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Tidal Basin, Washington DC

4.7

#1 of 9 in Nature in Washington DC

Water Body Nature / Park

• ©

Relax by the water and see some of America's proudest monuments at Tidal Basin. This man-made inlet was created in the 19th century as a means to control the high tides of the Potomac River. Today, along the banks you can visit some of Washington D.C.’s famous memorials honoring historic figures, including Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The scenic basin, with approximately 3,750 cherry trees in its vicinity, is also noted as the venue for the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the start of spring each year. If you'd like to do your sightseeing from the water, you can rent a paddle boat. The basin is also a great spot to take an aimless stroll or have a picnic. From the area, you have easy access to the National Mall and its many sites. To visit Tidal Basin and other attractions in Washington DC, use our Washington DC trip maker website .

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Tidal Basin Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,636 reviews

Google

4.7

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4.8

1,259 likes

• By ron S

  This man made basin was done to drain the swampy land in DC. It worked and now is a beutiful are to enjoy. The Jefferson Monument and those dedicated to President Franklin D Roosevelt and Martin Luthe...  more »

• By The_Gilberts_SAUK

  We caught the free Circulator bus to the Jefferson Memorial and took a slow stroll around, stopping to look at the impressive Roosevelt and MLK memorials and watching an amusing raccoon stealing sandw...  more »

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Google

• By Abraham Kuruvilla

  Amazing view. Worth a visit every year if you are into cherry blossom. They have at least 13 varieties of cherry blossom. Pick a day when weather is good and weekday. You can beat the crowd like that.

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• By Roniqua Jeffries

  Just a short walk from the wharf, this is the place to be when the cherry blossoms bloom. Take a relaxing walk around the basin and you’re just steps away from the national mall. Great place to visit during warmer months.

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