Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens
A serene 2-acre garden featuring a dramatic cast-iron fountain and diverse plant displays, offering a peaceful escape with Capitol views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, fewer crowds
Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 2-acre garden featuring a dramatic cast-iron fountain and diverse plant displays, offering a peaceful escape with Capitol views.
"A perfect spot for relaxation, with stunning displays and a tranquil atmosphere."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots with the Capitol as a backdrop! Early mornings are best for fewer people.
🐶 Leashed Pets Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for a stroll; dogs on leashes are permitted in the gardens.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bartholdi Fountain
Center of the Gardens
A dramatic, 30-ton cast-iron fountain, a stunning centerpiece offering a cool breeze and soothing sounds.

Kitchen Garden
Section of the Gardens
An engaging area where kids (and adults!) can identify various vegetables and learn about gardening.

Capitol View
Overlooking the Gardens
Enjoy a picturesque backdrop of the U.S. Capitol building, perfect for memorable photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Combine with the Botanic Garden
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots with the Capitol as a backdrop! Early mornings are best for fewer people.
🐶 Leashed Pets Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for a stroll; dogs on leashes are permitted in the gardens.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Enjoy a relaxing break with tables and chairs available. Pack a lunch and savor the garden's beauty.
🚶♀️ Connect to Botanic Garden
Easily accessible from the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, making it a perfect combined visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots with the Capitol as a backdrop! Early mornings are best for fewer people.
🐶 Leashed Pets Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for a stroll; dogs on leashes are permitted in the gardens.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Enjoy a relaxing break with tables and chairs available. Pack a lunch and savor the garden's beauty.
🚶♀️ Connect to Botanic Garden
Easily accessible from the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, making it a perfect combined visit.
🌬️ Refreshing Escape
The fountain's spray creates a cooling mist, offering a welcome respite from city heat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens as a beautiful and peaceful oasis, especially appreciating the stunning fountain and well-maintained gardens. It's noted as a perfect spot for relaxation, picnics, and photography, offering a scenic view of the Capitol. Some wish the space was larger, but overall, it's considered a delightful and worthwhile visit, particularly when combined with the nearby U.S. Botanic Garden.
"I loved the fountain! The design was beautiful and peaceful.
The stunning displays and tranquil atmosphere made for a perfect day out. Loved the different flowers and plants in the garden. We enjoyed exploring the gardens and conservatory which is right next to the fountain garden area.
Can't wait to come back and take more photos again.
Perfect spot for relaxation. They have tables and chair too, you can bring food and enjoy the beauty of the garden nature at the same time."
JJ CBMD
"Outdoor and across the street extension of the U.S. Botanical Gardens. Has a kitchen garden (great for the kids to identify their veggies), the Bartholdi Fountain with a great scenic background of the greenhouses and Congress, lots of room to run around, and a lot of seating and shade. Not as crowded as the Botanical Gardens themselves and is a nice place for a short rest after a long day of walking."
Rino Guerrero
"Small outdoor area of botanical garden across the street from conservatory building whose focal point is Bartholdi Fountain. Cast in France, 30 tons fountain was purchased by US Congress in 1877 on advice of famous architect Frederick Law Olmsted and moved to current location in 1932. I wish the space was way bigger in size, otherwise very pretty and well-cared garden."
Mike Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are located across Independence Avenue from the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory. You can reach it via various public transportation options in Washington D.C., including the Metro. The nearest Metro stations are Capitol South and Federal Center SW.
Street parking can be challenging in this area. It's recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. If driving, be prepared to search for metered parking or use nearby garages.
Yes, if you are visiting other National Mall attractions or the U.S. Capitol, it's a pleasant walk. The gardens are centrally located and easily accessible on foot.
Many visitors find that combining a visit with the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory is ideal. They are directly across the street from each other, making it easy to explore both on foot.
Absolutely! The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory is right next door, and you're also a short walk from the U.S. Capitol Building and the National Mall.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens is free. It's an open public space designed for everyone to enjoy.
The gardens are generally open daily from dawn until dusk, similar to many public parks. However, it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or special event closures.
There is no admission fee. The Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are a public space, and access is free for all visitors.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a popular spot for photographers. However, be mindful of any specific event policies if you're planning a professional shoot.
As a public garden, general rules of conduct apply. Please respect the plants and fountains, and ensure pets are leashed.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the magnificent Bartholdi Fountain. The gardens also feature a kitchen garden, diverse plant displays, and offer scenic views of the U.S. Capitol.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Kids can enjoy the kitchen garden, the open space to run around, and the soothing sounds of the fountain.
Absolutely! The gardens provide tables and chairs, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. Enjoying food amidst the beautiful scenery is a popular activity.
Restroom facilities are typically available within the adjacent U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory. It's advisable to use those facilities before or after your visit to the outdoor gardens.
Take your time to wander through the different sections, enjoy the fountain's ambiance, and find a bench to relax. It's a perfect place for a short break from sightseeing.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the fountain and gardens. Late afternoons provide a warm, golden hour glow.
While casual photography is welcome, professional or commercial photography may require permits. It's best to check with the U.S. Botanic Garden for specific guidelines if you plan a formal photoshoot.
The Bartholdi Fountain itself is a prime subject. Also, look for angles that include the U.S. Capitol in the background for a classic D.C. shot.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around federal buildings and parks in Washington D.C. It's highly unlikely to be permitted here.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both the fountain and wider garden shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the Capitol backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with the adjacent U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory for an even richer experience. The conservatory offers a world of plants to explore, and the outdoor gardens provide a perfect place for kids to burn off energy before or after. Remember to bring a leash for any pets, as they are welcome in the gardens.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the chance to frame your shots with the U.S. Capitol building in the background. This iconic landmark provides a classic Washington D.C. vista that pairs beautifully with the fountain and gardens. Early mornings are ideal for capturing these scenes with minimal crowds, allowing for more creative freedom. While casual photography is encouraged, be aware that professional or commercial shoots might require permits, so it's wise to check in advance.
🚶♀️ Relaxation Seekers
This spot is perfect for a quiet moment of reflection or a leisurely break during a busy day of sightseeing. You can even pack a light lunch or a snack to enjoy at one of the available tables, making it a truly relaxing experience. It's less crowded than the main Botanic Garden Conservatory, offering a more intimate connection with nature and art.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Bartholdi Fountain
The fountain's design is intricate and grand, featuring allegorical figures and ornate details that reflect 19th-century artistry. Its presence adds a significant historical and aesthetic dimension to the gardens. The soothing sounds of the water cascading from its multiple tiers create a tranquil atmosphere, offering a welcome respite from the urban environment.
Many visitors are drawn to the fountain not only for its beauty but also for its connection to Bartholdi's other iconic work. It stands as a testament to artistic innovation and the enduring appeal of public art. The fountain's impressive scale and detailed craftsmanship continue to captivate visitors, making it a focal point of the gardens.
Exploring the Gardens and Their Features
A particularly engaging feature for families is the kitchen garden. This section allows visitors, especially children, to identify various vegetables and learn about their growth. It adds an educational and interactive element to the garden visit. The layout of the gardens also provides ample seating areas, with tables and chairs strategically placed, inviting visitors to relax, picnic, or simply enjoy the serene environment.
Beyond the immediate plantings, the gardens offer strategic vantage points. The view of the U.S. Capitol building from the gardens is quite striking, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos and a sense of place within the heart of Washington D.C. The combination of the fountain's soothing presence, the diverse flora, and the iconic cityscape makes the Bartholdi Gardens a multifaceted and enjoyable destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit