Washington D.C. parking/driving

[cookiedough]

Not Valk related sorry, but asking anyone who has been to D.C. or live close by on what the parking is like to drive a vehicle in/around the Capital/historic monument district mostly?

My daughter has a National high school speaking/presentation conference there July 4-10th (yah, I know July 4th time is not good time to visit D.C.) and wife wants to fly there costing 1,000's vs. driving our car costing about 150 bucks total in gas.  The school advisor says parking is a Big issue since has been there 3x's before, plus the hotel conference we MUST stay at for her school event is 235 per night but also charges a rip off 45 per day parking fee for vehicles in their lot.

Is parking a vehicle in that historic district (near Capital and monuments I guess?)  a big pain in the butt and nearly impossible to do?  Is the main means of transportation in that area buses and subways and walking where driving your own vehicle is almost impossible?  I'm from the midwest small town so not used to big city traffic and horrible parking/commuting situations. 

Sorry, never been there but wife wants all of us to go for a vacation vs. just having our daughter go alone with the school advisor.  It will cost us alone near 1 grand just for her to go to that high school event which I am already astounded at that cost, just trying to save another 1 grand PLUS or more vs. flying all 4 of us. 

I want to drive there about 12-13 hours straight thru even if it means 45 dollar per day parking fee for 5 days vs. wife's idea of flying all 4 of us out for over 1 grand total.  We would still if driving there might have NO parking for vehicles in that historic district area not able to drive around letting our vehicle sit at hotel for 45 per day, but if flying we will still have to walk, take bus or subway to see all the other historic monuments/sights either way. 

Seems to me a NO brainer driving there from WI to D.C. saving 1 grand in flying expense, but really want to know if it is really that horrible to drive around and find parking in D.C.?   Is everything near the Capital area within walking distance say 1-2 miles tops since that is where the conference is held at.  I looked online and it seems this National conference is in a big hotel surrounded by other big hotels all within about 1 mile of each other so it would seem 1-2 mile radius hoping of most monuments near hotels??

[BF]

I'm just a poor working slob, but when I finally discovered valet parking, I was sold....been doing it now for years.  

Just suck it up and pay the fee....plus, don't forget to tip the driver.  

I used to think like you....I was too damn cheap to pay to park, or pay to have someone park my car for me.  

Just do it.....and don't look back.  It's a service that's usually very well worth it IMHO.

[R J]

Valet is the way to go and don't forget the TIP....................

Daughter and I tried to ride the motor into D. C., what a mistake that was.

No more room than a motor takes up, parking was still a pain in the arse.

Only place I ever saw worse was in San Francisco.

San  Fran just does not have any lots.   You no got a garage, you is in a world of hurt for a parking spot.    Before you go downtown San Fran, make damn sure you have at least a 1/2 tank of fuel.    Back in the 50's, there were no gas stations in the downtown area, don't know about now..

[Hook#3287]

I visited there a few years ago with my family and it was great.  So much to see.  Make time for the WW2 memorial, you'll be moved.

I took the train there, my family members took planes and we used cabs everywhere we went.  Hassle free and no getting lost or trying to figure out the routes. Wasn't that much to get where we wanted.

If I go again, I'm doing it the same way.

[hubcapsc]

The subway was fun clean and safe last time I was there.

Search for "park and drives", they must have them. Drive
in, park your car, get on the subway, and don't touch
your car again until you're ready to leave.

-Mike

[da prez]

Look online for parking lots away from where you will be. Three or four miles out will save you on parking , and you can usually reserve a spot. Then , take a cab . Compare the rates and see if it is worth it. Where we live in Cary Il.  from Washington is 840 miles. We did it in 12 hours. (70 mph average. )

                             da prez

[Hook#3287]

The subway was fun clean and safe last time I was there.

Search for "park and drives", they must have them. Drive
in, park your car, get on the subway, and don't touch
your car again until you're ready to leave.

-Mike

I forgot about the subway, but Mike's right, it was great transportation.

