Tidal Basin

While Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin is indeed a man-made inlet that controls the water levels of the pretty Potomac River, it is best known for a variety of other reasons.

The Tidal Basin is part of Washington D.C.’s West Potomac Park and is a favorite area for tourists to visit to enjoy a stroll around this attractive city.

One of the most magnificent sights of the Tidal Basin areaoccurs during the early weeks of April,when spring hits the eastern coast of the United States. That’s when D.C.’s famous cherry trees – which line the Tidal Basin - are in bloom. This awesome sight, which prompts a huge festival each year, is the result of some 3,000 cherry trees that were a gift to the U.S. from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1912. About 100 of these original trees still stand.

During the National Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors to the nation’s capitol can enjoy wonderful concerts and other cultural performances, hear lectures about the trees, enjoy art exhibitions, take a bike tour of the Tidal Basin area, and much more…all with a bit of a Japanese twist.

Another awesome sight, located on the south bank of the Tidal Basin, is the Jefferson Memorial. Dedicated to America’s 3rd president - who was the author of the Declaration of Independence - this gleaming white, circular-shaped, domed memorial pays homage to the principals of liberty and freedom in which Jefferson so fervently believed. A museum is located in the lower level of the lobby and a bookstore in the basement.

A newer addition to the Tidal Basin area is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, situated on the western edge of the water. Creators of this memorial note that it is not only a tribute to Roosevelt – who served nearly 4 terms as president of the United States – but also to the era in general. Shade trees, waterfalls, and statuary line the path to the 7.5 acre (3 ha) memorial, which opened in 1997. This clever tribute to one of America’s most popular presidents is divided into 4 “rooms”, highlighting events from each of Roosevelt’s terms.

When the weather is warm in Washington, DC, visitors can do more than admire the Tidal Basin from afar. Renting a paddle boat is a great way to enjoy the amazing sights of this area. Two- and four-passenger boats are available from mid-May until Labor Day (the first Monday in September), 7 days a week, and on weekends from Labor Day until mid-October. The boats are especially popular during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.