Tidal Basin
Tidal Basin
4.5
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Springtime in Washington means the explosion of white-pink clouds of cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin.
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- Ajay SAshburn, Virginia305 contributionsNature at its bestAs we strolled around the Tidal Basin, the colors of the cherry blossoms seemed to dance in the gentle breeze, creating a magical atmosphere. The soft petals fell like snow around us, a beautiful reminder of the fleeting beauty of nature. It was a moment of pure joy and wonder, shared between generations. The sight of families and friends gathered under the cherry blossom trees, laughing and taking pictures, filled my heart with warmth. It was a reminder of the simple joys of life, of taking a moment to stop and admire the beauty around us. Surrounded by the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the grandeur of the Jefferson Memorial, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the beauty of nature, for the love of family, and for the simple pleasures of life. It was a moment of connection, of being present and fully alive in the moment. Despite living in Northern Virginia, we had always avoided the crowds that came to see the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin. However, this year we decided to brave the crowds and bring our 9-month-old grandson along. It was a bit of a hassle finding parking amidst the sea of people, but with a little patience, we were able to find a spot and enjoy our time there. We leisurely walked along the path towards the Jefferson Memorial, admiring the natural beauty that surrounded us. It was a wonderful experience being in the presence of such breathtaking scenery. The beauty of the cherry blossoms had left an imprint on my heart, a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature. It was a day to remember, a day filled with love, joy, and the simple beauty of life.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 18, 2024
- moodbluWest Valley City, Utah1,497 contributionsPretty lake with a practical purposeOn our recent US History Tour, we walked partway around the Tidal Basin. The Tidal Basin was constructed to deal with the tides from the Potomac River and to rinse silt out of the adjacent Washington Channel. Because the cherry blossoms came earlier than usual in 2024, we totally missed them. Still, we enjoyed our walk, the views of th area, and the memorials that we saw along the way.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 14, 2024
- JackOld Bethpage, New York3,390 contributionsBeautiful views of DCThe Tidal Basin is home to one of the most beautiful views in DC. Especially during cherry blossom season! I unfortunately just missed cherry blossom season when I visited DC at the end of April, but the Tidal Basin walk was still nice. There are many memorials to see in the Tidal Basin such as the MLK, Jefferson, and FDR memorials. I highly recommend doing the Tidal Basin walk.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 24, 2024
- Arthur MHamilton, Canada1,621 contributionsSunrise with the cherry blossoms was the highlight of the DC trip!We headed to DC with the main purpose of seeing the cherry blossoms. This year's bloom was the second earliest on record, and was worried all of them would've had fallen off by our time of arrival. 12 days later, I was surprised they're still standing strong as if it's on peak bloom still! Walk around the basin for multiple memorials such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s memorial, where most of the iconic DC tourism shots are from. The Jefferson Memorial is at the other end. And this year's bloom was Stumpy's last unfortunately. But a sunrise walk at the basin sure was the highlight of the trip!Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,714 reviews
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Deanne D
Wellington, New Zealand1,406 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Take the opportunity to walk around the basin as you go from memorial to memorial. The cherry blossoms would be beautiful in the spring. There is a good path to follow. Perfect for a stroller. Nice to let kids have a bit of a run.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
Athens, GA44 contributions
Apr 2022
The Tidal Basin provides for a beautiful and serene respite from the noise and hustle of the city. It is also a nice view for those walking from the Mall to the Jefferson memorial (with MLK and FDR memorials along the way).
For those who are interested, there are paddle boats and even fishing on the basin.
While walking the path, be careful of the uneven pathways and the tree limbs/roots. The trees are protected and the city has to allow them to mostly grow unimpeded regardless of their blocking portions of the pathway.
For those who are interested, there are paddle boats and even fishing on the basin.
