Congressional Cemetery

Posted 03/16/24 We arrived a little late to see the bloom of the flowers although you can still appreciate their beauty and take beautiful photos. It is dog friendly, many are off leash and running in the gardens. Easy parking free for 2 hours, there is a bathroom if you need it, very peaceful for a short walk..

STUNNING Kwanzan cherry blossoms, it was peak on 4/12/2023.
- dogs are off leash if you have day pass(purchase online) or membership.
- better to sign up for text/email alert when it’s closed.
- street parking, easy on weekdays.

Posted 3/25/23- I was about a week late for the peak of the cherry blossoms but there were still a few trees in bloom. Also in another week or two, there’ll be more. The most popular spot to see the cherry blossoms in D.C. is the Tidal Basin along the Potomac River. However, during peak (even during the week), it is extremely busy and difficult to find parking. If you want a low key yet still beautiful place to admire the cherry blossoms, come to the Congressional Cemetery. The main entrance is on E street and there is free two hour parking right by the gate. The cemetery is dog friendly (also able to be off-leash!) which adds life to the place. This is the perfect quiet place to spend a warm D.C. afternoon. Plus, lots to do nearby!

Visiting this place regularly has restored my dog's vitality. A day pass costs $15 and there is a two-year waiting list to become an annual dues-paying member. However, I'm happy to pay the $15/day fee while I wait because it's the best (if not the only) large, leashes, dog-friendly park in DC.

I visited the Congressional Cemetery, April 16, 2022. It was a wonderful spring day with the cherry trees in full bloom.

The cemetery is a very nice location to take a walk and view the different styles of gravestones. There are cobble walkways and dirt paths. Be careful if you walk off the path, the ground is uneven.

Loves to see thee was an active bee colony with many hives. The bee keepers were there performing maintenance.

For those of you who enjoy history, this place is really worth your time. This cemetery predates Arlington going back to the earliest days of Washington. It offers a wonderful program that allows dogs off the leash.

I may have to go back. I feel I missed many hidden graves. Due to a extremely hot day and it was a little after noon it was not a good time to visit. I was surprised by the many gay headstones. It's nice to see the love cannot be broken in death. It's nice to be able to research those who have gone on from this earth.

It’s a beautiful place to walk your dog off-leash. There is a lot of great history spread throughout. Also, Quentin is a real gem. I like this place almost as much as my dog does.

Great place to do a walking tour of a historic Cemetery. Self-guided or with a docent. Filled with historic DC notables. Tours brochures available at the office, at the gate or on their website. Lots of other activities throughout the year as well like yoga, 5ks and festivals.

Just lift the latch to enter at the gate.
They do a very nice job here. The volunteer from Albuquerque was so nice. A great place to visit.

This place is a must see while in DC. And, it's a dog park too. What a wonderful idea.

Kennedy's tour was outstanding!

Look for the Benjamin Brown French tombstone! Stood beside Lincoln at Gettysburg where his poem was sung, made all the funeral arrangements for Lincoln, commissioner of all public buildings, saw laid cornerstone of Smithsonian and Capitol. Fabulous history, saw Lincoln on a daily basis and his Journal is used for historic value. Born in Chester, NH.

Hard to find a single negative here. The grounds were beautiful and well kept the tombstones seemed well cared for and the whole atmosphere felt like a warm and vibrant place. Great history was to had for sure and it is majestic in size! Absolutely five stars.

Absolutely beautiful setting. Great community vibes. And J Edgar Hoover's grave makes for an excellent gender-neutral restroom!

This is a great place to visit with a dog or if you like history. There's a lot of cool graves to visit. It's very relaxing and refreshing to walk around.

Unique place with lots of events going on every week. Go on a guided tour - you'll learn a lot about American/DC history. It also functions as a members dog park so it's pretty neat to see them running around as well.

For those interested on Native Americans history is highly advisable to locate gravestones of indian people who died visiting Washington DC in 19th century.

Great history - and the people who work at the Business Office are very helpful. You can get a map of the cemetery from them (or download their app) to find specific sites.
Dog friendly.

I had heard about this cemetery but like most thought Arlington was the one to visit but had a couple of hours spare and decided to take visit.

It was an incredible experience and wished I had more time to wander around the many poignant memorials.