Map of Parking Area.
Red Line indicate bike paths.
Theodore Roosevelt Island is located just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington DC. This is probably one of the best park and bike locations due to it's close proximity to most major bike paths.

Driving Directions: The parking area is easily accessible from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Parkway.
  • If you are coming from I-95 to the south, take the Route 1 exit heading north. Next, make a right onto one of the cross streets, go about 3 blocks, then a left onto Washington Street. This becomes the GW Parkway, taking you north past Reagan National Airport to the island.
  • If you are coming from I-495 to the north., follow the parkway past the island and under the Roosevelt Bridge. Exit at Memorial Bridge (just after stone arch), and head toward the Lincoln Memorial. There is a traffic circle just prior to crossing the bridge. Follow the circle 3/4 the way around, and get back on the parkway heading north.
  • If you are coming from downtown DC, take Constitution Ave west. Follow signs to I-66. This will take you across the Roosevelt Bridge. Once on the bridge, get in the right lane and take the very first exit on the far side of the river. The parking area is just beyond the bottom of the ramp.
Detail of Rossyln, VA

Detail Map of Rossyln Area
Red Lines indicate bike paths/routes.
Biking Directions to National Mall:

Although you can bike across any of the downtown bridges, the easiest crossing is the 14th Street Bridge, about 1 mile south of Memorial Bridge (not shown on map).

  • Follow the bike path south along the river, crossing UNDER both the Roosevelt and Memorial Bridges.
  • After crossing the little "Hump" bridge (with the narrow sidewalk), follow the path to the right up over the 14th Street Bridge. This brings you right to the Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin.
Biking Directions to Georgetown / C&O Towpath:
  • Follow the bike path north along parking lot, then cross OVER the GW Parkway using the pedestrian overpass.
  • At the top of the hill, make a right at the traffic light and follow the sidewalk along N Lynn Street. This will lead you across Key Bridge into Georgetown.

Photo of Parking Area and Mount Vernon Trail
Issues:

  • There is a 2-hour parking limit, to discourage commuter parking. I am told that this is only enforced during weekdays (but who knows for sure?)
  • The lot will fill real fast on nice weekends. If it is full, continue north on the GW Parkway from about a half mile, then take the left exit. At the top of the hill, make a left at the light onto Lee Hwy - US 29. Follow Lee Hwy for about 1 mile into Rossyln, where you can most likely find on street parking.