Tidal Basin

Tidal Basin is an artificial water reservoir in West Potomac Park in Washington D.C. that links the Potomac River with the Washington Channel. The body of water has an oval shape with a wide shoreline path lined by Japanese cherry trees and surrounding several national memorials.

The site was created in the late 19th century as an engineering solution to combat silting in the nearby channel, with water moved by tidal action. The name changed from Tidal Reservoir through Twining Lake back to its current name, while the memorials around the shore were added throughout the 20th century.

The name Basin refers to its original function as a tidal reservoir that flushed mud and sediment from the nearby channel. Today visitors come mainly during cherry blossom season in spring, when thousands walk around the shore and take photographs.

The shoreline path is easy to walk and suitable for strolling at any time of day, with early mornings or late afternoons being less crowded. In springtime it can become very busy, so visiting on weekdays helps avoid the crowds.

The water is still moved twice a day through an old system of gates that recalls the original tidal function. The system still flushes up to 250 million gallons of water through, even though the modern city has long used other drainage systems.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Part of: East and West Potomac Parks Historic District

GPS coordinates: 38.88417,-77.03917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:01