Peak Bloom At Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

The lotuses are in peak bloom at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The extreme heat means peak bloom is earlier than usual, but there will still be plenty of blooms through the end of July. With over 45 ponds and hundreds of thousands of lilies, it’s well worth a trip to the far edges of the D.C. diamond.

What To See:

Kenilworth is one of the few wetland areas along the Anacostia River that was not drained. Instead, it was kept intact for aquatic

plants. There are several varieties of lilies and lotus blooming in the garden this time of year, including:

Besides the blooms, don’t miss the marsh boardwalk at the far back corner of the park. The natural wetland is home to over 250 species of birds, along with beavers, turtles, and river otters, so keep your eyes peeled.

Getting There:

The park is a 15-minute walk from the Orange Line Deanwood stop. It is also located along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail which makes it easily bikeable. And when all else fails, there is plenty of parking for drivers.

Some Tips Before You Go:

☀️ Avoid mid-day. The best time to view the lotuses is early in the morning before the heat makes their blooms close. It is also less crowded and sweaty.

🥾 Don’t wear your best shoes. At the end of the day, it’s a marsh, and mud is hard to avoid, especially when you're enthralled with the blooms.

⏰ Leave time to meander. I recommend allocating about two hours to see everything and take pictures. The garden is open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.

The annual

is this weekend from July 19 - July 21 with performances, classes, and programming, so get out there now!