Washington, D.C. has more than its fair share of stunning gardens, but the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens has been deemed a “hidden gem” by the National Park Service (NPS), and now is the best time to visit.
The gorgeous garden nestled within Anacostia Park is always serene, but it’s currently a true sight to behold in the city with its beautiful lotuses and water lilies at peak bloom.
“Deep within Kenilworth lies an oasis, hidden behind trees and cattails,” the NPS writes. “It’s a place where beavers build their homes and turtles sleep on logs. Lotus blooms rise from the muck and lilies sit on the water.”
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. residents and visitors alike will wonder at a beauty not usually accessible from most major U.S. cities. But get there early — parking both in lots and on the streets outside the gardens fill up fast!