest equestrian monument in the United States.