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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. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol including where you can see more than 100 cherry blossom trees.
By AOC Staff | Updated March 29, 2022
        
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    View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

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.

**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).
	**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.
	**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.
	**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.
	**West Front of the U.S. Capitol**View this post on Instagram







A post shared by Architect of the Capitol (AOC) (@uscapitol)
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.
THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED April 8, 2013
Comments
    
  
    
Martin Shore (not verified)PermalinkApril 26, 2023 - 4:39pmWow- I guess I must have read this in 2013 but forgot. Anyway, I just read this article about places on the AOC campus to enjoy spring. Very nice article - thanks for resending this blog. I was quite pleased to see the Ford HOB represented on the map as a place to see cherry trees. It is true that Ford is often overlooked but this year, I think Capitol Grounds outdid themselves. The landscape around this building was just great this year! One other note about an honorable mention- the House Parks south of Longworth and Rayburn are also worth a visit. A pleasant place to spend time and plenty of seating. Thanks for the article!
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