Things to do at the Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin is a man-made reservoir ringed by cherry trees and memorials, distinct from the National Mall a few minutes' walk north. Its trees are famous for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, but peak bloom is a forecast, not a fixed date: the National Park Service issues its first estimate in late February and revises it weekly.

The long-term average since 1921 falls around April 3, yet the last two seasons peaked closer to March 26-28, and the historical range runs from March 15 to April 18 depending on the winter. Book flexible dates, not a single day locked in months ahead.

The paved loop around the basin, past the Jefferson Memorial, is about 2 miles, free, unticketed and open 24 hours a day year-round, cherry blossoms or bare branches.