A man-made marvel of natural beauty and ingenuity, the Tidal Basin might be overlooked by many visitors to D.C., but it plays an important role in the history of the District. Constructed from landfill in the 1800’s as an offshoot of the Potomac River, the Basin harnesses the power of the tides to flush accumulated silt from the Washington Channel, keeping it navigable. Occupying more than 100 acres, the 10-foot deep basin is circled by the Tidal Basin Loop. Its shores are home to some of D.C.’s most iconic landmarks and monuments including the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the site of the first cherry tree planting in West Potomac Park.
A Beautiful Walk
Home to hundreds of the famed cherry trees gifted to the U.S. by the nation of Japan, a stroll around the Tidal Basin is one of the best ways to take in the city. Located in the southwest corner of the district, the Basin is part of West Potomac Park and ringed by the Tidal Basin Loop Trail (2.1 miles). Walking the trail takes you past countless cultural treasures and beautiful panoramic views of the city skyline and natural areas. Along the way you will pass the Japanese Lantern, a 350-year old granite lantern whose twin still resides in Tokyo. It is lit every year to kick-off the Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms Festival, which celebrates the friendship between Japan and America. Indeed, just down the trail you will see the site of the first plantings of the cherry trees back in 1912. Continuing your walk you will come to the artistic FDR memorial, renowned for its use of waterfalls and landscape architecture. This beautiful spot is ideal for taking in the brilliant blossoms every spring. As you complete the loop around the Tidal Basin you will find yourself standing before one of America’s most iconic monuments, the round dome of the Jefferson Memorial. Built on fill from the dredging of the Basin in the 1880’s, Jefferson’s Memorial is one of the best spots in the city to take in the full splendor of the cherry blossoms during peak bloom in late March or early April.
Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms
Twice a day as the tide turns the Tidal Basin is filled with 250 million gallons of water from the Potomac River. This surge back-closes the inlet gates and forces its way out of the basin and into the Washington Channel, scouring its way toward the Anacostia River downstream and eventually rejoining the Potomac below D.C. in Virginia. This water is also pumped into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Browse through our collection of Washington DC homes for rent today!