Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin is a partially man-made body of water located in the heart of Washington DC. The basin is surrounded by several iconic landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial.

The Tidal Basin was created in the early 20th century as a way to control the flow of the Potomac River and to protect Washington DC from flooding. The basin is connected to the Potomac River and is filled with water that rises and falls with the tides.

The Tidal Basin is also famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, which were a gift from Japan in 1912 as a symbol of the friendship between the two nations. The cherry blossom trees bloom every year in the spring, attracting thousands of visitors to the area to see the stunning pink and white blossoms.

Visitors to the Tidal Basin can walk or bike along the pathways that surround the water, enjoying the scenic views of the monuments and landmarks that line the shoreline. The tidal basin is open 24 hours a day, but many parts are not illuminated.