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Acorn Express Tram Tours Acorn Express Tram Tours

All aboard the Acorn Express!

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Experience the beauty of the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres on a guided tram tour. This one-hour ride winds you through the Arboretum’s woodlands, wetlands, and prairie while listening to a narrated tour.

Trams are offered on a limited basis, with weather permitting. Please note that tours can sell out in advance of departure times, especially on weekends. Ticket sales end ten minutes prior to tram departure. Tram tours are wheelchair accessible.

Registration Information

Tram tickets are available at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center for the day of your visit only (no advanced reservations accepted).

Tickets cannot be purchased over the phone, online, or for another day.

Ticket fees are per person and do not include admission to the Arboretum.

Ticket fees only apply to the standard one-hour tours and not any of the Arboretum’s special topic tours, which have their own processes and pricing.

Coupons or vouchers need to be exchanged at the Information Desk for a timed ticket before riders can board the tram.

The Arboretum values the safety of its guests and reserves the right to cancel tram tours in the event of inclement weather.

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Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

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Of the Earth: Stillness in Motion: The Matka Series

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Visiting the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC

Discover a stunning collection of plants and instagram-worthy sights with our guide to the best things to see and do at this free outdoor museum..

What and where is the U.S. National Arboretum?

The U.S. National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE in Washington, DC. The grounds are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Dec. 25. The Arboretum’s popular National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except for federal holidays that fall from November through February. Admission to the Arboretum and the museum is free of charge.

Established in 1927 by an act of Congress, the Arboretum aims to increase the aesthetic, environmental and economic importance of landscape and ornamental plants. The attraction does so through gardens and exhibits, long-term botanical research and conservation of resources. The gorgeous, 446-acre property makes for an inspiring and visually captivating visit at any time of the year.

The easiest way to reach the National Arboretum is by car, as the grounds are located approximately 10 minutes from the U.S. Capitol Building. Parking is readily available, or you can use Uber or Lyft. Please note that the Arboretum’s R Street entrance is closed after 2 p.m. from Monday through Friday, so make sure to use the New York Avenue entrance if visiting at that time or later. Driving directions from numerous points in the DMV area are available on the  Arboretum’s website .

If you choose to use Metrorail, exit at the Stadium Armory station on the Blue and Orange lines. Then, use the B-2 Metrobus and exit on Bladensburg Road. From there, walk two blocks to R Street, where you will make a right. Two blocks further, you’ll find the Arboretum gates.

What to see and do at the U.S. National Arboretum?

The Arboretum presents a  stunning collection of plants, with each given its own display. One of the most popular is the Gotelli Conifer Collection , which showcases conifers that hail from a range of climates, including the Arctic and subtropical regions. Japanese maples, ornamental grasses and daffodils combine with the conifers to create an alluring array of colors. Make sure to stop in the gazebo, where you will have a full view of the Conifer Collection while resting.

The aforementioned National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is another notable feature of the Arboretum. The museum is a riveting collection of legendary miniature Japanese and Chinese trees. The Japanese art of bonsai goes back more than one thousand years, a practice of growing beautiful trees in artful containers. The art of penjing is an even earlier version of the same practice, with both providing a calming effect on the observer. You’ll learn of this fascinating art and its conversation elements as you are dazzled by these living sculptures and natural scenes. The museum literally changes with the seasons, so it’s worth repeated visits.

No discussion of the Arboretum is complete without mentioning the National Capitol Columns . The permanent installation features 22 Corinthian columns that supported the east portico of the U.S. Capitol when it was built in 1828. Once the dome of the Capitol was completed in 1864, builders realized that the columns were not properly constructed to support the dome, creating an odd and unsettling visual. The strange aesthetic was not solved until 1958, and it took until the 1980s for the columns to find their resting place on the Ellipse Meadow in the Arboretum. Now, the site of the columns serves as one of the most beautiful (and Instagram-worthy) sights in the nation’s capital.

The U.S. National Arboretum also offers azalea blossoms, making it one of the best places to view blossoms in the District . The azalea blossoms usually peak at a different time than the blossoms found near the Tidal Basin, offering an additional opportunity to marvel at the beautiful trees and their scenic flowers. This arrangement of blossoms is located near the Capitol Column Overlook and the Flowering Tree Walk.

Finally, make sure to take note of the  Arboretum’s events , which can include moonlight-adorned hikes and celebrations and educational programs.

