Tidal Basin

The Basics

Enjoy a walk or bike ride around the 2.1-mile (3.4-kilometer) Tidal Basin loop, which passes by several key monuments. If you’re there between May and October, you can explore the inlet by paddleboat. The Tidal Basin features on many walking, biking, and Segway tours—hop-on hop-off trolleys stop there as well. The inlet is also close to other landmarks on the National Mall, making it easy to check out multiple sights in one visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to tour the area, as distances between attractions can be greater than anticipated.

• Paddleboats can be booked online. Reserve yours well in advance if you’ll be visiting during cherry blossom season.

• The Tidal Basin trail and all monuments around the inlet are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

It’s best to take public transit to the Tidal Basin, as parking in the area is limited. The closest metro stations are Smithsonian (on the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines) and L’Enfant Plaza (on the Blue, Silver, Orange, Green, and Yellow lines), and the National Mall Circulator bus stops nearby. Bikeshares are also a good way to get around.

When to Get There

For the ideal views, head to the Tidal Basin on a clear day. Avoid going after heavy rains, as the area can flood. The prettiest, though also busiest, time to visit is in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom—go in the early morning or the evening to beat the crowds.

Less-Crowded Places to See the Cherry Blossoms

Washington DC’s most popular spot to view cherry blossoms, the Tidal Basin can be extremely crowded during peak bloom. For fewer people, opt for one of the city’s less-crowded areas to marvel at the lovely blooms, such as the United States National Arboretum, Stanton Park, or Anacostia Park.

What is Tidal Basin famous for?

Tidal Basin is a popular destination for visiting the memorials and monuments commemorating prominent US politicians and influential people. Plus, it is well known for its cherry blossoms that appear along the basin’s shores. There’s a Cherry Blossom Festival held here each spring, drawing international crowds.

What’s the story of Tidal Basin’s cherry blossoms?

In 1912, the Japanese Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gifted President Taft and his wife 3000 cherry trees, which they planted three years later in the Tidal Basin. They were a gift of friendship, and each year, there’s a huge spring festival where tourists come to marvel at the cherry blossoms.

What kinds of tours visit Tidal Basin?

Tours of Washington DC often head to the Tidal Basin, and there are plenty of tours for all kinds of visitors. Choose from group tours, night tours, private tours, open-top bus tours, electric bikes, and more. You’ll most likely also visit the National Mall, plus other DC highlights along the way.

Can you swim in the Tidal Basin?

No, you cannot swim in the Tidal Basin anymore. In the early 1900s, it was possible. However, there were segregated areas, which were later protested against. The water quality isn’t suitable for swimming, so now the once-used swimming pools are just for people to admire outside the water.

What monuments are in Tidal Basin?

Several of the US’s most popular memorials and monuments are in Tidal Basin. The Japanese Pagoda, FDR Memorial, John Paul Jones Memorial, the Floral Library, and the FDR Memorial are all located here. One of the selling points is that you don’t need to pay to see them.

Do I need to pay to visit Tidal Basin?

No, you don’t. You’ll have to pay to park at Arlington Cemetary station, but you don't need a ticket once you are at the basin itself. Visit the monuments, like the Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, and more, for free. There’s also no charge to visit the cherry blossoms.