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Cherry Blossom Festival Parking

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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

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.

 

National Mall Parking

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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.

  • 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW – Garage

 

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
  • 2400 M St NW – Garage 
  • 2300 M St NW – Garage
  • 1325 G St NW – Garage
  • 701 13th St NW – Valet Garage

 

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).

 

Cherry Blossom Festival Events – 2017

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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

Washington Auto Show Parking Guide

Washington Auto Show Parking Guide

Ready for the 2016 Washington Auto Show? The Walter E. Washington Convention Center will be showing more than 700 exotic, luxury, concept and showroom cars, including the latest from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. Curious about a specific make or model? You can search the list of vehicles on display.

Here’s what else you need to know before you go to the auto show.

Tickets, Dates, Times, Location

Tickets: Buy tickets here
Dates: January 22 – 31, 2016
Times: See schedule
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001

Washington Convention Center Parking and Transit

Driving to the show? You can find parking near the Washington Convention Center with SpotHero. If you’re keeping your wheels at home, take the Metro’s Yellow/Green line to Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center.

Washington Auto Show Coupons

Auto show tickets are reasonably priced, and you can save more with these discounts.

There’s an $8 Groupon for a weekday ticket ($12 value). The ticket is only valid for the weekday sessions from Monday, January 25 through Friday, January 29.

Discounts (Box Office Only)

Autotrader/Kelley Blue Book Day Friday, Jan. 22 $4 off with a printout of any page from Autotrader.com or KKB.com websites or click here to print coupon.
Student Day Monday, Jan. 25 $7 off
With a valid Student ID
Military Tribute Day
Presented by Audi		 Tuesday, Jan. 26 FREE with proper ID*
Active & Veteran Military
Active & Veteran Military Throughout
the Show		 $4 off – Weekdays
$2 off – Weekends
Metro Throughout
the Show		 $2 off – Weekdays Only
With a valid SmarTrip Card
Seniors (65+) Throughout
the Show		 $4 off – Weekdays
$2 off – Weekend
Students Throughout
the Show		 $4 off – Weekdays Only
With a valid Student ID
*Valid Military Retiree ID card or DD214 with Photo ID or a Common Access Card

Discounts are per qualified person and may not be combined with other discounts.
ALL Discounts are off the $12 adult ticket rate only.

Photo via Washingtonautoshow.com

NYE Overnight Parking Rates and Tips

If you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in Washington DC, we want you to be safe and have fun. For those driving on the last night of the year, we’ve gathered the best overnight parking rates and other transit tips to make your New Year’s Eve easy and fun. Cheers to 2016!

Best Overnight Parking Rates

These spots are great for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day and allow for overnight parking:

Near Dupont Circle
2015 Massachusetts Ave NW – $45 for 24 hours, Book parking >
Near U St Corridor
1740 14th St NW – $30 24 hours, Book parking >
Howard University Hospital Lot – $14 24 hours, Book parking >
Near Shaw
801 N St NW – $30 24 hours, Book parking >
Near Chinatown/Gallery Place
City Center Garage – $24 24 hours, Book parking >
811 3rd St NW – $12 24 hours, Book parking >
Arlington
1325 Wilson Blvd – $45 24 hours, Book parking >

Ride Metro for Free 12AM – 3AM

Leaving your car at home? There are plenty of other transit options. You can ride the Metro free between midnight and 3AM on January 1st 2016, sponsered by MillerCoors for $165,000. Free rides will be available on all six Metrorail lines and all Metrobus routes. Check out the Metro schedule to find your route home.

Uber, Lyft, and Cabs

Ride sharing and taxi cab options are always a popular choice for NYE. Scarcity and surge pricing can make this a little hectic, especially at the dawn of a new year. You may want to check out Uber’s NYE guide for a primer on surge pricing, fare splitting, and other ways to help you get a safe ride home.

