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Sunset

Sunset at the FDR Memorial

Watch the sun set directly behind the FDR Memorial from the Japanese Pagoda, then enjoy a quiet evening walk.

Best time: 20:13About 90 min

Timeline

  1. 19:13

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bookstore

    Grab a coffee or snack at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bookstore.

  2. 19:43

    Japanese Pagoda

    Walk five minutes to the Japanese Pagoda in West Potomac Park. Find a spot near the Tidal Basin edge.

  3. 20:13

    Japanese Pagoda

    Watch the sunset. The sun sets directly behind the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

  4. 20:43

    United States Botanic Garden

    End your evening with a stroll through the United States Botanic Garden.

Local tip

The Japanese Pagoda is a stone statue located next to the Tidal Basin and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. The memorial is divided into four sections, each dedicated to one of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's four terms. The area is peaceful and contemplative, especially after the crowds have left.

Check before you go

  • The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bookstore is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, except on December 25. This step is planned well before sunset, so opening hours are not an issue.
  • The United States Botanic Garden is open daily. Check specific evening hours if visiting late in the year, as the anchor suggests it is one of the least visited attractions.

Worth knowing

  • Sun position is calculated. We have not confirmed the view is unobstructed.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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