The obvious best place to park is right down where all the action is located. In DC, this spot is the grassy national Mall area between the Lincoln Memorial and the US Capitol. Here you can find free on street parking right next to all the major tourist sites. As you can imagine, these spots fill up real fast. Therefore, your best option is to get there before the tourist attractions open at 10am.

If you have small kids, then this may be your best bet for parking. However, should you prefer to avoid the crowds then try one of the farther out parking areas.

Red lines show "bike friendly" routes through the downtown area.
Flashing streets show "The Best" parking spots.

Ohio Drive. Located right next to the river
Driving Directions:

  • From Maryland, take the GW Parkway south from I-495. Take the Memorial Bridge Exit. As you cross over the bridge, bear to the right when you come to the Lincoln Memorial. This brings you to a traffic light.To access Ohio Drive, simply go strait through the light.Otherwise, make a left on to Independence Ave. Follow this past the Washington Monument and then make a left onto 14th Street. Follow this by a quick right onto Jefferson Drive.
  • From I-395, simply bear to the left as you cross over the Potomac. This will put you on 14th street. After two or three lights, make a left onto Jefferson.
  • FYI, Jefferson is one-way eastbound and Madison is one-way westbound.

Madison Drive. Unpaved paths are also
available for off-street riding.
Biking Directions:
  • Feel free to explore. There are numerous multi-use paths throughout the mall area.
  • In general, most downtown streets are much easier to bike on than suburban type roads. This is because the downtown streets are wider, auto traffic moves slower, and motorist are always on the lookout for pedestrians and other obstacles.

Typical path found along the Mall.
Issues:

  • Best to arrive early. Very crowded during peek hours (10a - 5p).
  • If parking is full, try going one or two blocks away from the mall.