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Guided Tours

Exploring Hoyt Arboretum’s 189 acres on our 12 miles of trail isn’t just a hike – it’s a worldwide tour of trees from around the globe.

Public Tours

Free public tours about Hoyt Arboretum’s global collection of trees, hiking trail system, and history are held seasonally on Sundays at 11am. Sign up in person, day-of at the Visitor Center.

Schedule a Group Tour

Bring your business, education, religious, or community group for an educational tour of our award-winning collections. Minimum size is 20 participants and the cost is $7 per attendee. Schedule a group tour.

To participate in our school field trip program, register your class here.

Curator Tours

Join our curator for the annual Magnolia Tour in April to see the wide variety of magnolias blooming in the Arboretum. Members are also invited to attend two member-only tours led by the curator, the Spring Blossoms Tour in April and the Fall Colors Tour in October.

Upcoming Tours

Public Tour   May 12, 2024 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Public Tour   May 19, 2024 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Public Tour   May 26, 2024 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Public Tour   June 9, 2024 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Public Tour   June 16, 2024 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Click here to explore our resources for self-guided tours.

• Species Listing
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Tours and Events

Tours and Events Calendar

What makes the Old Main building so important? It’s the first building on the University of Arizona campus and has been a place of education and learning for over 130 years. But it’s also the site of beautiful and water-wise landscaping, combining the best of desert and adapted trees and plants with water conservation practices suitable for our hot and dry climate. Join us to see how it’s done.    Click the link below to register for the tour date of your choice:

October 29, 2023  https://OldMainNewDirections10-29-23.eventbrite.com

December 10, 2023  https://OldMainNewDirections12-10-23.eventbrite.com

February 11, 2024 https://OldMainNewDirections02-11-24.eventbrite.com

March 31, 2024  https://OldMainNewDirections03-31-24.eventbrite.com

May 12, 2024  https://OldMainNewDirections05-12-24.eventbrite.com

Learn the history and the heritage of Arizona's oldest University. Follow our guides as they show you beautiful places and tell you fascinating facts about the growth and development of the University, and how it came out of the sands of the Sonoran Desert to become the jewel of Arizona!  Click the link below to register for the tour date of your choice: 

• November 5, 2023:     https://ArboretumHistory11-05-23.eventbrite.com
• December 17, 2023:   https://ArboretumHistory12-17-23.eventbrite.com
• February 18, 2024:     https://ArboretumHistory02-18-24.eventbrite.com
• April 7, 2024:              https://ArboretumHistory04-07-24.eventbrite.com

The University of Arizona Arboretum is home to some of the finest specimens of Sonoran native plants and trees anywhere. Join us as we tour the Joseph Wood Krutch Garden and other areas of the campus featuring these remarkable, adaptable, and water-wise plants and trees. Learn about their history, current use and why they should have a place in any desert garden.  Click the link below to register for the tour date of your choice: 

• November 12, 2023:    https://SonoranNatives11-12-23.eventbrite.com
• January 14, 2024:       https://SonoranNativePlants01-14-24.eventbrite.com
• February 25, 2024:     https://SonoranNativePlants02-25-24.eventbrite.com
• April 14, 2024:            https://SonoranNativePlants04-14-24.eventbrite.com

The campus arboretum is home to a unique collection of desert-adapted trees from around the world. Some will be familiar, and others are exotic. All of them are beautiful. Join us to learn what they are, why they are here and how they are used in their native country.   Click the link below to register for the tour date of your choice: 

• November 19, 2023:    https://WorldTrees11-19-23.eventbrite.com
• January 21, 2024:        https://TreesAroundtheWorld01-21-24.eventbrite.com
• March 3, 2024:             https://TreesAroundtheWorld03-03-24.eventbrite.com
• April 21, 2024:              https://TreesAroundtheWorld04-21-24.eventbrite.com

While all the trees in the Campus Arboretum are beautiful, some of them are also tasty. Join us for a tour of the edible trees, including olive, fig, pomegranate, and many you may have never heard of. Knives and forks not required for this delicious and informative tour.  Click the link below to register for the tour date of your choice: 

• November 26, 2023:   https://EdibleLandscapes11-26-23.eventbrite.com
• January 28, 2024:       https://EdibleLandscapes01-28-24.eventbrite.com
• March 17, 2024:          https://EdibleLandscapes03-17-24.eventbrite.com
• April 28, 2024:             https://EdibleLandscapes04-28-24.eventbrite.com

Plants have been used as medicine for hundreds, if not thousands of years. They are part of the history and lore of almost every society on earth. Join us to learn how these plants—from the Sonoran Desert and elsewhere--have been traditionally used to treat different ailments and other conditions.  Click the link below to register for the tour date of your choice: 

• October 22, 2023:      https://MedicinalPlants10-22-23.eventbrite.com
• December 3, 2023:    https://MedicinalPlants12-03-23.eventbrite.com
• February 4, 2024:       https://MedicinalPlants02-04-24.eventbrite.com
• March 24, 2024:          https://MedicinalPlants03-24-24.eventbrite.com
• May 5, 2024:               https://MedicinalPlants05-05-24.eventbrite.com

This self-guided tour showcases all sponsored trees on campus featuring the inscription for each tribute plaque.  Donor contributions provide sole support for Campus Arboretum educational and outreach programs, student training and research projects that promote awareness of sustainable land management and development. Donations also provide needed resources that support professional development and training of grounds personnel, provide for special preservation of existing trees, and expand tree collections and programs. 

This tour showcases all donated benches on campus. Donor contributions provide sole support for Campus Arboretum educational and outreach programs, student training and research projects that promote awareness of sustainable land management and development. Donations also provide needed resources that support professional development and training of grounds personnel, provide for special preservation of existing trees, and expand tree collections and programs.

Join a free guided tree tour!

Printable Fall 2023 Schedule

Printable Spring 2024 Schedule

Tours start at the University of Arizona Memorial Fountain, west of Old Main at 9:30 am and last 60-90 minutes. Campus visitor parking is available and free on most weekends.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR LATE FALL 2023 AND EARLY SPRING 2024 TOURS 

The registration link for each event is in the tour description. If you have any questions, or to find out about a special tour, please email  [email protected]

Here is a link to the Campus Map:  https://map.arizona.edu/

Virtual Tours -  We have provided virtual tree tours here. See photos and descriptions of plants from the comfort of your home! Learn more about the virtual tree tours here.

Blooming Tours - The campus provides plants that bloom throughout all of the Sonoran desert's five seasons. Experience and learn about plants in bloom through this virtual tour. Learn more about the plants in bloom here . 

Mobile Tours  -  You may also wish to take a self-guided tour using your mobile device.  Learn more about mobile tree tours here.

Other Self-Guided Tours  -   Self-guided tour booklets can be printed from the links found in many tour descriptions. Return to the main tree tour page to explore each by clicking here.

Get Answers to All Your Gardening Questions!  Have a question about caring for your trees or plants? Want a tree or plant identified? Contact the University of Arizona Master Gardener Plant Clinic. Click this link:   https://extension.arizona.edu/pima-master-gardeners

All contents © 2012 Arizona Board of Regents. All rights reserved. The University of Arizona is an EEO/AA - M/W/D/V Employer. Facebook Page Login

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The Graham Visitors Center (GVC) and Arboretum Gift Shop are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and GVC restrooms are open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, accessible only from the exterior of the building. Other restrooms are available at the bus turnaround in the Pacific Connections Garden, Washington Park Playfield and Seattle Japanese Garden (south end of the Arboretum) during limited times of the year.  

The Washington Park Arboretum holds a world class collection of woody plants that can be explored on your own, via group tours, or through classes and activities. All parts of the Washington Park Arboretum, with the exception of the Japanese Garden , are open to the public and are free of charge. The Graham Visitors Center has maps, restrooms,   Arboretum Foundation offices, a gift shop and rental venue. Year round visitors will find something of interest along the trails that wind through 230 acres of gardens, natural areas and wetlands.

Hours, Admission, Directions, Parking

Find information needed to plan your next visit to The Arboretum at Penn State.

A variety of interactive and printable maps of the Arboretum.

Tours and Group Visits

Groups may request reservations for self-guided visits or guided tours of the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, available on weekdays.

Accessibility

Wheelchairs, motorized carts, baby carriages, and strollers are welcome in the gardens, and all major walkways are accessible.

Visitor Policies

To help us to preserve the Arboretum and make everyone’s visit safe and enjoyable, please abide by our rules and policies.

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Lyon Arboretum

Lyon Arboretum offers a variety of tours to fit every visitor.

Have a look through our tour options below.

Self-Guided Tour  –  Explore on your own!

Reservations are currently required to visit the Arboretum.  Please see our  homepage   for our current admissions policies.  All visitors must sign in  at the Visitors Center upon arrival.

Visit our  Shop page  to learn more about our self-guided resources for keiki and adults.

All organization-affiliated groups (church groups, clubs, home school groups, etc) with 10 or more people must coordinate their visit through the Education Department.  This policy includes groups that will be self-guided. This allows us to accommodate your groups’ space and other needs. Email the education department ( [email protected] ) or call our office at (808) 988-0461

*Guided Tour  –  Explore with a guide! For families and individuals.

Our Docent-led guided tours are not currently available for the general public. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please check out our self-guided resources (above), or our Guided Group Tours information (below). Mahalo nui loa.

Guided Group Tours  –  Explore with your organization or team.

(*Please note that tour costs may differ depending on the group’s special requests.)

To arrange for a guided group tour, please call the Education Office at (808) 988-0461 or email us at [email protected]

School Tours  –  Explore with your school!

Any school or organized group that intends to bring minors to Lyon Arboretum MUST COORDINATE their visit through the Lyon Education Office. This is to ensure proper safety and etiquette protocols are followed, group information and forms are gathered, and logistics have been cleared.

Other tours and special requests?

If you are interested in booking a tour please contact the Lyon Arboretum Education Department at (808) 988-0461 or [email protected] .

Mahalo nui loa!

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Bring your garden club, church group, civic organization, or other group to explore the Chester M. Alter Arboretum on a free guided walking tour! Our group tours, offered May through September, are designed to provide a personalized, close-up look at the Arboretum as you learn about our gardens, plant collections, and history. Each tour is lead by an experienced staff member and lasts approximately an hour. We advise you wear comfy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring water, since tours will take you through uneven grassy areas and sunny spots.

Meeting Place

All tours will meet at the Arboretum information kiosk located at the southwest corner of the Mary Reed Building:

• 2199 S. University Blvd Denver, CO 80210

Please allow time for parking and arrive 10 minutes early. The tour will begin promptly!  

We recommend groups come by bus or carpool, as parking is limited. There is a metered parking lot south of the Mary Reed Building called the Cherrington Hall/Mary Reed lot .

All guided Arboretum tours are free of charge! Donations to the Arboretum are gladly accepted through our Support page .

Self-Guided Tours

Not interested in a guided tour? No problem! Your group is free to tour on their own at no charge. Be sure to download a Tree Walk Guide or pick one up at the information kiosk to help direct you through the Arboretum's gardens and collections.

Can't make it in person? Try taking a virtual tour at the link below!

Chester m alter arboretum, follow the chester m alter arboretum.

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• Early 20th Century Fruit & Vegetable Seed Catalogs of Southern California: 1930 – 1939
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We look forward to welcoming you to our 127 acres of plants, natural landscapes, wildlife and historic buildings. You will discover plants and trees from all over the world as you wander along paths and learn about California history on your journey through the garden.

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The Arboretum has been awarded a 2014 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor.

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301 North Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007

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The Arboretum is located south of the 210 Freeway. Exit South on Baldwin Avenue.

9am-7pm with last entry at 6:30pm. Member early entry 7:30am. Closed December 25.

Search the Arboretum

Hours: 9am-7pm with last entry at 6:30pm. Member early entry 7:30am. Closed December 25.

301 North Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007 Phone: 626.821.3222 View in Google Maps »

The Arboretum is located south of the 210 Freeway. Exit South on Baldwin Avenue.

Please purchase online prior to visiting.

General Admission Online Tickets

Adults $15.00 Students with ID and Seniors (62+) $11.00 Children Ages 5-12 $5.00 Children 4 and under free Members free with card

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Advance reservations are required for Free Day at the Arboretum, the third Tuesday of each month.

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Send your questions and feedback to the Arboretum Staff.

Do you have a question about plants? Our Arboretum gardening experts are available to answer all of your gardening questions.

Experience the Desert’s Spring Bloom. Book Your Visit Now!

Walks &Tours

Boyce thompson arboretum offers a wide range of guided tours and walks october through april, from plants and wildlife to history and ecology., our tours and walks include:.

November 2023 – April 2024 Second Saturday & Sunday of the month | 8:30 am – 10 am

As an Important Birding Area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum serves as a revered stage where avian life takes the spotlight. Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned birdwatcher, our guided walk offers a window into a world of winged wonders.

