Hi. We are planning a trip to the DC area in the first week of April for the Cherry Blossom. This is the first time that we will be there on a weekday. In previous year, we arrived on the weekend and park the car near the conventional center for a very low cost. From there, we take the Metro. This year, we will be arriving on a weekday. Is there parking around the Tidal Basin? Is there a place we can park for a reasonable price? Any advice for parking is appreciated. Thank you.

There are lots near the Tidal Basin, but they fill up fast during Cherry Blossom time. Not sure about cost. There is also metered parking on West Potomac Park

If the cherry trees are in bloom and the weather is good, the area around the Tidal Basin is packed weekend or weekday. Parking will be extremely limited except for around sunrise. Traffic is extremely slow anywhere near the Tidal Basin (I've sat in that traffic on my way to meetings several times.)

There are parking garages near the mall but you will be competing with commuters and figure at least $17 for 3 hours and up. On a weekday, Metro is the best option.

Forget about parking/driving around the Tidal Basin when the cherry trees are blooming. Definitely find a parking garage and take the Metro. A good option is parking at Union Station.

Any less expensive overnight parking garges close to to a metro station? My sister is driving down from NY, but the hotel parking is $35 - $45 a night. Anywhere cheaper she can park her car for several days while taking the metro for sightseeing?

Thanks!

Union Station is $19/24 hours. There is a 24 hour garage near Farragut North that is $20/day

Thank you all for your input.

Park at the economy lot at National Airport. It's 12/day max.
Short shuttle bus ride to the Metro station. You can leave it there the whole time.

Thank you Weimarer. We will consider this option.

If you arrive there early, like just at the tail end of rush hour you might be able to find a spot. There is a parking lot next to the Tidal Basin and you might get lucky. There also are spots in front of the FDR memorial. As others have mentioned, parking is limited and difficult but if you arrive early enough you might be able to get a spot.

Thank you for your advice, Travel_A. We'll see what time we get in the Tidal Basin area and go from there.

njdave, please post a report. I am going up the end of the week and will be interested in hearing about your experiences.