By Rachel Cooper
Washington, DC Expert, about.com
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Cherry Blossom Festival Dates: March 20 – April 17, 2016
Each spring, approximately one million people visit Washington, DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Getting around the city during this popular event can be challenging, especially on the weekends. Parking is limited in the city, so the best way to get to the Tidal Basin and the National Mall is by public transportation. The following guide provides tips for transportation during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
An express bus will run from Union Station, to the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Martin Luther King Memorial, the Smithsonian Metro station and back. Hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Read more about the new bus service.
Each spring, approximately one million people visit Washington, DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Getting around the city during this popular event can be challenging, especially on the weekends. Parking is limited in the city, so the best way to get to the Tidal Basin and the National Mall is by public transportation. The following guide provides tips for transportation during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
An express bus will run from Union Station, to the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Martin Luther King Memorial, the Smithsonian Metro station and back. Hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Read more about the new bus service.
Washington, DC Maps
- Tidal Basin (Cherry Blossom Map)
- National Mall
- Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Route
- Additional Washington, DC Area Maps
Metrorail
The best way to get to the Tidal Basin is to take Metro to the Smithsonian Station.
You should be prepared for long lines during peak visiting times (especially on the weekends). You may purchase your Metro fare in advance to save time. Be sure to have enough fare value on your SmarTrip card or farecard to make a round trip. Read A Guide to Using Washington Metrorail for more details.
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From the Smithsonian metro station, walk west on Independence Avenue to 15th Street. Turn left and head south along 15th Street to reach the Tidal Basin.
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From the Smithsonian metro station, walk west on Independence Avenue to 15th Street. Turn left and head south along 15th Street to reach the Tidal Basin.
Parking[post_ads_2]
If
you choose to drive into the city, be aware that public parking is very
limited near the National Mall. On-street parking in Washington, DC is
restricted during morning and evening rush hours. If you choose to park
in a parking garage or public parking lot in the downtown area, you
should expect to walk a good distance to reach the cherry trees on the Tidal Basin. The Hains Point
parking lot has 320 spaces and will fill up during peak times. A $1.00
per person shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., between Hains Point
and the Tidal Basin. For more suggested parking spaces, see Parking Near the National Mall
Bicycling to the Cherry Blossoms
During
the National Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the best ways to get
around Washington, DC may be by bicycle. On weekends, FREE bike valet
service is available at the Jefferson Memorial parking lot, south of the memorial. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Capital Bikeshare
offers a 5-day membership priced at $15 and will provide a staffed
location at 12th Street and Independence Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
during the three Festival weekends. The National Park Service will also
place extra bike racks at Independence Avenue & 15th Street, SW,
near the Tidal Basin, which bikers with their own locks can utilize free
of charge.
Taxis[post_ads_2]
Seeing the cherry blossoms does require a
lot of walking. If you do not get around so easily, you can always take
a taxicab to the Tidal Basin. Taxis are available throughout the city
and will take you directly to the blossoms. Read more about Washington DC taxis.
Water Taxis
You can also take a water taxi from Washington Harbour
in Georgetown to the Tidal Basin and enjoy viewing the blossoms from
the water along the way. Tickets are $15 round-trip or $10 one-way, and
must be purchased in advance from www.DC-Watertaxi.com. Sightseeing cruises are a popular way to see the blossoms. Read more about Cherry Blossom Cruises.
For more information about attending the annual event, see a guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival
