The U.S. Botanical Gardens: DC's Most Underrated Attraction | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The U.S. Botanical Gardens: DC's Most Underrated Attraction

You definitely won't want to miss this the next time you visit.

Katelyn Asmus
Jul 11, 2016
Yale University
10
The U.S. Botanical Gardens: DC's Most Underrated Attraction

Over the weekend, I visited the U.S. Botanical Gardens with one of my summer roommates. I had heard pretty good reviews and was excited to see it, but didn't expect go in with my expectations too high. During my study abroad experiences I had visited some world renowned gardens, so I'm not going to lie, I didn't think Washington DC could really compete. I mean, who comes to DC thinking they need to rush over to visit the botanical gardens over national treasures like the Washington Monument or the various memorials scattered across the National Mall? Let me set the record straight: this attraction should immediately be put on everyone's list.

A sure sign of my love for this garden is that my roommate and I gladly put up with DC's suffocating humidity to keep enjoying the gardens. What we had planned to be a super quick trip to snap some Instagram worthy pictures turned into a much longer excursion as we explored each room. But a little sweat was worth catching a photo like this one.

Each room in the complex was like discovering a new beautiful little world. We became world travelers as we explored the plant life of Hawaii, the Tropics, Africa, and even DC's own East coast. I hadn't even realized that there was this expansive world of beautiful plants that I had been missing out on.

Amidst all of the rich DC history lies this fantastic little oasis. If you weren't looking for it, you might just miss it. If you were too worried about the humidity and the sunburn, you might just skip it. But if you really wanted to find a true DC treasure, you would be sure to make a stop at the U.S. Botanical Gardens.

I can't promise that you won't get a bug bite or two. I can't promise that you might not get blisters from walking around. I can't promise you won't want to hit the nearest shower immediately after leaving the grounds. But I can promise that this attraction will exceed your expectations. It will be the DC learning experience you didn't even know you needed. It will give you social media pictures 1000 times better than the ones you took from the roof of one of those drop-off tourist buses. It is the underrated DC attraction that I promise you won't want to leave off your list again.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

University of Wisconsin Branch Schools
118
11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
Swoon

To The Girl Who Falls Too Fast, Never Be Ashamed Of How Hard You Love

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

2746
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

Florida State University
612
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
equestrian
Health and Wellness

To The Burnt-Out College Student, Keep Going

When you're struggling to keep afloat, keep going.

West Chester University
674
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
burnout
Health and Wellness

No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead

Panicking and pulling all-nighters will not allow you to get an A.

The State University of New York at Stony Brook
601
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments