Go to trip advisor, Go to Washington DC in your search. Go to search Hotels. Then scroll down the left side till you see search by distance from. You should be able to type in Tidal Basin and move the scroll on the bottom over to say 1/2 a mile or less. It will break down the closest hotels for you. I know there is a Hilton in the mall area. Any hotel in the Mall area is about as close as you are going to get the tidal basin. You do realize it is just dirty cold water this time of year right? I would imagine it is beautiful in the spring with the cherry blossoms in bloom, but not right now.

Do not know/ NA

There are plenty of space for parking. Yet during the weekend will always be difficult especially now spring, especially the cherry blossom festival is here in addition to alot of joggers and runners also. But the scenery is beautiful and peaceful. It may be worth getting a parking space and enjoy the day.

Yes, lower level of Jefferson Memorial and at FDR Memorial.

I've never been there by "driving". But, if you walk the National Mall, I'll give you my steps: First, get your hands on a map of The Mall. Print a page from online if you want to be prepared ahead of time and then grab real maps while you're there... Starting at the giant Washington Monument you walk along the Reflecting Pool and come across the WWII memorial. After checking it out, keep walking toward Lincoln's Memorial (I like to spend time there). To Lincoln's left, you follow a path over to the Vietnam Wall. Afterwards, follow that same path back to Lincoln and on Lincoln's RIGHT, you will find that the same path leads you over to the Korean Memorial...you're still on Lincoln's right (It is a mix of armed services men, 7' tall, wearing rain ponchos, walking among "rice paddies"). This area is wooded and feels like a park, so its harder to see while among the trees. If you walk around that area, you will find paths that take you onto a somewhat busy street (Independence Ave). There is a big snack area (outdoor cafe) and its a nice spot to grab a drink or dessert and take a rest. Once finished, cross the street, and follow the signs to the Martin Luther King monument (don't miss this!). As you see his GIANT commanding statue, you will also notice the water just past him... YOU ARE ON THE TIDAL BASIN...yay! He is looking right at it. Just walk along the water on the sidewalk (on King's right) and you will be walking literally right under the Cherry Trees. Sometimes, you have to duck to get under them. Keep going until you come across Franklin D Roosevelt's Memorial (another favorite). I have never kept going over to the Jefferson Memorial (due to lack of time or not wanting to walk more!). Then, just follow your footsteps back through MLK Jr, cross the street (Ind. Ave.) to the Korean Memorial, and you're back on The Mall. Sorry, this is complicated, but after I figured it out, I always follow this path with I visit. Cut and Paste these directions to a Word Doc and print them out if it helps. Also, look at the map shown on the top right of this page. Zoom in by clicking on the "+" and you will find The Mall and all the Memorials on it that I'm talking about. Good luck!

It is open 24 hours. There are no gates, no fences. It's particularly pleasant in the evening. During the day, there are paddle boats to rent. Otherwise, it's an open area where you can also visit the monuments around the basin: FDR, MLK and Jefferson.

It is easy and fun and you will not get too wet. You can paddle the whole basin without too much trouble. It is easier with two people.

Hi, Park service predicts peak bloom from April 11-14. It will be late this year due to the cold weather. Keep checking this website. nationalcherryblossomfestival. org/about/bloom-watch/