A Night at the Theatre in Washington DC

Looking for a good night out in DMV? Make an evening out of your night at the theatre and hit all the D.C. highlights.

Dinner

Downtown D.C. features a variety of restaurants from those steeped in history to chic newcomers.

For those interested in history, head to the Old Ebbitt Grill at 15th and G streets NW. The Ebbitt was founded in 1856 as a boarding house and saloon and housed President McKinley during his tenure in Congress. It also welcomed Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren Harding as guests at the stand-around bar. While the location has changed over the years, the history remains, and Old Ebbitt is a great option to grab a bite close to the White House and theatres. Find Parking for the Old Ebbitt Grill here.

For a more modern option, head to Daikaya at 6th and G streets NW. Since 2013, this highly acclaimed Ramen and Izakaya style Japanese restaurant has been a hit in D.C.. Its casual and funky ambiance exudes a style all its own, but never overshadows the bold and unique dishes found on both floors. Parking for Daikaya is available here

Theatres

The main event of the evening, The Warner Theatre, Ford Theatre, and E Street Cinema are all located within 3 blocks and provide a range of entertainment options.

The Warner Theatre was built in 1924 and recently restored. It has played host to a variety of performances, from comedians Dave Chappelle, Lewis Black, and Ron White to concerts from Jay Z , Johnny Cash, and the Rolling Stones.

When the holiday season begins in December, the Washington Ballet begins their extremely popular production of the Nutcracker. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit but it sells out annually so get your tickets early!

For a more historical evening, Fords Theatre is a meaningful option. In this theatre on April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a performance of Our American Cousin. He died across the street the next day. After being closed for 100 years it reopened in 1968 as a working theatre that hosts plays, musicals, and commissioned works often examining the social and political issues tied to Lincoln’s legacy. Whether going for a performance or just to visit the Center for Education and Leadership, the Warner Theatre is an important part of American history and worth the trip.

Smack dab in the middle of these 2 historical theatres lies Landmark’s E Street Cinema. But you won’t find the big Hollywood blockbusters here. Instead, E Street specializes in critically acclaimed independent, foreign, and documentary films. Often this is the only venue in the DMV area that screens these films. If you are looking for movies focused more on content than revenue, this is the place to find them.

Find parking for the theatres here

Drinks

Before heading home, grab an evening drink at one of these insider watering holes.

Feel like a political insider for the night and head to the historic Hay Adams Hotel across the street from the White House. Down in the hotel bar, you’ll find Off the Record. This elegant hotel bar is frequently named one of the best in the country and is considered one of the cities most important “power bars” as it often plays host to lobbyists, politicians, journalists, and international statesmen. Parking for Off the Record is available here

If you are looking for a view, find your way to the POV Lounge at the W hotel. POV is a posh cocktail bar and features breathtaking views of both the White House and the National Monuments. There is a dress code here, and crowds gather on the weekends, but it’s a great way to take in DC from above. Find parking for POV Lounge here

Washington DC Thanksgiving Parking Tips

Thanksgiving is approaching fast, which means for the millions in the greater DMV area, we will be welcoming friends and families from all over the country. And while we all look forward to catching up with friends and relatives over great food, this also unfortunately means something that Washingtonians are all too familiar with: traffic, congestion, and a lack of parking.

But don’t worry, we’re here with some tips to help ensure this Thanksgiving in D.C. is a success:

1. Book Parking Ahead of Time

D.C. is going to be flooded with cars and while parking will be free on Thanksgiving, normal street parking rules will be enforced Friday –  Sunday of the holiday weekend. This typically means you can’t park on the street for more than 2 hours, so it’s best to plan ahead.

If you’re hosting, and you have a spot, consider moving your car to a weekend lot to make way for your guests. If you’re the incoming guest, do your host a favor and don’t even discuss your parking needs. Instead, reserve a weekend spot nearby. It’ll help out your host and be a hassle-free way to end your long-road trip, a win-win!

