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. |
Where do you live? |
Go earlier. Parking at waterfront is a great idea. Maybe a lyft from there to the tidal basin for the older folks? |
If the basin is not a must-see, I've enjoyed driving/walking around the Kenwood neighborhood of Bethesda. Chock-full of cherry blossoms! |
Are they in bloom this weekend? |
Take the circulator! There's one that goes by all the monuments. |
Peak is supposedly April 1. |
Drop off parents. Park at waterfront and walk to join them. Try hard to avoid bringing a stroller. |
If you suspect your dad would have a hard time, I would definitely do Kenwood instead. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
+1 for the Arboretum. Can drive through if your dad has a hard time. |
No parking signs on all/most streets in neighborhood. |
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. |