Boat parade in Alexandria City (how much, bus, garage)

[alpha_1976]

Hi,

I really want to see this one. Can anyone suggest where to park? And best place to view? Thanks.

Madhu

[Flamingo13]

There are dozens of parking garages, just park and walk down to the waterfront. If you are close enough, take a Dash or Metro bus to King Street and hop on the the free trolley.

[pcity]

It seems like the place all the fun stuff is happening is the marina just north of King St.

As for parking, even on non-event days, it's tough. If you're going to brave Old Town gridlock, I'd just suggest staying away from King St. and the waterfront and trying side streets, but if it's a big event, you might not have much luck on the side streets either.

You can also park far away and take the trolley in. The trolley goes from King St. Metro to the waterfront every 15 minutes, so maybe park on the street near the Metro station and hop on there.

[normie]

How about posting date and time to see it?

[pcity]

And tell all you guys about it? That's just going to make finding parking harder.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights 2008

It's this Saturday. Festival starts at the marina at 4. Boats should get to Alexandria starting around 6.

[alpha_1976]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

There are dozens of parking garages, just park and walk down to the waterfront. If you are close enough, take a Dash or Metro bus to King Street and hop on the the free trolley.

Thanks a lot. Can you give me an idea how much it´d be for 2-3 hours? I am in Gaithersburg so if it becomes expensive I will take Metro. Where do i get the "trolley"?

Madhu

[Flamingo13]

Originally Posted by alpha_1976

Thanks a lot. Can you give me an idea how much it´d be for 2-3 hours? I am in Gaithersburg so if it becomes expensive I will take Metro. Where do i get the "trolley"?

Madhu

The trolley is at the King St. Metro (as well as other stops down King St.) - if you Metro, just go to the King St. Metro - walk out, cross the bus lane and there is a shelter there just to the left where the trolley stops. You can get off (or on) along King St. (there are small trolley signs) or just stay on it until the waterfront/Torpedo Factory (that's right on the water).

[alpha_1976]

Hi again,

thanks all for important information.....metro looks like a good option to me to save myself from all the trouble.....but my wife doesn't like metro (she says she can't breath!) so my first choice is going to be CAR.....any idea on how much I may have to spend in garage.....thanks...Madhu


Edit: I found a link which roughly gives all the information (parking should be $2/h at many places):


Alexandria City Map


Do they close any of the roads tomorrow? Thanks....madhu

[Flamingo13]

No roads should be closed - but since you brought this up, we're going to check it out (I have to work tomorrow and will back at King St. Metro around 3:15/3:30) - as I recall, when we've parked in the garages for several hrs. it's been about $5 (we'll find out tomorrow).

[alpha_1976]

I didn't find any roads closed....and paid for parking at 111 S Pitts road garage only $2 (that was maximum!)....by the way, boat parade was good....they showed up a little bit late than usual time though.....