Here are some great Thanksgiving through weekend parking rates from SpotHero. If you choose to use this tip, remember to read the redemption details in your parking pass (not all have in-and-out privileges for example). Also, if you don’t see the spot listed below for a great price, it’s because it sold out!

  1. 2300 M St NW
  2. Fairfield Inn & Suites Dulles – Lot
  3. 3307 M St. NW – Garage
  4. 2600 Crystal Dr. – Garage
  5. City Center
  6. 500 H St. NW
  7. 66 New York Ave NW

Great rates for Friday – Sunday:

  1. 1325 G St NW

2. Hotel Parking

Many people are surprised to find out that there are great weekend hotel deals in downtown D.C., even over a holiday weekend like Thanksgiving.  But while the hotel rooms are often discounted, the parking is not.

Instead of paying $30 per day to park in the hotel’s garage, you can often find a garage spot for a fraction of the price close by. Once you have your hotel booked, reserve a secure parking spot nearby using SpotHero.

Here are some great spots near popular hotels:

  1. 799 9th St. NW – Garage
  2. 2400 M St. NW – Garage

3. Buy A Pumpkin Early

Have you heard there’s a possible pumpkin shortage?! It’ll surely be on the Thanksgiving small-talk short list this season, so you’ll probably hear soon. If you’re hosting, or bringing the pie, scoop up one of those Thanksgiving staples in advance.

4. Thanksgiving Eve

The night before Thanksgiving is actually one of the biggest bar nights of the year. If you and your friends are looking to catch up over a beer on Thanksgiving Eve, you should think about parking ahead of time. Here are some great rates from SpotHero in some of the hottest neighborhoods in DC.

  1. $5 in Dupont Circle
  2. $10 on U-Street
  3. $15 in Shaw
  4. $9 in Adams Morgan
  5. $12 in Georgetown

5. Pick up Your Waze Game

Waze, the ultimate navigation app is essential for traveling by road during peak travel times. If there ever was a time to be utilizing Waze it’s before Thanksgiving weekend. As recently pointed out by Lifehacker, Waze’s recent update presents some new and simple ways to really outsmart traffic. Features like sending your ETA or switching to “shortest route” over “fastest route” (this setting avoids the complicated routes just to save a few seconds)  will make sure you arrive in time for turkey.

6. Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

If you are looking for a little exercise before lunch, head down to the 14th annual SOME Turkey Trot to benefit D.C.’s hungry and homeless. The 5K run / walk starts at 9AM and leaves from 13th st. NW and Pennsylvania Ave. NW.  This is D.C.’s only turkey trot and draws 10,000 participants, so reserving advanced parking with SpotHero is a must.

7. D.C. Holiday Market

If the day after Thanksgiving you start thinking about Christmas, the 11th Annual Downtown Holiday Market is for you!  The market opens on November 27 and features 60 rotating exhibitors selling a variety of gift items like jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles.

This unique market is nestled between the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the International Spy Museum in downtown D.C., providing lots of options for other activities.

8. Shopping

If you are looking to take advantage of D.C.’s fantastic shopping, head to historic Georgetown for the latest fashions and D.C.’s most picturesque neighborhood.  You can make a whole day out of it with the many restaurants, cafes found throughout the neighborhood.

If high fashion is more your speed, check out the new City Center DC which hosts stores like Gucci, Burberry, Hermes, Kate Spade, and Louis Vuitton.  While both of these areas feature great shopping, they don’t feature much parking so plan ahead with SpotHero.

9. Heading Out of Town?

Thanksgiving is notorious for stressful travel and there is nothing worse than having to hunt for your car in a parking lot the size of Texas after a long trip home.

Avoid the stress of Dulles and save some money by parking in a nearby lot or garage. Check SpotHero for the must up to date pricing and reserve a spot before you get to the airport!

