Where to park 15-passenger van in DC?

Submitted by Ok_Personality_1080 t3_yhj9dm in washingtondc

Not familiar with the area but I'm taking a group on a trip to DC and we're planning out our parking. Parking would ideally be around the Smithsonian museums (Air & Space and Natural History). Are there designated garages or parking areas suitable for 15-passenger vans? The van in question is a Ford Transit Medium Roof (about 217" L x 97" W x 100" H).

Edit: Turns out our hotel does not accommodate that size of vehicle either so we might need to find overnight parking near the White House area. Any suggestions?

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mistersmiley318 t1_iuea3jb wrote

I would highly suggest finding parking elsewhere outside of downtown and just taking the Metro to the Mall.

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bageloclock t1_iuidy0g wrote

Absolutely this! And you can get 1 or 3 day unlimited metro passes so that you and your group can optimize your time traveling around the city.

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anonymousprincess t1_iuek04q wrote

I think Union Station might be the closest that can accommodate that size vehicle.

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[deleted] t1_iueboaa wrote

[deleted]

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lisavfr t1_iug7ldr wrote

Careful f you consider parking at Huntington Metro. Yellow line is kinda messed up right now while they bring the new Potomac Yards station online.

Consider parking at Pentagon City mall instead? The garage there doubles a s a commuter lot for the Pentagon and iirc has high clearance. Won’t be free but they can likely accommodate your van.

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Soft-Tangelo-6884 t1_iuem468 wrote

During the day: Will the driver be coming into the museum exhibits/events with you; or can they stay with the van and take it to wherever they find spots?

It’s not uncommon to see coach buses parked down around the streets by the mall, but I don’t know what to do if your hotel can’t accommodate the van’s height. It’s not really something we have to deal with as locals.

If you’re staying at one of the bigger hotels, I would ask if their front desk or concierge can put you in touch with others who might know.

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Working-Grapefruit42 t1_iue4l5v wrote

There are not many outdoor lots but street parking is available if you can find it…. The tidal basin, or the outdoor lot at the end of the warf might be your best bets

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Ok_Personality_1080 OP t1_iue53xy wrote

Will those spots be able to accommodate a vehicle this size?

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kazak9999 t1_iug6e9t wrote

When staging for big events, full size busses park at RFK Stadium. You could check with them about allowing your vehicle there. Also, Maine Ave SW just before the 395 underpass usually has bus parking. Might be allowed to use that

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Susurrus03 t1_iueypld wrote

Anywhere, so long as you turn your hazards on.

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Rscaroll t1_iugpxyy wrote

Where is your hotel so we can recommend the best pot for you? Some hotels may have valet space out front they would just hold your vehicle. Maybe embassy suites, not the JW Marriott, not the Willard, maybe Westin yes, marquis no..... Just varies on location.

Some options - Outdoor lot between 5th and 6th NW, New York and K Streets - I've never parked there but I'd imagine it's available overnights.

Above ground garage at Giant Food 1300 blk Park Rd NW - no barriers to enter and ramp goes to top level with no overhead obstructions

Howard University pay lot - outdoors, no barriers overhead, 2235 8th St NW

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Rscaroll t1_iugq9gi wrote

With 15 passengers, any chance one of them has a disability permit? There are handicapped spaces on Madison drive right next to Smithsonian

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SOLA-REX t1_iuhrcf4 wrote

Street park it overnight…free parking 10pm-7am. Street park it along the Mall in the daytime as well…best spots are on 3rd Street SW/NW and Maryland Avenue.

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DCVATherapist t1_iui3q79 wrote

Cathedral Heights around Mass Ave used to have lots of side alleys and roads with free parking

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