While walking the path, be careful of the uneven pathways and the tree limbs/roots. The trees are protected and the city has to allow them to mostly grow unimpeded regardless of their blocking portions of the pathway.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcain
Washington DC, DC213 contributions
Jul 2021
Everyone should visit this spot. But be prepared to walk to and
from. Spend as much time as you can, it's very peaceful and
contemplative if you have the time. Walk around the whole
thing if you have the time, it is worth it. Take a side trip into
the MLK and Roosevelt memorials, those are eminently worth
it. Take your time.
from. Spend as much time as you can, it's very peaceful and
contemplative if you have the time. Walk around the whole
thing if you have the time, it is worth it. Take a side trip into
the MLK and Roosevelt memorials, those are eminently worth
it. Take your time.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan M
Tuxedo Park, NY644 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We happened to pass through DC when the cherry blossoms were at peak bloom and we would highly recommend doing this at least once. Don't let the talk of huge crowds fool you. While there are a lot of people, there are also a lot of cherry trees (thousands) and you will have no problem finding little spots all to yourself if you are patient. A walk around the whole basin takes between one and two hours.
Written April 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lottelli
Wirral, UK2,934 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
You can get a peddle boat onto the water.
Around the tidal basin is the best views of the cherry blossoms which looked amazing in full bloom. I think it’s really relaxing to have water in the middle of a city, especially when it’s as pretty as this.
Around the tidal basin is the best views of the cherry blossoms which looked amazing in full bloom. I think it’s really relaxing to have water in the middle of a city, especially when it’s as pretty as this.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
esb2015
Carmel, IN18 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We hit the Tidal Basin and many of the monuments over about three hours, including an extended pause at the Cherry Blossom Festival food trucks for ice cream. We started from Smithsonian station, passed the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam, Lincoln Memorial (made me cry tbh), Korea, Martin Luther King Jr, and the Jefferson It was wonderful to be around all of that history, sparked great conversations with the kids (10 and 12). I think we did around 12k steps though so would recommend a different approach if your group has sensitivities in this area. Bring water and wear sunscreen.
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ5,997 contributions
Apr 2023
I have been wanting to come down to DC to see the cherry blossoms for years and I have always either missed them or the storms knocked off the blossoms before I got there. This pretty much happened again as a storm on Saturday knocked a lot of the blossoms off the pink trees. Thank God that the other species had just bloomed and I got to see the white blossoms in full bloom and what a site it was!
All these beautiful trees were so graceful and gentle. Mother Nature was doing her thing around the tidal basin. The trees were so gorgeous and colorful and it was fun to walk around the paths and look at the branches.
Unfortunately tourists can be obnoxious and people were climbing on the trees and pulling on the branches. These are the things these trees do not need. I could believe that people were tugging on the branches for the perfect picture.
Still I enjoyed myself and walked around the path to the Jefferson Memorial and just admired natures work.
All these beautiful trees were so graceful and gentle. Mother Nature was doing her thing around the tidal basin. The trees were so gorgeous and colorful and it was fun to walk around the paths and look at the branches.
Unfortunately tourists can be obnoxious and people were climbing on the trees and pulling on the branches. These are the things these trees do not need. I could believe that people were tugging on the branches for the perfect picture.
Still I enjoyed myself and walked around the path to the Jefferson Memorial and just admired natures work.
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine
New York341 contributions
Mar 2022
Take a walk around the Tidal Basin no matter what time of year you visit for some good time outside and to visit the three memorials that live around it.
We visited while the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom this year and it was truly beautiful--very crowded, but a beautiful site to see.
In the past (not this visit) I have also rented bikes to bike around the Tidal Basin which would be a good activity on a day not so crowded. It does take some time to walk around, so be prepared for that if going with tired legs or young children.
We visited while the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom this year and it was truly beautiful--very crowded, but a beautiful site to see.
In the past (not this visit) I have also rented bikes to bike around the Tidal Basin which would be a good activity on a day not so crowded. It does take some time to walk around, so be prepared for that if going with tired legs or young children.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TXMARTINS
Denver, CO4,054 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The tidal basin is best experienced in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! But regardless of the season this a great walk to hit the Jefferson, FDR & Eleanor Roosevelt and MLK Memorials. Make sure that you save time to at least do Jefferson to MLK. The DC Circulator drops and pickups at Jefferson and MLK so you can easily access and spend your time walking the actual basin. Wide sidewalks for strollers, family friendly.
