West Potomac Park

West Potomac Park is a national park in Washington, DC, located just next to the National Mall. It includes many of the top tourist attractions of the area, including the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial. Site of the famous cherry blossom trees, it is a must-see park when you are touring the nation's capital city.

View famous DC memorials

West Potomac Park is the site of the most famous statues and national memorials in Washington, DC. The park includes the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Reflecting Pool, National World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, District of Columbia War Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Nearby, but not technically part of the park, is the Washington Monument.

Attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival

In early spring, Washington, DC, is home to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the sakura, or Japanese cherry tree. West Potomac Park includes the land on the shore of the Tidal Basin and is lined by these famous trees. It is a wonderful location for viewing the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The Park itself contains over 1600 cherry trees. There are two types of cherry trees in the park - the Akebonos that bear delicate pink blossoms and the Yoshinos with white, cloud-like flower clusters. History buffs, take note; the cherry trees were imported over a century ago in the early 1900s, and many were a gift from Japan.

West Potomac Park is one of the most popular and famous parks in the Washington, DC area and is at the top of must-see attraction listings. No matter what time of year you visit, you are sure to see memorials of the icons of American history. For an extra special visit, plan to go in early April during the Cherry Blossom Festival.