The DC Traveler

Besides the Cherry Blossom Festival which starts this coming weekend, one other sign of spring is the opening of the Tidal Basin paddle boat season.

With the area weather forecasted to hit 80 degrees tomorrow, the paddle boats are an ideal way to relax on the water and get a bit of exercise while having one of the best views of the Jefferson Memorial.

But one word of advice, paddle into the wind as you start your ride, and you still have lots of leg energy for the trip back to the dock.

Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
Across from the Jefferson Memorial, on the Tidal Basin
Raoul Wallenberg Place /15th Street, just off Independence Avenue
202-479-2426

Dates and Times – Open daily weather permitting, March 15th through Labor Day, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the last boat rental at 5:00 p.m.

Cost- $8.00 per hour for a 2-person paddleboat, $16.00 for a 4-person boat. Credit cards are accepted. Additionally, there is an age requirement — at least one person must be at least 16 years old, and all “boaters” must be old enough to wear life fest

Reservations – It’s usually fairly easy to get a boat during the summer, but during the festival, when crowds are large, it might be impossible to rent one. You can however, reserve a boat in advance online during the Cherry Blossom festival (March 31 – April 15).

Nearest Metro subway station– Smithsonian Station - Blue and Orange Lines - use the 12th Street & Independence Avenue exit and walk west on Independence toward 15th Street. Turn left on Raoul Wallenberg Place /15th Street toward the Jefferson Memorial and look for the Tidal Basin Paddle Boat dock.

Parking - There is street parking along the basin, but during the next few weeks, it will be tough to get a spot. I recommend you use Metro.

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