Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Usama
Tidal Basin Parking
The Tidal Basin and surrounding places are ideal for those who want to escape the city noise and hassle. It’s known for its Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the bloom of Japanese trees. Plan your visit to the reservoir and surrounding parks, and learn where to park to avoid citations. We’ll help you find the best-metered spots and limited daily parking sites in the area. Find the answers to all questions in our article, and travel to Washington DC comfortably, even during peak times.
Metered Parking at Tidal Basin
Most parking spots around the Tidal Basin are metered, including streets and lots. Your best bet is on-street parking along Ohio Drive SW, but meters are also available on the following streets:
- West Basin Drive SW
- Jefferson Drive SW
- Madison Drive NW
- Parkway Drive NW
- Constitution Avenue NW
- Independence Avenue SW
The cost is $2.30 per hour, and pay stations accept credit/debit cards and Parkmobile app payments. There’s a three-hour limit, and meters are in effect from 7 AM to 8 PM every day except Christmas. Pay close attention to the parking signs to avoid pricey citations.
Metered lots with the same restrictions and limits are at the following locations:
- Main Tidal Basin Parking Lot off of Maine Avenue SW;
- Buckeye Drive SW Lot next to the tennis courts;
- Lots A, B, and C in East Potomac Park.
The hourly parking fee is also $2.30, and overnight parking is prohibited in all National Park Service areas.
The most convenient accessible parking is obtainable next to the Jefferson Memorial and FDR Memorial. A limited number of ADA stalls are also placed on the surrounding streets.
Free Parking Availability
There used to be significantly more free spots in the area, but most became metered in 2017. Now, visitors can find around 400 complimentary parking spaces at Hains Point, at the southern end of the peninsula. East Potomac Park is a long walk away from the Tidal Basin, so we recommend using DC Circulator to get back to the reservoir.
Additional Parking West of Tidal Basin
If you want to have guaranteed parking near the site, be prepared to take a 15 to 20-minute walk. Use SpotHero or ParkWhiz to book parking in one of the following facilities.
| Parking Facility | Address | Rate |
| Portals III Garage | 1318 D Street SW | $22 |
| Hilton DC National Mall | 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW | $23 |
| Colonial Parking Lot 355 | 901 D St. SW. | $20 |
We listed the rates for up to 5 hours of parking, but note that they are subject to change.
Public Transportation Services
Metrorail is the best way to bypass traffic and travel affordably. The Smithsonian Metro Station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines is a 15-minute walk away. Fares range from $2 to $6.
14th St. SW & C St. SW Station is a short walk away and served by several OmniRide and Metrobus lines. The Metrobus regular fare is $2.00, while express buses charge $4.25. Additionally, DC Circulator’s free National Mall Route operates from Union Station and makes a few stops around the reservoir.
Find Parking Wherever You Go
We can help you learn about Washington DC Parking and reserve a spot at the most popular locations in the area.
If you’re flying out of the city, use our guides to book parking in a few clicks.
- DCA >Get Rates
- Dulles >Get Rates