The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the thousands of cherry blossoms the mayor of Tokyo gifted the US in 1912. The annual festival has become a national attraction.
During this time of year, it can be hard to get around and find Cherry Blossom Festival parking in DC. But if you know where to look, you can find affordable, convenient parking throughout the city.
We’re sharing the very best parking options near all the Cherry Blossom Festival events and attractions you don’t want to miss.
Cherry Blossom Festival Event and Blossom Locations
The pins on the map below show cherry blossom tree and festival event locations. Click on the pins for nearby parking information.
See more event details further down.
Tidal Basin Parking

Image © Matthew Bisanz
Parking near the Tidal Basin can be hard to find during the festival. It’s a popular spot because about 1,700 cherry blossoms trees surround the basin. Fortunately, there’s affordable nearby parking for as low as $6.
- 1318 D Street SW – Garage
- $10 for 8 hours
- 6 minute Uber/Taxi
- 7-minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 1318 D Street SW
- 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW – Garage
- $30 for 24 hours, $20 for 19 hours Monday-Friday, and $11 for 19 hours Saturday-Sunday
- 6 minute Uber/Taxi
- 11-minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW
- 1330 Maryland Ave SW – Valet
- $20 for 11 hours
- 11-minute walk
- 8 minute Uber/Taxi
- 7-minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 1330 Maryland Ave SW
-
300 7th St SW – Self Park/Valet Lot
- $17 for 11 hours
- 21-minute walk
- 7 minute Uber/Taxi
- 9-minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 300 7th St SW
- 1323 S Capitol St SW – Self Park/Valet Lot
- $6 for 7 hours
- 11 minute Uber/Taxi
- 14 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 1323 S Capitol St SW
National Mall Parking
One of the most visited tourist destinations in DC, the National Mall also has 300+ cherry blossom trees. Parking near the National Mall is a bit easier than parking near the Tidal Basin.
- 2112 F St NW – Garage
- $23 for 6 hours and a half hours
- 24 minute walk
- 6 minute Uber/Taxi
- 9 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 2112 F St SW
- 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW – Garage
- $30 for 24 hours, $20 for 19 hours Monday-Friday, and $11 for 19 hours Saturday-Sunday
- 13 minute walk
- 4 minute Uber/Taxi
- 5 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW
- 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW – Valet Garage
- $26 for 15 hours
- 6 minute walk
- 2 minute Uber/Taxi
- 3 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW
-
300 7th St SW – Self Park/Valet Lot
- $17 for 11 hours
- 7 minute walk
- 2 minute Uber/Taxi
- 3 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 300 7th St SW
-
424 11th St NW – Garage
- $20 for 14 hours
- 6 minute walk
- 3 minute Uber/Taxi
- 3 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 424 11th St NW
24-Hour Parking
These parking spots are perfect for those who want to spend the entire day exploring the festival without having to deal with their car. The best part? It’s easy to get to the main festival attractions from these parking locations by train, bike, or Uber/taxi.
Click on the pins on the map below to find the best 24-hour parking in DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
- 1101 Wilson Blvd – Garage
- $14 for 24 hours
- Getting to the Tidal Basin:
- 11 minute Uber/Taxi
- Walk to Blue, Orange, Silver Metro
- 27-minute bike ride along the Mt Vernon Trail
- Reserve parking at 1101 Wilson Blvd
- 1100 Wilson Blvd – Garage
- $14 for 24 hours
- Getting to the Tidal Basin:
- 11 minute Uber/Taxi
- Walk to Blue, Orange, Silver Metro
- 27-minute bike ride along the Mt Vernon Trail
- Reserve parking at 1100 Wilson Blvd
- 3307 M St NW – Garage
- $18 for 24 hours
- Getting to the Tidal Basin:
- 12 minute Uber/Taxi
- 38B or 30S Bus to Blue Metro
- 17-minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 3307 M St NW
- 2400 M St NW – Garage
- $15 for 24 hours
- Getting to the Tidal Basin:
- 12 minute Uber/Taxi
- Walk to Blue, Orange, Silver Metro
- 18-minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 2400 M St NW
- 2300 M St NW – Garage
- $16/24h
- Getting to the Tidal Basin:
- 12 minute Uber/Taxi
- Walk to Blue, Orange, Silver Metro
- 18 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 2300 M St NW
-
1100 Connecticut Ave NW – Garage
- $15 for 24 hours
- Getting to the Tidal Basin:
- 12 minute Uber/Taxi
- Red to Blue, Orange, Silver Metro
- 14 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 1100 Connecticut Ave NW
-
1325 G St NW – Garage
- $17 for 24 hours
- Getting to the Tidal Basin:
- 15 minute Uber/Taxi
- Blue, Orange, Silver Metro
- 11 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 1325 G St NW
- 701 13th St NW – Valet Garage
- $17 for 24 hours
- Getting to the Tidal Basin:
- 15 minute Uber/Taxi
- Blue, Orange, Silver Metro
- 11 minute bike ride
- Reserve parking at 701 13th St NW
Cheapest Cherry Blossom Festival Parking
Parking at the Cherry Blossom Festival doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for a great deal and to avoid traffic, we suggest parking in Arlington and taking a short Metro ride (Rosslyn Station) to either the Federal Triangle (5 stops) or the Smithsonian (6 stops).
