★★★★★ Rated Excellent on TripAdvisor | Small groups | Seasonal availability – book early | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Walk the edge of the Tidal Basin beneath Washington DC’s legendary cherry trees and visit the memorials honoring Jefferson, FDR, and Martin Luther King Jr. One of DC’s most beautiful and fleeting experiences.
Every spring, Washington DC becomes one of the most beautiful cities on earth. The cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin bloom for just a few weeks — and DC by Foot has spent years learning exactly how to make the most of them.
This tour takes you through the cool shade of the blossoms and past three of DC’s most powerful memorials – honoring Thomas Jefferson, whose pen affirmed mankind’s inalienable rights; Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who led America through twelve years of tyranny and poverty; and Martin Luther King Jr., who reminded the world of our promise of equality and justice.
It’s one of the most beautiful walks in the city. And for a few weeks each spring, it’s also one of the most fleeting.
Check Dates & Book Your Spot
Our tours run regularly throughout the week. Spots fill up fast. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so there’s no risk in reserving your spot now. This tour runs seasonally — typically late March through mid-April.
⏱ Duration: 2 hours
📍Meets at: DC War Memorial on Independence Ave SW. Tour ends at Jefferson Memorial.
🚇 Getting here: Metro Blue Line – Smithsonian Station
👟 Physical level: Easy – flat and accessible route.
🌸 A note on timing: Cherry blossoms are nature’s most beautiful — and most unpredictable — show. We schedule this tour around peak bloom, and our guides know which trees bloom early, which bloom late, and how to find blossoms even when the main display is off. We can’t guarantee the trees will be at peak when you visit, but we can guarantee you’ll get more out of the experience than going it alone.
Want to know all about the Cherry Blossoms? Read our Cherry Blossom Festival Guide.
What You’ll See on This Tour
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The newest memorial on this tour and one of the most powerful. Hear the stories behind the quotes carved into the stone and understand why this site was chosen.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Four outdoor rooms, four terms, one of America’s most consequential presidencies. The FDR Memorial tells a story that stretches across the Great Depression and World War II.
DC’s Cherry Blossom Trees
The story behind the trees is as fascinating as the blossoms themselves. Learn how 3,000 cherry trees came to line the Tidal Basin; a gift, a diplomatic gesture, and nearly a disaster.
Tidal Basin History
The Tidal Basin wasn’t always a scenic walking path. Learn the surprising engineering history behind one of DC’s most beloved landmarks.
George Mason Memorial
One of the most overlooked memorials in DC and one of the most thoughtful. Learn why the man who refused to sign the Constitution deserves his own monument.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Stand inside one of DC’s most stunning circular monuments and hear the story of the man whose words shaped a nation and the complicated legacy he left behind.
For more information, read our Guide to the Cherry Blossom Festival and Best Place to See the Cherry Blossoms.
Why Tour With a Guide?
The Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season is one of DC’s most crowded experiences. Our guides know the route, the timing, and the spots most visitors walk right past.
We’ll show you where to find early bloomers when peak is still days away, how to avoid the worst of the crowds, and the stories behind the memorials that no audio guide covers.
Our 120K+ member Facebook group loves this tour.
Everything before you book
Meeting Point
Tours depart from the DC War Memorial (Ash Woods) between the WWII and Korean War Memorials at 1750 Independence Ave SW. Look for your guide at the plaque along Independence Ave SW. (map)
Duration
Approximately 2 hours. Total walking distance is about 1 mile (1.6km).
End Point
The tour ends at the Jefferson Memorial. The closest Metro station is Smithsonian on the Blue and Orange lines.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Camera – this is one of DC’s most photogenic tours
- Layers – mornings along the Tidal Basin can be cool even in spring
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the cherry blossoms peak?
Peak bloom in DC typically falls between late March and mid-April, though it varies by year. We schedule this tour around predicted peak bloom. Check our booking calendar for available dates.
What if the blossoms aren’t at peak when I visit?
Our guides know which trees bloom early and late, and how to find blossoms even when the main display is off schedule. The memorials are stunning year-round and the blossoms are a bonus.
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes; this is one of our most popular family tours. The flat, scenic route along the Tidal Basin is suitable for all ages.
Can I do this tour outside cherry blossom season?
This is a seasonal tour. Outside of cherry blossom season, we recommend our National Mall or Memorials & Moonlight tours which cover similar memorials year-round.
How do I cancel or reschedule?
Reply to your confirmation email to cancel or reschedule. Full refunds are available up to 24 hours before the tour. We offer flexible rescheduling and can often accommodate you on another date with short notice. Guests who booked via a third-party platform must cancel through that platform.
Are there restrooms on the tour?
Yes! Most of the memorials we visit will have restrooms. While there are no restrooms at the tour start, there are some nearby.
Book Before the Blossoms Are Gone
Cherry blossom season in DC lasts just a few weeks and this tour fills up fast. Reserve your spot now. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.