Parking/Public Transit

Parking throughout the District of Columbia is restricted generally (see individual area signs for site specific closures/restrictions) from 12:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.

Washington, D.C. is a very busy metropolitan area.   Parking is at a premium throughout the entire city.  It is highly recommended that you make use of the efficient public transit system (Metro rail and Metro bus) as well as Tourmobile, the official interpretive visitor transportation service for the National Mall and Memorial Parks.  Information and schedules for Metro can be found at www.wmata.com.  Information and Schedules for Tourmobile may be found at www.tourmobile.com.  Private paid parking garages and lots can be found downtown north of the National Mall. Free on street parking is generally restricted to two hours (ticketing/towing enforced).  Limited free day long parking is available along Ohio Drive SW which is along the Potomac River south of the Lincoln Memorial or in Lots A, B & C south of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Tour Services

Tourmobile is the official provider for the National Park Service of interpretive site seeing service to the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, and the U.S. Capitol.  Tourmobile operates daily from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. including seasonal evening twilight tours of the major memorials.  Tour information and pricing may be found at: www.tourmobile.com.

Bicycling

Bicycles are welcome in the National Mall and Memorial Parks and bicycle parking is provided at each of the major memorials as well as along the National Mall.  Please remember that riding your bicycle is not permitted within the memorials themselves.  Please walk your bicycle through the World War II and FDR Memorials or lock it up before entering the memorials.  Your assistance in preserving a respectful experience for all visitors is appreciated. 

Bicycle rentals are available from Thompson Boat Center located at Virginia Ave and Rock Creek Pkwy, just a short distance north of the Lincoln Memorial along the Potomac River Rock Creek Trail.

Skating

Skating is permitted along the sidewalks within National Mall and Memorial Parks.  Skating within the memorials is prohibited.  Please bring appropriate footwear to wear while visiting the memorials.