The Best Dupont Circle Parking Guide

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Just north of Downtown DC, Dupont Circle is a beautiful neighborhood in Washington D.C. Home to businesses, houses, and the embassies of many foreign countries. The circle itself can be a traffic debacle for first timers, sending drivers in a loop before directing them to an off-shoot of their choice. Finding Dupont Circle parking can be difficult if you don’t plan ahead!

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Our guide to finding parking near Dupont Circle will help shed light on one of the most frustrating aspects of the driving experience. With rates, maps, and insider tips, we’ll make sure that you arrive in one of D.C.’s most pleasant areas with a few extra dollars in your wallet and your sanity intact! Whether you’re looking for overnight parking, or just a place on the street to leave your car for a few hours, we’ve got you covered.

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Best Dupont Circle Parking Garages

Finding convenient parking near Dupont Circle is easy if you know where to look. We’ve highlighted a few of the best deals in the table below so that you can compare options and locations before selecting the best solution for you. Reserve a parking space ahead of time to lock in your price and remove the stress that finding a place to park your car can create.

Address Reserve Parking? Price Range
1776 Massachusetts Ave NW Book Now! $13
11 Dupont Circle NW Book Now! $16
2015 Massachusetts Ave NW Book Now!  $18

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Dupont Circle Parking Map

Explore Dupont Circle parking options in the map below and use SpotHero to book a guaranteed space ahead of time!

Dupont Circle On-Street Parking

Parking on the street is a great way to save money if you only need to park for a few hours. The most that you will pay for street parking in Washington D.C. is $2.30 per hour, which is extremely reasonable when compared to hourly rates at a parking garage. Take a look at some quick tips for finding Dupont Circle street parking below:

  • Most of the streets immediately surrounding Dupont Circle do allow for metered hourly street parking at a rate of $2.30 per hour. 
  • Parking meters near Dupont Circle operate from 7:00am until 10:00pm, Monday through Saturday. During that time you will need to feed the meter. Street parking on Sundays is FREE in this area. 
  • The best places to look for street parking near Dupont Circle are on Massachusetts Ave and Connecticut Ave. 
  • 2-3 blocks to the north of Dupont Circle are residential neighborhood streets that require Residential Parking Permits. Be sure not to park in this area for more than 2-hours or you will risk being ticketed or towed. 
  • For a complete view of all streets that allow for metered parking, visit this interactive map provided by the DDOT
  • Starting in October of 2017, street parking is prohibited on some streets near Dupont Circle to provide a safe environment for nightlife. Mostly, the changes do not allow for overnight street parking on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights on Connecticut Ave south of Dupont Circle. WTOP details the changes in this article. 
  • As always, give a thorough inspection to street signs before leaving your vehicle to make sure that you won’t be ticketed or towed. 

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Dupont Circle Monthly Parking

If you live or work near Dupont Circle, it may pay off to reserve a parking space in a garage on a monthly basis. It can be quite a relief to know exactly where you’re going to park each day and that you have a reserved space waiting for you. Generally, monthly parking rates are more expensive if you park right on Dupont Circle. If you don’t mind walking a few blocks you can find great deals on monthly parking. Compare prices and availability of Dupont Circle monthly parking options by visiting SpotHero directly.

Address Reserve Parking? Price Range
1776 Massachusetts Ave NW Book Now! Commuter Rate: $225
1221 22nd St NW Book Now! Reverse Commuter Rate: $125
1221 22nd St NW Book Now!  24/7 Parking: $245

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Dupont Circle Online Parking Resources

The Cheapest DC Parking Online

cheap dc parking

Can you find a better deal than $3?