[bassman]

Check out the D.C. rail system....regardless of what you finally decide be prepared to WALK and take some comfortable footwear...


http://dctransitguide.com/static/images/WMATA_system_map.png

http://dctransitguide.com/m/Metro/

[Jess from VA]

Cookie, name this hotel and I can give better advice.  

What you want to do is dump the car (if you drive there), and use the Metro (subway) for all travel (and on foot) (maybe a cab or two if necessary).  Your chances of finding parking anywhere near where you want to go is nil, and you will just get lost every time you drive in DC.  Most lots fill up quickly early and are $20 and up all day.   And they have a million speed and light cameras and terrible traffic everywhere.  Everything is not real close to what you may want to visit, but normally you can jump on a subway for a stop or two and then only have a few blocks to walk, instead of walking your legs off.

I'd let you park in front of my house, but I am 17 miles from DC.  You are not supposed to leave your car in DC metro parking garages (reasonable daily pay), but I don't think you'll have a problem if you leave it for a couple days.  If your hotel is in DC, leave the car in VA (not MD) in or near metro stops in Rosslyn, or Pentagon City Mall, or Crystal City, or long term National Airport until you leave.

This DC Metro Map is not an actual geographically accurate map, but is a simple outline of the stops.  Using it, in conjunction with an accurate map, will help you plan your stay.

http://living-in-washingtondc.com/images/circulator/metromap-circulatorbus-washingtondc.png


Metro website. (there's an art to using the metro, but maps/kiosks in every station and people are mostly helpful)
http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm

DC map:
http://www.dcpages.com/Tourism/Maps/Washington-DC-Map.gif


Accurate map and metro stations:
http://www.charlesbuntjer.com/washington_dc_map_dc_subway.jpg


Let me know if I can help (but I'm never entering DC again in my lifetime).

If it was me, I'd send the wife and daughter and tell them to have a good time.

That is a long one-day drive buddy.  

[Big Rig]

Would consider parking at a long term parking area at or near the airport and taking the Metro into the city, or a hotel shuttle from the airport. Parking would be cheaper and most of the things you will want to see are within walking distance or a short cab ride away. Hotel shuttles to and from the airport are typically free. I would call and make sure they have shuttle service.

[G-Man]

Daughter is in school down there.  We found garage parking on the south side of the of the museums and memorials, near I395.  Reasonably priced.  There is also metered parking in that area.  A couple long blocks north takes you to where the dept. of agriculture building is and one more block to the center lawn thing.  Capitol building to the right and Washington Monument to the left, White House is north west. 

Have fun!

[Charlie McCready]

I used to live there. Stay outside DC (VA or MD suburbs), take the Metro into town (Union Station) get a tourmobile ticket, you can ride all day on a ticket and they go to or near most attractions in DC. Even paid parking can be hard to find sometimes.

[old2soon]

When I was in D C with my sister while she wanted to drive the cage first thing she told me was parking in D C is terrible at best and a nightmare next notch an gets progressively worse from that point. We lucked out and got a decent spot-right place right time-as someone else pulled out in front of us. Her knowin how to drive Chicago style came in handy!  Had we NOT gotten that spot park and ride was or next option. And judging from what's being posted here I'd vote park and ride. RIDE SAFE.

[Daniel Meyer]

I'll second or third or whatever hitting up a park and ride outside the DC area and taking the subway/metro in. Intuitive, easy to use/find your way around...

[BradValk48237]

If you are staying in downtown DC... then pay the Valet of parking fee... its worth the time and hassle you will save...

If you are staying outside the "Beltway" take the train in if possible... it works great. Uber is a good choice to get around as it is much easier than cabs.....

The Traffic in the area.. up 20 miles out is HORRENDOUS! almost everyday of the week...

I had family in the area and one spent 3 hours trying to get from DC to Fredericksburg... like 40 miles....

Brad

[Momz]

Uber

Drive from WI, use the metro then use Uber for points of interest.

My daughter taught us that when she worked at NASA.

[cookiedough]

excuse my ignorance, what is UBER???

The hotel is Marriott Marquis at 901 Massachusetts Ave NW which is only 2 city blocks from the Convention Center for the national event she is in.

