Beautiful area - and I missed the water lilies blooming! Several "ponds" form a sunken garden where you can walk among them and not only enjoy the lotus and lilies, but learn a great deal about them. The Boardwalk was a wonderful find, with more informational signage. Found it while geocaching, and will be returning in July to see everything in full bloom. Picnic tables to enjoy a meal and gathering, and many chairs available to view the gardens and wildlife. Definitely a place I would recommend.

What a hidden gem for DC! I went early July (and early morning around 9am before the heat) and it had so many blooming lotus flowers. So many varieties too! Be sure to watch your step for some roots on the walk. And definitely look for the small white lotus flowers!! Even on a cloudy day well worth it too. Boardwalk worth it as well for a quieter area.

Wonderful visit to Aquatic Gardens. I highly recommend attending the Park Ranger guided tour. They had a couple scheduled for guests during the day. Our Park Ranger, Hunter was very informative on the history, Flora and Fauna of the park.
Great day trip for families, friends, couples or solo. Easy parking on street next to park as well

What a gem in DC. And a nice day it’s a great scene, to walk along the ponds and see the different types of lotus.

Somewhere in the first two weeks of July is the perfect time to see the lotus flowers blossom.

The boardwalk And the other amazing natural wonders in and around the gardens is soothing.

Next time I have to remember to pack a small picnic bag and just relax under a shady tree and here the frogs, birds, insects in harmony.

It is the first garden of its kind that I have seen with multiple ponds dedicated to specific aquatic plants. Various kinds of blooming water lilies, but it was too early for lotuses to bloom at the time of my visit. Boardwalk trail from the ponds area leads to expansive marsh views along Anacostia River (worthy a quick walk), however highlight of the visit is certainly aquatic gardens themselves. Ample parking lot and cozy visitor center with the restroom. Pretty cool experience in dedicated NPS park… Note that on weekdays some adjacent to the park streets prohibit passage from Anacostia freeway between 6:30am and 9:30am.