Painting the Town Pink Who fought to bring cherry trees to the District? An adventurer named Eliza Scidmore, who became smitten with the trees during a trip to Japan. (Photo courtesy D.C. Public Library)

The path to your left leads to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and some of the most scenic spots along the Tidal Basin. Take a few seconds to absorb the views from the outer bridge. Don’t spoil the moment by looking at the water.

The steps of the Jefferson Memorial are not a bad place to pull out the camera, but be patient. The crowds are likely to thicken around the memorial and construction surrounding it makes the paths narrower. You’ll be sharing space with runners, picnickers, dog walkers, strollers and dawdlers. For a breather, head to the pansy bed between the Jefferson and FDR memorials, proof that the spring season peddles more than one pretty petal.

The gleaming Jefferson Memorial is the centerpiece of the Tidal Basin. (Dan Murano/washingtonpost.com)

Continue into West Potomac Park, where the boughs of the trees lean toward the water, at times creating a blossomy canopy. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a vacant bench. Brush off the dirt, check for gum, take a seat and feast your eyes on the view. In one glance you will see the Capitol Dome, Smithsonian clock tower, Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument, all framed in pink and white.

Move along to the FDR Memorial. Take in the red stone walls and waterfalls that pay tribute to Roosevelt's four terms in office. The memorial is also a haven for weary walkers, with water fountains and clean bathrooms.

Your loop is nearing its end as you round the bend toward the Kutz Bridge; the line of tour buses parked nearby is a sign.

Beyond the Basin If you want to avoid the crowds of the Tidal Basin, there are several other locations in the D.C. area to view blossoms.

Take time to stop and find the marker of the first cherry blossom tree, planted March 27, 1912. The first tree has since been joined by more than 3,500 around the basin and monuments, with even more (and some would say even prettier) counterparts around the District, including the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown, and some Capitol Hill neighborhoods.

Now you have a choice: Return to your starting point – and perhaps head into East Potomac Park where more blossoms await – or attempt to cross Independence Avenue and head toward the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam and Korean war memorials.

If you choose the latter, be patient and cautious crossing Independence. The traffic is thick and most of the oncoming drivers are completely unsympathetic to blossom watchers who’ve completed the loop.

They’re still looking for parking spots.