I will have to check into any park and rides or find parking off-site of the hotel since 45 bucks per day at the hotel is a tad bit much if you ask me (unless only place we can find to park our car safely).  The hotel doesn't offer shuttle service to/from the airport, but doesn't matter, told the wife we are NOT going to fly all 4 of us for only 12-13 hours of driving.  We can walk most places anyways since looks like most places to see are only 3 miles or so aways from the hotel.  Maybe I will loose some weight finally??

I can deal with paying metro or subway a few places further away, although never have done either one in my life.   

[Jess from VA]

I have no DC parking to recommend. (There may be something cheaper than $45 a day and secure but I don't know)

It looks like the closest Metro Station to the Mariott at 901 Massachusetts Ave NW is Mount Vernon Square 7th St Convention Center off the Yellow Line (2 1/2 city blocks).  You can access the Yellow Line at multiple stops in VA as I noted above.  

Long term parking at Regan National Airport is $15 per each 24 hours, and airport shuttles should stop at the Yellow line metro station at the airport.  Get on the Yellow line north to DC, over the Potomac, and seven stops later you get off at Mt Vernon Square to your hotel.  Luggage on wheels is a plus.  The individual fare from the Airport to Mt Vernon Sq (or back) is $2.75 (rush hours), and $2.20 non rush hours.

http://www.metwashairports.com/reagan/1207.htm

Multi-day parking is also available at the Huntington metro station (southernmost yellow line), but you must buy one smart trip card (as opposed to the ordinary paper metro card/tickets), in order to get the gate to open when you leave (no human is present). Cost is $4.85 per day.  Paper tickets you put through the metro fare machines, smart trip cards are like credit cards and you just touch them to an electronic scanner (and there are only scanners to get out of the parking garages).  What you do is get one smart trip card for one of your party (and parking), and everyone else just gets paper cards/tickets for travel in the system. Smart trip cards cost $10 (minimum) with $8 loaded ($2 for the plastic).  The individual fare from Huntington Station to Mt Vernon Sq (or back) is $4.10 (rush hours), and $3.15 non rush hours.

http://www.wmata.com/rail/parking/
http://www.wmata.com/rail/parking/parking_detail.cfm?station=50

Multi-day parking (also known as overnight or long-term parking) is available at three stations: Greenbelt, Huntington, and Franconia-Springfield. Each of these stations has between 15 and 17 spaces allocated for multi-day use of up to 10 days. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge for multi-day parking beyond the regular fee. See the individual station pages for more details about multi-day parking at these three stations:

What you do is put in enough money to buy your round trip to the car at peak hours for each person.  Then if you decide to use the metro to get around during your visit, you can add money to the smart trip card.  To add money to a paper ticket, you push the ticket in one hole and bills in another, and you get a new ticket with the combined value.  The trick is to leave town with the least amount of value remaining on your cards, since you cannot sell back unused ticket value.

I will never understand why High School events are booked at some of the most expensive hotels extant.

If you are in town the evening of the 4th, you certainly want to go down the the National Mall to see the fireworks.  It's a madhouse, but one of biggest shows in the world.  They always play the 1812 Overture and shoot real Army cannon (blanks).  Since the 4th is a Saturday, the 3rd is the national holiday.  

I have no idea what this is:  https://www.uber.com/cities/washington-dc  

[cookiedough]

thanks Jess and many others.  Now I know why I don't live in a big, crowded city - YIKES!

Many things to review.   I do concur though on why high school events are held in such big, crowded cities that are not cheap to attend.   I guess with over 4000 attendees, you need a big city that has a huge convention center?  Not my cup of tea for sure.

I've been reading up on parking and came across what they call 'colonial parking' at www.ecolonial.com/locations/fcclaparking    Will look at that as well.