If you spend some time in Washington DC then you know that parking can be both a huge hassle, and extremely expensive. What you might not know, is that there are ways to find cheap parking in DC. One of the best ways to find cheap parking in Washington DC is to book online. There are a handful on online parking companies that sell discounted spots, if you [Read more…]

Complete Washington DC Monuments Parking Guide

Lincon Memorial parking

Driving to Washington DC? Planning to check out the National Mall and the famous Washington DC Monuments? Navigating DC is one thing, but finding parking can be a huge pain! Having an understanding of the parking options around town is key, and this post will point you in the right direction for not only knowing where you can park, but how much you will spend. You can even book parking near famous Washington DC monuments online by visiting Spothero DC. [Read more…]

Overnight Parking in DC

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If you are new to DC, or have been a local all your life then you know finding overnight parking in DC is difficult. With so many government buildings shutting down at night, it poses parking problems for all. Hotels in the area can easily charge $50 per night to use their parking facilities, that’s outrageous!

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We’re here to help you save money and remove stress from the ordeal that finding overnight parking can be. Nothing is more frustrating than pulling into the first parking garage that you come across, only to find out that there was a much better deal just down the street. Our guide to DC overnight parking will help you compare parking options before you even get in the car, so keep reading to start parking smarter!

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Best Washington DC Overnight Parking Deals

Finding convenient parking in Georgetown is easy if you know where to look. We’ve highlighted a few of the best deals in the table below so that you can compare options and locations before selecting the best solution for you. Reserve a parking space ahead of time to lock in your price and remove the stress that finding a place to park your car can create.

Garage Address Neighborhood
875 D St NW – Book Now! Penn Quarter
440 L St NW – Book Now!  Convention Center
1725 Desales St – Book Now! Downtown/ White House
2141 M St NW – Book Now! Dupont Circle
1080 Wisconsin Ave NW – Book Now! Georgetown
700 New Hampshire Ave – Book Now! Foggy Bottom
900 2nd St NE – Book Now! Union Station / Near Northeast

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Overnight Street parking in DC

Most neighborhoods allow for free overnight parking on the street. Make sure to check all signage for exact times of when parking is enforced. Most neighborhoods require you to move your car starting at 9:00AM. Once 9AM comes, you can park for up to two hours per zone. After the two hours is up you will have to move your car to another zone. You cannot move your car to another spot, in the same zone. You will get ticketed!

Street parking regulations are not enforced on weekends, or national holidays. At least we have a few days out of the year where our wallets can take a rest!

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Washington DC Parking Map

Set the times that you need to park for in the window below and use SpotHero to compare options and prices.

DC Parking Zones

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Driving around Washington DC can be hectic, add in the extra hassle of finding parking and you might find yourself pulling your hair out! It doesn’t matter if you are a resident of DC, or just visiting for a short period, navigating the DC Parking Zones is key to a successful parking experience.

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Residential Parking Zones

The District of Columbia created residential parking zones in an effort to provide citizens who live in high traffic areas with the ability to park close to their homes. The city is split into eight different parking zones, and only residents with a corresponding parking permit may park on most streets in those zones. Residents may pay a small fee for a parking permit for the zone that they live in.

Drivers who do not live in these zones can park for a maximum of two hours before they are subject to ticketing. After that time, they must move their vehicles after the zone entirely, not just to a different street. There are some cheap alternative parking options for drivers without a permit who need to park for more than two hours.

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Permits may be purchased at the DMV, or online if you meet certain requirements. More information on RPP fees can be found here.

Some streets within zones do not require residential parking permits. These can be identified by their lack of 2-hour parking signs.

For residents, view our DC Parking Zone map below to find the zone where you live.

DC Parking Zone Map

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Residential and Reciprocal Parking Permit Fees

Residential/Reciprocity Fee
Residential Parking Permit $35 per year
Residential Parking Permit (Seniors 65 & Older) $25 per year
Reciprocity Sticker (Students) $338 per year
Reciprocity Sticker (Temporary DC Resident, Non-Renewable) $250 per 6 months
Reciprocity Sticker (Military, Presidential Appointees, Members of Congress) $50 per year
Reciprocity Sticker (Part-Time DC Resident) $338 per year

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DC Parking Zone Resources

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