Visiting Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

About Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

A loop of about 3 km around the Tidal Basin links the domed Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial's outdoor rooms and waterfalls, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, carved from a 'Stone of Hope'. The Japanese cherry trees around the basin, first given by Tokyo in 1912, usually bloom in late March or early April.

Tip: During blossom season, arrive at sunrise; by mid-morning the path around the basin is shoulder to shoulder.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1.5–2 hours.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: West Potomac Park.

Best time to visit Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:

• October: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, busy crowds.
• September: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.

When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen National Mall and Lincoln Memorial.

• No. 8 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
• Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
• Listed in free things to do in Washington, D.C..

If you like Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

• National Mall — National Mall, Half a day
• Lincoln Memorial — National Mall, 45 minutes
• Washington Monument — National Mall, 1 hour
• National Gallery of Art — National Mall, 2–3 hours

Staying near Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

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