Unless absolutely necessary, I will not pay 45 per day at the hotel for valet parking.  I can drive and park my own vehicle thank you very much without tipping.  Will call the hotel tomorrow and see if they have what some other hotels nearby have being cheaper called self-parking with NO in/out priviledges since seems like most things to see are within walking distance (3 miles or so).  20-25 bucks per day is reasonable, but 45, get real.  Reminds me of the houses near UW Madison's camp randall stadium for UW football games charging 20 bucks for 3-4 hours or so of parking in their driveway or lawn when you can walk 2-3 more blocks and park for free on the off main road streets only 1/3 mile more of a walk is all.  When I was going to college back some 20 years ago, the houses charged 5-10 bucks - I guess now 20 for inflation is reasonable? 

Also don't get the rules of the board of directors of the entire nations schools of FCCLA where as if you do NOT stay at specific (pricey) D.C. hotels near the convention center, then the students cannot present and take part in the STAR events that they earned the right by winning state competition already.  How would they know where we stay and why should they care?  Seems to be a money making event if you ask me but not for the participants and families who also go. 

I think it would be cool to take the subway a few times as well since then I can say I have done that for once in my lifetime at least.   

[Jess from VA]

Our HS was pretty middle class, but we had a number of pretty wealthy people.  Our senior class trip was to the Bahamas at a really pricey hotel.  A third of the class did not go (me either), and the rich kids were good with it.  

The organizers are probably getting kickbacks from the hotels.

Stay together on the metro, and know when you are getting off.  If it's crowded, get out of your seats and move to the doors a stop early (standing, and holding on).  Doors only open for a short time, and many times I saw families/groups split up, doors close, and a lot of excitement as kids left on the train with parents standing on the platform.  Have a plan in effect if you do get split up, even if it's not on the metro.  

The only time I ever had any concern on the (nearly empty) metro was coming home around midnight from a party.  There are NO bathrooms anywhere in the Metro system; when in doubt, go before you go.  Every nook and cranny of the metro system is covered by cameras, and Metro has it's own police dept.

Keep your wallet in a front pocket, and carry purse straps over the head and across the chest.  It's really pretty safe in and around the Federal District (stay out of south east DC!!).  I carried a 3.5" folding fighter for 18 years down there and never needed it (and only 2.5" blades are legal in Federal bldgs) (and I do not know where all magnetometers may be, except they are in all Fed bldgs) Pepper is not illegal in DC, but is supposed to be registered.

Mini compact umbrellas (and hats) are a good idea if you are walking around the mall and monuments, it can be a long way to cover.  It will be HOT.  

If you are looking for a pub crawl one night, the Dubliner Irish Pub (on F street) is great with great music.  Besides monuments, Smithsonian, arboretum, museums, zoo (all free), K street is the happening place, along with Georgetown (college) at night (across town).  If you walk around the whitehouse, know that there are very sensitive directional mikes with people listing, well outside the fences.  There are also three full time sniper positions manned round the clock, whitehouse roof, old executive office (old navy) bldg roof, and I can't remember the other.  Just for local flavor.

Back in VA (just across the Potomac), and a blue line metro stop, is Arlington National Cemetery  (it is breathtaking and you should see it if you have the time) (lots of walking, and hills)

[pais]

  Park and ride! The map seen above for the rail system, study it. Get a feel for it and use it. Kids and I made the trip, Summer of '13. Stayed in College Park and took rail into D.C. every day. We stayed at hotel where we were walking distance to a rail stop. About 3 blocks from hotel. Good amount of restaurants to pick from. Quality as well as quantity. Memory serves me, it was about $12.00 a day to use rail system. Don't let it intimidate you, first time I ever used that type of transportation. Taxi good idea once you are in town. Used taxi to take us out to Arlington Nat'l Cemetary, we needed a break. Walked to the rail station nearby and back to the hotel. Rails were fun for all of us. Appeared safe, but we were never out after dark.
   LOTSA walking,  comfy shoes, and hydration! Clear visible bag with water bottles, no hassle getting into buildings. It's gonna be hot, temps and lotsa asphalt and concrete!
    Enjoy and good luck!
   

[scooperhsd]

Having lived in DC area from '87-97  - handsdown - for a tourist, Metro is THE way to get around. Just about all the outer stations have Parking.

However , for your hotel - if you have to stay at that hotel downtown - just suck it up and let them park the car.

