The best place to park to see the major sites in Washington D.C. is the Union Station Parking Garage. It is one of the largest garages in the city, open 24/7, and is located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and the eastern end of the National Mall. From here, you can easily walk to the Smithsonian museums or hop on the DC Circulator bus, which runs a loop around the National Mall for $1. Another excellent option is the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center garage, which is extremely central and puts you within a 5-minute walk of the White House and the Washington Monument. In 2026, parking at the National Mall itself is almost impossible due to strict time limits and high demand. For a more budget-friendly approach, park at an "end-of-the-line" Metro station like Greenbelt or Vienna and take the train into the Smithsonian station, which drops you directly in the middle of the museum action.