ANGELA B. PAN

Recently I was asked about my favorite place east of the US Capitol. First, I had to look on a map. LOL. Then found out that there were so many places that I could list – Union Station, the Arboretum, etc but it always came back to the US Capitol. Does that count? I don’t know what it is about the Capitol, but it’s such a beautiful building. My favorite is just walking around it. From all points of view its amazing. My favorite for sunrise is this spot right here. Right in front of the reflecting pool while watching the ducks swim past.

But have you ever been inside? It’s the best part, in my opinion. The Rotunda is stunning. As soon as you walk in you are overwhelmed with beauty. And then when you look up! OMG. Breath taking. So the only way to see the Rotunda is to take the Capitol tour. They’re free and highly recommended. I really should go back again soon. Last time I went was during the restoration and most of the dome was covered up. This may have sounded like a paid advertisement for the tour, but it’s not. LOL. Just a huge fan in the interior of this building.

In reality, I captured this sunrise a while ago. I think it was during cherry blossom season. I was just so consumed by the beautiful blooms that I didn’t have time to work on this image. My favorite part is definietly the sun burst coming out of the Capitol. I think it’s what really makes this image pop. The camera settings on this one was F22 for 1/13th of a second ISO 250. If I remember correctly, this was a handheld. I think it was the day after my ‘little’ tripod incident and wasn’t about risking it again.

Out of all the places to photograph in Washington DC, the Tidal Basin is on top of my list. Why? Because it’s so just so dang easy to find free parking!

Please use the above map for reference.

You can park in Park A, the Paddle Boat Rental parking lot or all along Ohio Drive for up to 3 hours for FREE!!! And I’ve never really had any trouble finding parking in any of those places. The only exception is that you may have to drive for a bit on Ohio Drive to find parking if theres a baseball game or something going on, but free parking for up to 3 hours in Washington DC. Tell me that’s not a deal!!!

However this is not always the case during Cherry Blossom season. The Paddle Boat Rental parking lot is reserved for vendors and the rest is a free-for-all. Best of luck to you my friend. I’ll be there trying to fight the crowds as well.

All joking aside, the Tidal Basin is gorgeous all on its own. I love how you can walk from the Jefferson Memorial and in a few minutes be at the FDR Memorial or MLK Jr. Memorial all the while having fantastic views of the Washington Monument. And don’t even get me started on Cherry Blossom season, probably the best time of year to be in the District.

This was taken at sunrise along the small foot bridge between the Jefferson Memorial and FDR Memorial during Cherry Blossom season.

Another epic image from the foot bridge. It’s difficult to get a bad picture from this spot.

View of the Washington Monument as you’re walking through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

One of the newest memorials in DC, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Even in the autumn time, the Cherry Blossom trees are fantastic

Along Kutz Bridge.

And I had to add this one last one because I love it so much. Such a crazy foggy morning but the moisture from the Tidal Basin makes this absolutely perfect.

In case you missed it, click here for my Lincoln Memorial guide

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