[ricoman]

The subway was fun clean and safe last time I was there.

Search for "park and drives", they must have them. Drive
in, park your car, get on the subway, and don't touch
your car again until you're ready to leave.

-Mike

best advice so far
the subway in DC is clean and safe
no need to fight for parking-leave the car in the garage
take the tour trolleys to visit the memorials (almost cheap)-
and do not miss the FDR memorial

[cookiedough]

good advice and suggestions - thanks much.

The colonial parking only 1/3 miles away from hotel is only 19 bucks per day vs. calling hotel today and with tax/charges at hotel is 53.10 per day for underground valet parking (OUCH).  Probably going that route and just leave car there almost all the time and walk/metro mostly. 

I better start going for 1-2 miles walks nightly in May to get in shape for the miles of walking we will be doing.  Besides overpriced hotel costing us about 1 grand for a week (OUCH, not even having a swimming pool  ),  is nice to know most museums/etc. are free and overall a fairly cheap vacation.  Although was starting to make plans for my cup of tea vacation trip in June to Colorado/Utah area (20 hour drive vs. 13 hours to D.C.).  That vacation trip is no longer in the works now.   

I just hope there is enough time between her STAR events that we have time most days there to see stuff.  They have 'guided' tours of some of the places available we can register for online, but most are 45 per person, not worth it I don't think to have a tour guide at that price for a family of 4.

[cookiedough]

Another question:  Has anyone taken the monuments tour by moonlight at night with a licensed tour guide?  The cost is 35 per person and includes up close visits for 3.5 hours to the White House, Jefferson, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, and Iwo Jima Memorials on foot? 

Or, can you do you think get just as close up view to these places by just walking yourself?  Isn't most of these places free of charge, not sure about Mt. Vernon though being George Washingtons home and a few other places?

[ricoman]

Another question:  Has anyone taken the monuments tour by moonlight at night with a licensed tour guide?  The cost is 35 per person and includes up close visits for 3.5 hours to the White House, Jefferson, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, and Iwo Jima Memorials on foot? 

Or, can you do you think get just as close up view to these places by just walking yourself?  Isn't most of these places free of charge, not sure about Mt. Vernon though being George Washingtons home and a few other places?

we went without a guide, there are many, many brochures to show you your way
don't miss the FDR monument

[Jess from VA]

Me, I prefer to do my own tour at my own speed.  I'm sure any guide has many things to point out you might not otherwise know or notice.  But you will be tied to the tour speed (and people), as opposed to how much time you may have on any given day, working around your daughter's events.  FWIW, you may likely find tours going on at or near any location you may be, and if you have time to tag along from the periphery and listen, they can hardly make you move away.  Of course, you can learn anything there is to know by reading up on-line before the trip (maybe taking a few notes to consult as you do your own tour).

As far as the monuments, you can get as close alone as with a tour about anywhere.  You must take a tour to get in the whitehouse (and plan way ahead for that).  The regular public tours are abbreviated, but if you contact your congressman and get one of the tours he can get you, it is more detailed and longer.  (I would not share space with the current occupants)

To get up inside the Washington Monument requires tickets, plan ahead. There is a lot to see inside the monument, but it is cramped.
http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm

Mount Vernon, Washington's home and farm, is not in DC, but down at the end of the GW Parkway in VA, and you'd want your car for that trip (free parking, paid admission, except on Washington's birthday it's free admission).  My advice here would be to leave your hotel as soon as the morning commute is over (9AM), cross over 395/14th street bridge, 2d exit after the bridge cloverleaf to GW parkway south (itself a national park), along the Potomac, down through Old Town Alexandria (also worth a windshield tour on the way home if you have time), down to Mt Vernon.  Be home before the quitting time rush hours of 4-8PM.  

