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Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden

Arlington, Virginia

Rose Garden in Arlington Virginia Peach and White

Gardens & Parks· Neighborhoods
Arlington VA

If shooting flowers is your thing–or if you’re looking for a beautiful floral backdrop for wedding or engagement photos–Washington has some excellent options. There’s the blooming of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in early spring, followed by the flowering of the tulips and other blossoms all around town. The National Arboretum, the Botanical Gardens, River Farm, and the Smithsonian’s Edith A. Haupf Garden all have a range of exotic flowers from around the world and are all expertly maintained. And there are a lot more wonderful gardens around the area as well as some good options for catching fall foliage.

And there’s even an English-style rose garden hidden away in Arlington. It has a spectacular range of different kinds of roses, each variety carefully identified. They’re all neatly arranged, interspersed with walking paths, wooden park benches, and small arched gazebos.

The roses are at their peak bloom around the end of May through June and start fading in early July. The rest of the time it’s a pleasant garden, but if you want to see the flowers, head there in June. (If you’re heading there earlier in the spring, walk a little way down the path towards the playground and check out the gardens on your right, past the Sunny Garden sign. That garden’s different kinds of flowers mostly bloom earlier and also quite beautiful.)

Rose Garden in Arlington Virginia Sign Close-up

Rose Garden in Arlington Virginia flower Beds

Daises in Arlington VA

Rose Garden in Arlington Virginia Park Bench

The Sunny Garden at Bon Air Park in Arlington VA

Rose Garden in Arlington Virginia Mosaic

Rose Garden in Arlington Virginia Flower Beds

For Photographers

Photographer Friendliness Rating There are no access restrictions day or night, and there’s no problem using tripods or flash.

No advance permissions or permits are required for personal, wedding, engagement, or family photos. Shoots for commercial use require a permit.

The garden is at the corner of Wilson Blvd and N Lexington Street in Arlington. There’s not really a close metro stop, although it is possible to walk from either East Falls Church or Ballston (both Orange line) but it’s a very long walk from both.

It’s also on a bike path that connects directly to both the Custis Trail, which runs alongside the 66 freeway towards DC, and Four Mile Run/W&OD Trail, which comes out down at the George Washington Parkway next to Reagan National Airport. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from Capital Bikeshare at a bunch of locations in DC and Arlington.

There’s also plenty of parking right next to the garden. If you’re driving down Wilson Blvd, keep a lookout for the tennis courts–the garden is right next to those.

There’s also plenty of room for picnics, walking, and playing in the adjacent park areas.

Oh, and please don’t pick the roses (as I saw someone do recently).

Map

Official Website

Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation

See also the Arlington Rose Foundation which created and provides support for the garden.

Nearby & Related:

  • US Air Force Memorial in Arlington VA F-16 Etched in Glass
    United States Air Force Memorial
  • Moongate Garden
    Moongate Garden
  • Pentagon Memorial with flowers
    Pentagon Memorial
  • MLK Memorial
    Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial
  • Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC
    The Jefferson Memorial
  • World War One Memorial in the Snow
    District of Columbia World War I Memorial

Washington DC Visitor Guides

If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.

Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
  • Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Fodor's Washington D.C 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
Fodor's Washington D.C 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
  • Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
  • Pratt, Meredith (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
  • Lonely Planet (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's rich history.

National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
  • Kennedy, Barbara Noe (Author)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit.


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      # Gardens & Parks
      # Neighborhoods

      # Arlington VA


About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find more of my work at havecamerawilltravel.com.

And if you’re visiting DC in the spring, be sure to check out my DC Cherry Blossom Watch site.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing Images

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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