Just returned from
Washington, DC and can share some information regarding accessible parking and
transportation, particularly in the vicinity of the Smithsonian and the
monuments.
Parking, including
handicapped parking, is available on the streets between the Mall and the
Smithsonian buildings. These spaces are limited, they are only available
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and you are not allowed to park more than 3 hours,
though the latter requirement did not appear to be enforced strictly. The
handicap parking in this area allowed valid handicap parking permits from other
states.
Handicap parking
is also available on the streets of DC, but you must have a DC handicap parking
permit which must be obtained at a local DC police station as indicated by
another poster on this issue. If you have a DC handicap parking permit,
you can park at the designated meters for up to 4 hours free of charge.
Otherwise, you are relegated to parking at meters that only allow 2 hours of
parking. Bring plenty of quarters if you plan to use these metered parking
spaces without a permit. Also, these spaces are only available until from
9:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. unless you have a DC handicap parking permit which
gives you until 6:30 p.m.
The DC Metro is
very accessible, but there are only 3 stops (subway) in the vicinity of the
Smithsonian buildings, and none that I would
consider near the monuments. Be prepared for some fairly long walks and/or bus rides (not
sure about bus accessibility) if you plan to visit the monuments from the subway
stations.
If you do not
bring or choose not to use your own transportation, an option I did not use but
strongly considered is the Tourmobile Sightseeing service. For $20 per
person, they will arrange for an accessible vehicle to pick you up at numerous
designated locations around the Smithsonian buildings, all the major monuments,
and Arlington Cemetery. You can get on and off all day. Their hours
run from around 9 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. I spoke to them prior to my trip and no
advance notice is required, though they prefer at least 1 day notice to help
ensure they can accommodate your transportation. You can get more
information at the following web site:
If you have never
visited Washington, DC, I highly recommend visiting all seven of the major
monuments, and try seeing them at night as well as they are beautifully lit and
take on a decidedly different feel. I also recommend visiting the
Smithsonian's Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum at a
minimum. Each contains must see items.
Washington, DC is
one of the most incredible cities in the world, let alone the United
States. I encourage everyone to visit at least once.
Steve - C4, 18
years
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of M. Potts
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 10:19 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [SCIC] Washington, DC ParkingI haven't been to DC, but I'm going after you on the 27th of May.Being that the Metro, goes in and out of DC into Maryland and VA. Did you consider parking at one of the spots in Maryland or the outskirts and then taking the metro.Here is the metro web site. You may want to ask them if parking is available and wheel chair ramp at the outlining stations.