Or take the Yellow Line to the Huntington station and a bus to/from Mt Vernon (see 2d link).

http://www.mountvernon.org/
http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/directions-parking-transportation/

20 miles from your hotel, and about an hour each way in your own car (if you are lucky in traffic), longer by walking, train and bus obviously.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/901+Massachusetts+Ave+NW,+Washington,+DC+20001/George+Washington%27s+Mount+Vernon,+3200+Mount+Vernon+Highway,+Mount+Vernon,+VA+22121/@38.8061229,-77.2077666,11z/data=!3m1!5s0x89b7ae966f0cf157:0x12ec16b8acbc86b5!4m19!4m18!1m10!1m1!1s0x89b7b792e6afb9a3:0xef02fa9f06aa7a27!2m2!1d-77.0247618!2d38.903638!3m4!1m2!1d-77.0455806!2d38.8296438!3s0x89b7b0dcbaa7a75b:0x863356e19f3c4eb9!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7ae9150022d97:0xa6efd58f6ac89b01!2m2!1d-77.086175!2d38.707982!3e0

[shortleg]

     What alot of my friends and family do is stay at a hotel is the burbs that has a
 shuttle to the subway. That way there is no charge to park and the money you
save on parking will pay for the subway. Hotels in the area anout all have shuttles to
the subway.
                      shortleg

[cookiedough]

good point, we will stay at a cheaper hotel outside the city guessing 20 miles or whatever Saturday night and depending on if we have enough time later that day, take the subway as a family back and forth from the hotel outside the city before we have to spend 4 nights in the Marriott hotel in downtown DC.  If enough time afterwards and still stuff to see,  we can do the subway thing again into town staying at a cheaper hotel outside the city on Thursday and/or Friday night as well. 

[GareBear]

There are several hotels near metro stops.   Not cheap though.   There is a Marriott courtyard right across the street from the Dunn Loring metro stop on the orange line.   Parking is free.

There are also a number of hotels that offer free parking to guests that are flying.   If you get one near Reagan National,  you can take the hotel shuttle to the airport and the metro downtown.

If you drive in early,   you can usually find parking during the week.   Rates start at  $20 for the day, but $35 is pretty common.   Most garages close by 7pm.

DC is very good for MC parking.   Some spots are only $5 all day.   But depending on the area,  they fill up pretty quick too.

[DK]

Uber is a new type of cab service. It is staffed by people driving their own cars, all less than two years old, fully insured, government regulated just like cabs & nearly always comes with an English speaking driver. You use it through a free app downloaded to your smart phone. It is cheaper, cleaner and more dependable.

I have used Uber in at least a half dozen cities and have had great experiences each time. Drivers are usually college students, off duty cops, housewives, - you name it. In my opinion it is the only way to go.

Anyone who appreciates Valks will love the Air & Space Museum at Dulles Airport. It is part of the Smithsonian & shuttles run from near the Castle to Dulles, about 20 miles away. The museum has the Enola Gay, the Spirit of St. Louis, A SR - 70 BlackBird, .....hundreds of famous aeronautical & space items on exhibit. It's a do not miss for gear heads.

If you come across a Uber driver who you like, think about maybe arranging a side deal tour.

Enjoy your trip.

Dan

[Jess from VA]

Uber sounds like a good idea.  We who worked in DC had a theory about local cab drivers.  Ten thousand foreigners who secretly share one driver's license between them.  Many friendly, but some appear to be Taliban members.  Walking around at your own pace, it may be harder to plan ahead than to simply wave down a cab when you want one.  The windshield tour from an Uber driver sounds like a good idea though (bargain a price before hand, rather than let the meter run and run).  However, you can see out of tour buses (esp on an open roof), way better than the backseat of a car.

[Kep]

Drove a family trip from Indiana couple years ago  (Niagra Falls , New York City , Hershey PA , Washington , D.C. Stayed at Quality Inn & Suites 7200 Baltimore AveCollege Park, MD 20740 , free parking in the hotel lot , free shuttle to Metro that was only 6 blocks away. Took Metro to D.C and bought Gray Line tour bus pass (hop-on hop-off) Got to see a little of everything (only there 1 day),very inexspensively.There are a couple other open air bus tours that are bout the same.. Loved the Holocaust museum. We did the same Gray Line tour in NYC , saw quite alot in a very short time-frame.