- 1101 Wilson Blvd – Garage
- $14 for 24 hours
- 3 minute walk to Rosslyn Station
- Reserve parking at 1101 Wilson Blvd
- 1100 Wilson Blvd – Garage
- $14 for 24 hours
- 3 minute walk to Rosslyn Station
- Reserve parking at 1100 Wilson Blvd
- 1820 N Nash St – Garage
- $15 for 24 hours
- 3 minute walk to Rosslyn Station
- Reserve parking at 1820 N Nash St
- 1501 Wilson Blvd – Garage
- $5 for 3 hours
- 4 minute walk to Rosslyn Station
- Reserve parking at 1501 Wilson Blvd
- 1551 N Lynn St – Lot
- $5 for 3 hours
- 5 minute walk to Rosslyn Station
- Reserve parking at 1551 N Lynn St
Cherry Blossom Festival Events – 2017
1. Pink Tie Party
- About: This benefit party kicks off the beginning of blossom season, with proceeds going toward the Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Date: March 16, 7 pm – 11 pm
- Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, reserve parking
- Tickets: $225 for General Admission, $300 for VIP Admission (which includes specialty cocktails and giveaways), $90 ‘budding partygoer’ (ages 21-30) purchase tickets here
2. Opening Ceremony
- About: watch world-renowned performers in this celebration of the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States.
- Date: March 25, 5 pm – 6:30 pm
- Location: Warner Theatre, reserve parking
- Tickets: Free – advance ticketing required. There is a $5 registration fee when tickets are claimed – reserve tickets here
3. Tidal Basin Welcome Area & Ana Performance Stage
- About: Visit the welcome center for visitor services, first aid, food, souvenirs, books, and more. Park rangers and volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the Festival.
- Date: March 25 – April 9, 2017 – Welcome Area open daily 10am-7ppm; Performances daily 12pm-6pm
- Location: 151 Maine Ave SW near the Tidal Basin, reserve parking
- Tickets: Free
4. Blossom Kite Festival
- About: Bring your kites to the Blossom Kite Festival, talk to professional kite makers, and skilled fliers.
- Date: April 1, 10 am – 4:30 pm
- Location: Grounds of the Washington Monument, reserve parking
- Tickets: Free
5. Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run & 5K Run-Walk
- About: Proceeds from DC’s premier spring road race and walk support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Click here for more information on the race.
- Date: April 2, 7:30am
- Location: Race start, 15th St NW & Jefferson Dr, reserve parking
- Tickets: Find more information here
6. National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
- About: The Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is one of the largest events of the whole festival, with elaborate floats, celebrity entertainers, marching bands, and giant helium balloons.
- Date: April 8, 10am-12pm
- Location: Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets, NW, reserve parking
- Tickets: Free to attend, $20 for Grandstand Seating, purchase tickets here
7. Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
- About: Enjoy free music, water activities, food, and fireworks all afternoon and evening.
- Date: April 15, 2-9:30pm, fireworks display at 8:30 pm
- Location: Southwest Waterfront, 600 Water Street, SW to the Waterfront Park and Titanic Memorial, reserve parking
- Tickets: Free