Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens
For a great day trip in Seattle, Washington, don’t miss Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanical Gardens. This large park is home to many types of trees, plants, and flowers from all over the world. Visitors can picnic in the beautiful park or take a stroll along the many trails. Several of these gardens have scenic lookout points and have many different plant species to view.
The Washington Park Arboretum is home to several nationally-recognized gardens. These include the Rhododendron Dell and the Cambodian Friendship Garden. The Arboretum Creek is 4,000 feet (1,200 m) long and flows through the park. It also feeds the Japanese Garden and receives runoff from the Rhododendron Glen and Woodland Garden.
The Washington Park Arboretum was established in 1894, and is located fifteen minutes from the SeaTac Station. The Arboretum is accessed by NE 45th St., and is accessible via I-5 N. Parking is free during the week, but permits are required during the weekends. The Graham Visitors Center (GVC) has restrooms on the ground floor. Several other locations, including the Pacific Connections Garden, the Washington Park Playfield, and the Seattle Japanese Garden, offer additional restrooms.
The grounds used to be wet and uninhabitable during the rainy season. However, renovations have made the grounds accessible and have resulted in a significant increase in visitor numbers. You can also find a variety of thematic gardens to view the collection of plants. This is a great way to learn about the plant life in the Pacific Northwest. Soak up the knowledge from this educational institution and learn more about it.
Explore the garden’s various cultures and habitats. From ancient Japan to the Pacific Rim, the Pacific Connections Garden is an amazing destination for botanical enthusiasts. There are extensive trails and a beautiful meadow, along with a great variety of plants and trees. Throughout the garden, visitors can meditate and reflect on the rich cultural heritage. One of the best things about Washington Park Arboretum is the Japanese garden, which was founded by Fujitaro Kubota in 1927. Located on the South side of the city, the garden was expanded in the early 20th century.
Volunteer Park is a stately beauty and is steeped in history. The park has an amphitheater, a water tower, and the Black Sun sculpture, located in front of the Seattle Asian Art Museum. You can even climb the 107 steps to the top of the water tower for an amazing view. After a long day of exploring the park, be sure to visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum, which showcases a large collection of decorative arts and textiles.
If you have time, you can spend an afternoon strolling through the 230-acre gardens. The Japanese Garden is a beautiful spot to view cherry blossoms, azaleas, and other colorful trees. Be sure to make a reservation for a Japanese garden tour on weekends. Access the garden via the Link Light Rail, which stops at University Street Station Bay A. Bus #255 stops near Montlake Frwy and E Lake Washington Blvd.