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rootsandshoots
Redmond, WA300 contributions
Mar 2022
Got lucky to a couple of perfect days to tour the tidal basin and cherry blossoms. Weather can do wild swings in temp. Be sure to stay in DC for a length of time(1-2 weeks) at this time if you want to see the best of the blooms around the basin.
Written April 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Go to trip advisor, Go to Washington DC in your search. Go to search Hotels. Then scroll down the left side till you see search by distance from. You should be able to type in Tidal Basin and move the scroll on the bottom over to say 1/2 a mile or less. It will break down the closest hotels for you. I know there is a Hilton in the mall area. Any hotel in the Mall area is about as close as you are going to get the tidal basin. You do realize it is just dirty cold water this time of year right? I would imagine it is beautiful in the spring with the cherry blossoms in bloom, but not right now.
Written January 6, 2020
Hi there...just wondering if dogs are allowed in the park? Thank you 🤗
Written June 28, 2018
Lots of street parking off season. This time of year; you need to go super super early. Best thing to do is to park in one of the public garages, there is one near the tidal basin.
Written March 25, 2018
Yes, lower level of Jefferson Memorial and at FDR Memorial.
Written June 7, 2017
Where around or which side of the basin is the best to see the cherry blossoms? How exactly do to get there?
Written March 22, 2016
I've never been there by "driving". But, if you walk the National Mall, I'll give you my steps: First, get your hands on a map of The Mall. Print a page from online if you want to be prepared ahead of time and then grab real maps while you're there... Starting at the giant Washington Monument you walk along the Reflecting Pool and come across the WWII memorial. After checking it out, keep walking toward Lincoln's Memorial (I like to spend time there). To Lincoln's left, you follow a path over to the Vietnam Wall. Afterwards, follow that same path back to Lincoln and on Lincoln's RIGHT, you will find that the same path leads you over to the Korean Memorial...you're still on Lincoln's right (It is a mix of armed services men, 7' tall, wearing rain ponchos, walking among "rice paddies"). This area is wooded and feels like a park, so its harder to see while among the trees. If you walk around that area, you will find paths that take you onto a somewhat busy street (Independence Ave). There is a big snack area (outdoor cafe) and its a nice spot to grab a drink or dessert and take a rest. Once finished, cross the street, and follow the signs to the Martin Luther King monument (don't miss this!). As you see his GIANT commanding statue, you will also notice the water just past him... YOU ARE ON THE TIDAL BASIN...yay! He is looking right at it. Just walk along the water on the sidewalk (on King's right) and you will be walking literally right under the Cherry Trees. Sometimes, you have to duck to get under them. Keep going until you come across Franklin D Roosevelt's Memorial (another favorite). I have never kept going over to the Jefferson Memorial (due to lack of time or not wanting to walk more!). Then, just follow your footsteps back through MLK Jr, cross the street (Ind. Ave.) to the Korean Memorial, and you're back on The Mall. Sorry, this is complicated, but after I figured it out, I always follow this path with I visit. Cut and Paste these directions to a Word Doc and print them out if it helps. Also, look at the map shown on the top right of this page. Zoom in by clicking on the "+" and you will find The Mall and all the Memorials on it that I'm talking about. Good luck!
Written March 22, 2016
What are the hours for tidal basin and is it free?
Written July 12, 2015
It is open 24 hours. There are no gates, no fences. It's particularly pleasant in the evening. During the day, there are paddle boats to rent. Otherwise, it's an open area where you can also visit the monuments around the basin: FDR, MLK and Jefferson.
Written July 12, 2015
Can you tell me about using paddle boats there? Thanks!
Written March 23, 2015
It is easy and fun and you will not get too wet. You can paddle the whole basin without too much trouble. It is easier with two people.
Written March 24, 2015
When do the cherry blossoms begin blooming? Also, is there a festival at that time?
Written March 1, 2015
Hi, Park service predicts peak bloom from April 11-14. It will be late this year due to the cold weather. Keep checking this website.
nationalcherryblossomfestival. org/about/bloom-watch/
Written March 11, 2015
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