Best place to park to see cherry blossoms on Saturday

[Anonymous]

Hoping to go first thing in the morning around 8am. Taking grandparents (dad with parkinsons), 2yo in a stroller and elementary boys. I know one option I have is to park at the wharf, walk to see cherry blossoms and walk back for lunch.

Any better options? I would love the walk but not sure if my dad will make it.

[Anonymous]

Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

Go earlier. Parking at waterfront is a great idea. Maybe a lyft from there to the tidal basin for the older folks?

[Anonymous]

If the basin is not a must-see, I've enjoyed driving/walking around the Kenwood neighborhood of Bethesda. Chock-full of cherry blossoms!

[Anonymous]

Are they in bloom this weekend?

[Anonymous]

Take the circulator! There's one that goes by all the monuments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are they in bloom this weekend?

Peak is supposedly April 1.

[Anonymous]

Drop off parents. Park at waterfront and walk to join them. Try hard to avoid bringing a stroller.

[Anonymous]

If you suspect your dad would have a hard time, I would definitely do Kenwood instead.

[Anonymous]

If you get there early enough you might be able to get a spot in one of the lots under 395 (https://goo.gl/maps/tKcdUDgd1bn) or street parking on Ohio Drive. From there you could just walk through the FDR memorial and by the water on that side, which wouldn't be too much of a drive. I really don't know if the spots will be available, earlier is better.

[Anonymous]

Can you get a temporary handicapped parking permit for your dad? That would allow you to park closer.

I'd looked into it for a visiting family member once, and it didn't seem that difficult to get a one-time pass from DCDMV, but that was quite some time ago. Things will likely have changed since then, but it can't hurt to look it up.

[Anonymous]

Honestly peak bloom at the Tidal Basin sounds like a nightmare for a person with mobility challenges to say nothing of also wrangling a child. It's crowded and stressful for able-bodied adults. Maybe instead head to the Arboretum? More parking, fewer people. I'm sure there are plenty of cherry blossoms.


Kenwood is also a great option for seeing trees from the car. I don't know how diligent they are about people not parking, but you could probably find a spot somewhere.

[Anonymous]

+1 for the Arboretum. Can drive through if your dad has a hard time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly peak bloom at the Tidal Basin sounds like a nightmare for a person with mobility challenges to say nothing of also wrangling a child. It's crowded and stressful for able-bodied adults. Maybe instead head to the Arboretum? More parking, fewer people. I'm sure there are plenty of cherry blossoms.


Kenwood is also a great option for seeing trees from the car. I don't know how diligent they are about people not parking, but you could probably find a spot somewhere.

No parking signs on all/most streets in neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Hey op. We just booked a cherry blossom cruise for our able bodied guests. I hate crowds. That might be an option. Check Groupon first.