I will be in Fairfax, Virginia briefly Jan. 4 and 5. I need recommendations for parking
(less than $20 per day) near the Smithsonian
and National Cathedral. I know that staying in DC would be easier, but I have a gift certificate for two nights free hotel and meals. (Merry Christmas).
Thanks for any suggestions.

Here is a link to Colonial Parking, a parking company in DC. http://www.ecolonial.com/aboutus/ They have some garages a few blocks from the Mall and the Cathedral. They don't list daily rates but I looked into parking garages a couple of months ago and they were around $14/day in the Dupont Circle area. Would likely be a bit more closer to downtown. You could call to make sure.

Central Parking System also has lots in DC, but their website is confusing if you ask me. http://www.parking.com/default.aspx

The Smithsonian is not at all close to the National Cathedral. I'd park--if you insist on driving into the city--near the Mall where the Smithsonian is and then taking a bus or taxi to the Cathedral if you are going to do this all in one day.

Have you considered just parking at the Metro Station and taking mass transit into the city?

There is a free underground parking garage at the National Cathedral - lucky you it just opened.

http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/v...ge/index.shtml

Is it open, Bardo? I was there within the past week and it didn't seem close to being open. The website says January.

I've never been to the Cathedral when I had a problem finding a parking space. Relax about that aspect. I cannot speak for Smithsonian as I always take Metro when I go there.

Thank you all. I will be at
the Smithsonian for one day,
National Cathedral the following
for about 3 1/2 hours. Thank you all.

What would be the nearest Metro
station where I could park to Faifax?
Can I pay for parking in cash or must
I have a special access/metro monthly pass? Thanks.

I was at the Nat'l Cathedral for an advent service about two weeks ago and parking was very difficult. But that could have been seasonal. Part of the problem is the construction of the new lot, which is definitely NOT open yet (and has resulted in a lot of spaces being blocked off that would have been available before). It will probably be easier to park near the Cathedral in January, but I would still leave yourself a little extra time to find a space.

Check this link for metro info:

http://stationmasters.com/

If you are going to park at a Metro lot at a Metro station, you have to have a Smarttrip card to get out. And you have to buy the Smarttrip card at a place like the Metro office in the Metro Center station. Then, you have to put money on the card. Perhaps you can find a privately owned lot near a Metro station.

...and here is the link to the info on Smartrip. Apparently, you can also buy the card at Metro stations that have parking.
http://www.wmata.com/riding/smartrip.cfm

If you are in Fairfax and want to take the metro, park at the Vienna station. Disregard Ruff's comment abou the smarttrip card.

To get out of the parking lot you do you to pay with a smarttrip card. This is simply a credit card-looking card that you can buy at the Vienna metro station. You can put money on it at any station. You can also use it as your fare card. Be careful parking at Vienna, don't park in a reserved space, you'll get towed. There are meters there for either 7 hours or 12 hours. Check it out on Metro's website, wmata.com (it's now linked to stationmasters.

One last thing - if you do drive be careful about HOV restrictions on I-66 inside the beltway. They've been cracking down lately.

oops, looks like Ruff corrected Ruff's self before I posted!

You can parking in any reserved space after 10 am.

We took one of the bus routes recommended by the Cathedral (#31?) from DuPont Circle Metro station (Red Line) and the bus ride itself was great. I bought my Smarttrip card at Greenbelt, it cost $10 and had $5 of credit already on it. I cannot imagine having to go back to farecards and transfer slips anymore after using Smarttrip. Loan it to friends who visit DC after you've used it. The Metro system, is terrific, even the buses (in DC, anyway) Enjoy your trip.