Tidal Basin, DC

Tidal Basin

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(1.7K) · Lake in Washington, United States
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The Tidal Basin is a man-made reservoir located between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel in Washington, D. C. The Basin is …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 1,715 reviews
5-star
67%
4-star
22%
3-star
7%
2-star
2%
1-star
2%
Recent reviews
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Oct 22, 2024
One of the most distinctive and iconic areas of DC - it’s a must visit. Beautiful and vast - one would need an entire day to explore the area, especially around Cherry Blossom season.Full review by Princes5xo
Aug 12, 2024
Being near water can add to to the appeal of nearly anything. The tidal basin is useful as a reservoir, it's primary purpose, but it also adds to the beauty of the area and gives a peaceful area to …Full review by psudino
Jul 1, 2024
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. 1…Full review by thankunextbeach
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Articles

Paddle through the Tidal Basin to marvel at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Thomas Jefferson Memorial or the general la…
cityseeker.com

Facts

Located:West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C., U.S.
Surface area:107 acres (0.43 km²)
Mean depth:10 feet (3.0 m)
Surface elevation:3 feet (0.91 m)
Type:Artificial

Questions & answers

Q:
whar is closest hotel to tidal basin?
A:
There is nothing real close, unfortunately. We rented a house about 5-miles outside of city center.
A:
Q:
Hi there...just wondering if dogs are allowed in the park? Thank you
A:
Do not know/ NA
A:
Q:
Parking near tidal basin
A:
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.
A:
Q:
Are there restrooms at the Washington DC Tidal basin?
A:
Yes, lower level of Jefferson Memorial and at FDR Memorial.
A:
Q:
Where around or which side of the basin is the best to see the cherry blossoms? How exactly do to get there?
A:
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 …
A:
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!
A:
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