This is a neighborhood photo field trip and the locations mentioned below are generally within a 5–block radius.

When:
Sunday, October 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

We will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Bartholdi Fountain at the U.S. Botanic Garden (245 1st Street S.W., Washington, D.C.).

Post field trip snacks at 10:00 a.m. at Starbucks, 409 3rd Street S.W., Washington, D.C. (3rd & D Streets, S.W., near the Federal Center SW Metro station)

Where:
Bartholdi Fountain at the U.S. Botanic Garden
245 1st Street S.W. Washington, D.C.

Street parking is free on Sundays in D.C. There are also parking garages at 800 D Street S.W., as well as some garages near the International Spy Museum

Locations (from east to west):

U.S. Botanic Garden
Independence & Maryland Ave. S.W.

Bartholdi Fountain (Built in 1876, he later created the Statue of Liberty)
1st Street S.W. and Independence Ave.

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
150 Washington Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 ·

National Museum of the American Indian
Independence Ave. and 3rd Street, S.W.
The building is reminiscent of the Southwest Native American architectural styles. The exterior gardens include an extensive collection of Native American plants.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004
Note: The panels behind are hard to distinguish in daytime—they represent the cliffs at Normandy Beach and are more visible at night.

The Smithsonian Castle and the Arts and Industries Building
1000 Jefferson Drive S.W. (at Independence and 9th Street)

The Enid A. Haupt Garden is located at the Smithsonian Castle.

International Spy Museum
700 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.
For outside photos of building – admission requires advance tickets @ $35 plus)

Suggested Gear and Notes:

Bring a camera and lens that matches your interests-—lenses from wide angle to telephoto.

Bring a macro lens if you love getting close to nature, with the most likely opportunities at the Ernest Haupt Garden at the Smithsonian Castle and the Outdoor Gardens at the National Botanic Garden. There are also a number of native plants at gardens outside the National Museum of the American Indian.

Tripods are allowed in outdoor locations, and you may find them useful for architectural photos.

If you enjoy capturing images you find during hikes and walks bring a single camera with normal length, 35-100mm zoom, or a 50mm primary lens.

Seton Droppers and Bill Huddleston
Field Trip Coordinators 2026­ —2027

Images from the Field Trips may be viewed at NVPS Field Trips Gallery