Walks are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, please visit the Gift Shop. No binoculars? No problem! Loaner binoculars are available at our admissions booth.

Walk size: 15 people Cost: Free with admission

Butterfly Walk

October 2023 & March – May 2024 Last Saturday of the month | 8:30 am – 10 am

Join us for an uplifting walk guided by a butterfly expert, and marvel at our resident butterflies’ intricate beauty and divine grace. Blessed with abundant vegetation and life-giving waterways, the Arboretum is a sacred haven for these winged wonders, especially in the transformative seasons of Spring, late Summer, and early Fall.

Walks are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, please visit the Gift Shop.

Edible & Medicinal Plant Tour

November 2023 – April 2024 Second Saturday & Sunday of the month | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Join us as we guide you through the awe-inspiring abundance of the Sonoran Desert. Far from barren, this vibrant landscape is home to an unparalleled variety of over 540 medicinal and edible plants. As we explore flowering shrubs and timeless trees, you’ll learn how plants like prickly-pear and jojoba have been life-giving staples for Sonoran Desert communities for more than 1,000 years.

Tours are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, please visit the Gift Shop. Please note: this guided tour may include the Sonoran Desert Trail, which has steep sections that are not suitable for visitors who use wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.

Tour size: 15 people Cost: Free with admission

Arboretum Discovery Tour

March 2024 – April 2024 Every Saturday & Sunday | 9 am – 10 am

Discover Arizona’s first and oldest botanical garden with this docent-led tour on our Main Trail. Explore our diverse gardens which are home to plants from many of the world’s deserts. You will learn what makes desert plants unique and the adaptations that allow them to grow in challenging environments. This introduction to Boyce Thompson Arboretum is enjoyable for first-time and return visitors alike.

Tours are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour or walk, please visit the Gift Shop. All tours meet next to the Admissions Booth. Please note: this tour lasts approximately one (1) hour, covers 0.5 miles, and follows paved, unpaved, and uneven pathways.

Tag us on Instagram with @btarboretum #1Arb

As the seasons change, so do our hours of operation. Please note the updated hours for visiting the Arboretum. Plan your visit accordingly, as the last admission is accepted one hour before closing.

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Arboretum & Botanic Garden

• What's Blooming
• Hours and Admissions
• Gardens and Collections
• Map of the Arboretum
• Exploring Our Gardens
• Birding at the Arboretum
• Meet the Staff
• Support the Garden
• Become a Member
• Dedicate a Tribute Bench

Home / Visit / Exploring Our Gardens

Tour of Aroma, Succulent & Cacti Gardens

FIRST SATURDAY GUIDED TOUR

FIRST SATURDAY Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your understanding of the Arboretum's plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending on the time of year, the interests of the tour guide and the people who join in. You might learn more about the birds and mammals that make this land their home or about the amazing physical adaptations that plants have evolved to better deal with extreme weather and climate conditions. 

FIRST SATURDAY Tours

Tours given on the 1st Saturday of each month - at 11am Admission: $10/person Members: FREE Admission

Meet your tour guide(s) at the entrance to the Visitor Parking lot. Walks will be about one hour.

*Tours cancelled if the weather is unsuitable.* 

SELF GUIDED TOURS

The Arboretum offers many wonderful opportunities for exploration and learning for all ages, backgrounds, and capabilities.  We have beautiful, information-packed interpretive signs near the entrances to every garden, to help make your visit an educationally enriching experience.

  Preview some of our interpretive signs here: 

Bring a picnic lunch to the Arboretum! There are picnic benches in several parts of the gardens (see map below) and several open, grassy areas, where school groups can sit ​on the ground for lunch or for ​instruction. 

Check out these additional resources and tips for a great visit:

Learn more about the arboretum's plant collections:.

* Please notify the Arboretum if your group consists of 6+ cars or a bus, as parking can be limited​. Email us at [email protected]

For Hours and Admission information:

General Admission

• Hours and Admission
• Report an accessibility barrier
• Land Acknowledgment
• Accreditation

Last modified: April 5, 2024 128.114.113.82

UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

Good life garden, drop-in volunteer hours.

Event Date Fri, May 10, 2024 @ 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Drop in and help out with weeding, planting and pruning! Volunteers can take home extra produce while learning about edible gardening.

Everyone is welcome! No experience necessary, tools provided. Please bring your own gloves if you have them as well as a bag if you would like to take home produce.

Event Category