Tidal basin paddle boats hours free#

Tidal basin paddle boats hours free#

There is a circular drive around the park ( Ohio Drive SW), with intermittent picnic areas and free parking all along its length. The park contains a golf course, pool, and tennis courts in addition to birding opportunities.įor birders, the top attraction is the view available over the waters of the Washington Channel and Potomac River. The south-most area of the park is known as Hains Point. The island constitutes a grassy wedge at the confluence of the Potomac River, the Washington Channel, and the Anacostia River. The Jefferson Memorial is located on the north end of the island. The park is located on an artificial 329-acre island in southwest Washington DC, and is reached by a bridge across the mouth of the Tidal Basin, connecting it to West Potomac Park. With its excellent location, East Potomac Park is the top eBird hotspot in Washington, DC, with over 250 species reported and more additions to the list coming in all the time. The Audubon Naturalist Society and the Audubon Society of DC cover DC.Įast Potomac Park (Hains Point), West Potomac Park, & the Tidal Basin Local MOS Chapter: No MOS chapters in DC, but Montgomery Bird Club & Patuxent Bird Club are in the neighboring suburbs. During migration periods, shorebirds will be attracted to the golf course after rains that result in water pools and muddy conditions.īreeding Bird Atlas Blocks:Washington West SE, Alexandria NE ◾ There are public restrooms in several locations in East Potomac Park and near the Tidal Basin.īest Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring. This may result in a fish kill that attracts large number of gulls. ◾ In winter, the area is best after about a week of sub-freezing temperatures when the Washington Channel and Potomac River are partially frozen. Avoid the area during the spring cherry blossom bloom season (date varies, late March or early April) when there are tens of thousands of visitors at the Tidal Basin. ◾ Try to visit in early morning to avoid crowds.