The Tidal Basin is a man-made reservoir located between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel in Washington, D.C. It is a focal point of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, serving both as a scenic landscape and a critical piece of infrastructure that helps flush the Washington Channel. The basin is most famous for being the centerpiece of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, as it is surrounded by approximately 3,700 cherry trees, many of which were a gift from Japan in 1912.

The best time to visit is during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, typically from late March to early April, when the Yoshino cherry trees reach 'peak bloom.' For photography, sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting against the monuments. During the summer, paddle boating is a popular activity on the water. The basin is open 24 hours a day, though individual memorials may have specific ranger hours.