Quick Details
Every year in late March or early April, Washington’s iconic cherry trees burst into bloom, heralding the arrival of spring! Our special seasonal tour is timed around peak bloom, when 70% of the historic Yoshino cherry trees are blossoming around the Tidal Basin. There are three fascinating landmarks set among the trees, dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, along with some lesser-known statues and monuments along the water.
Our 1.5-hour walking tour begins near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, dedicated in 2011 to the venerable civil rights activist. The design is based on quotes from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered to a crowd of over 250,000 on the nearby Lincoln Memorial steps. We’ll then stroll along the basin, exploring the sprawling Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the largest memorial in DC by land area, appropriately dedicated to the country’s longest-serving president. After passing over a short bridge with a bizarre story (and views of the Pentagon), our tour concludes at the imposingly classical Thomas Jefferson Memorial, based on the ancient Roman Pantheon. Along the way, we’ll share the history of the trees themselves, and how these now-iconic blooms came to be an essential part of the identity of the District.
Bloom on the Basin Sights and Stops:
- Tidal Basin
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- The Pentagon (from a distance)
- Potomac River
- Jefferson Memorial
Additional booking times are available as a private tour. Please visit the private bookings calendar to take a look!
For large groups, driving tours, or custom itineraries, please contact us to book.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bloom on the Basin Tour
How strenuous is the route?
This tour route is completely flat, but there will be some tree roots and crowds to navigate around. Tour participants can choose to climb the steps to explore inside the Jefferson Memorial at the end of our tour. The tour covers approximately 1 mile over the course of 1.5 hours.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend bringing bottled water and wearing sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes.
Are there bathroom stops on this tour?
There is a public restroom at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bookstore at the start of the tour, and at the Jefferson Memorial at the conclusion.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins outside the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bookstore, across from the memorial (121 West Basin Dr. SW) and ends at the front steps of the Jefferson Memorial.