Spring at the Monument

On 27th March, my wife and I woke up at 6AM to catch the first cherry blossom bloom of 2026.

The Tidal Basin draws a large crowd during this season. Tourists, obviously. But also a lot of locals who've decided today is the day they'll finally act like tourists in their own city. There's something nice about that permission.

For us specifically, it feels like visiting the backyard of our house. The Tidal Basin and the National Mall are a 3-mile walk, which we cover in a little under 45 minutes if we choose to enjoy the views and 27 minutes if I feel ambitious.

It always leaves me in awe that I get to live here and see such places so accessibly.