The wisteria vines around Washington, D.C. are one of the several iconic stages of spring in the District.
First come those pretty pink petals of D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms, then the tulips start to pop up, and now we get these incredibly photogenic hanging vines of purple wisteria blooms!
Well, if you’re interested in knowing the best spots around Washington, D.C., to see wisteria vines, this is the list for you!
1. The National Gallery of Art’s West Building along Madison Drive
With the Capitol Building in the backdrop, this is one of the most iconic wisteria spots in the nation’s capital.
The trick is to get here early in the morning to get some photos without a crowd or too much sunlight from the morning sky impacting the view.
2. P St NW (between 29th & 28th St)
Another quiet street in a residential part of the capital city hosts a nice little crop of wisteria vines that make for a pretty picture!
3. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
Not for free, but one of the most iconic places to see the wisteria vines bloom around Washington, D.C., the Dumbarton Oaks Gardenis worth the $11 ticket!
This truly hidden gem is very under-appreciated and, in our opinion, might be one of the best spots around D.C. to see Spring in action around the capital city.
4. Dumbarton St NW (from 31st St to 29th St)
Along Dumbarton Street in the blocks between 31st St & 29th St, a few houses along the way have some breathtakingly beautiful wisteria vines in bloom!
Naturally, as this a residential area, we want to emphasize again that you should practice restraint and not crowd or trespass on private property.
Please respect fellow Washingtonians before we all turn into the tourists we usually scoff at along the National Mall.
5. Corner of R St NW & 32nd St
Practically right across the street from Dumbarton Oaks Museum, on the corner of R St & 32nd St, is a private residence with an incredible cluster of beautiful wisteria vines on one of its exterior walls.
The vines are along the street, and you can enjoy them while practicing common sense, but since they belong to the homeowner, please respect their privacy and do not pick or touch any of the flowers.
6. 32nd St (between Q & P St)
There is another iconic patch along 32nd St!
The wall on the eastern side of 32nd St close to P St NW has a spectacular bunch of wisteria vines hanging over a nice white brick wall, making for a great photo call!
7. 33rd St NW (between O St & P St)
In a small alley along the street’s western side, you’ll see a stunning patch of hanging wisteria along a painted brick wall!
8. 35th and Prospect St NW
Near 1237 35th St NW, you’ll find a beautiful patch of wisteria vines hanging over a picturesque white-painted brick wall!
Although the residence is private and the driveway does pass in front of the wall, meaning you will want to keep your distance if it is being used, if it’s clear, this is a beautiful spot to snap a few spring pics below the purple wisteria blooms.
9. National Cathedral by Pilgrim Road and Massachusetts Ave
On the external walls of the National Cathedral itself, you’ll find some spectacular wisteria blooms that make for a beautiful spot for some photos!
10. At the National Arboretum
Wisteria vine can be found around the grounds of the National Arboretum near the Bonsai Garden!
Be sure to check out the popular moon gate to see one of the most iconic wisteria spots in the District, but be warned that it can sometimes get crowded.