The three of them would head towards one museum and I would head towards another museum. All of them made up Washington DC’s Smithsonian Institute. My other uncle, who took us, would try to find a parking spot. While I was looking at a World War II museum, I assumed Uncle Long would be meeting up with Uncle Chris and Aunt Linda. Afterwards, we met up again. I would meet with Uncle Long to find Uncle Chris and the others.

I was shocked to hear that Uncle Long had spent at least an hour trying to find a parking space. He mentioned, “I always hate going to DC.” From a driving standpoint, I understand where he is coming from.

If you want to find free parking in Washington DC that is going to be much harder. So far, parking companies have made a killing in profits for offering parking services. If you want to find easy parking in Washington DC, be prepared to dish out some money.

The two main parking companies would be “Central Parking” and “Colonial Parking.”

Central Parking is a national wide company while Colonial Parking primary caters to the Washington DC area. Due to the location of Washington DC, it is insane to drive around. Still, you can use these two services whether you are a regular or just a visiting guest.

If you do not feel like taking public transportation in traveling around Washington DC, your best bet would be to use one of these two parking services.

Colonial Parking has at least three to five parking garages in the highly populated neighborhoods of Washington DC. In Dupont Circle, there are at least five parking garages that use the Colonial Parking service. In Chinatown, there are at least five parking garages. In Capitol Hill, there are three parking garages.

Depending on what part of Washington DC you are at, you can find at least a parking garage or two. Remember, you will have to dish out some cash to park.

There are three options to use: Hourly & Daily Parking, Monthly Parking, and the Preferred Parker Card.

Options include the: Autopay Program and ECheck Payment.

Central Parking Systems has forty-six locations scattered across Washington DC. But, the locations are close enough to each other.

Like Colonial Parking, you can pay the monthly bill online.

If you are visiting Washington DC, it is best to go with the hourly and daily rates. If you spend most of your time in Washington DC, it is best to either get the monthly rates or the preferred card.

Overall, if you are looking to find parking when visiting DC, expect to pay some money. If you do not wish to pay for parking, be prepared to spend most of the day searching for a parking spot.

If parking garages are not your thing, it is best that you familiarize yourself with parallel parking.

The San Francisco Bay area is home to numerous beaches that will entice you and everyone in your party. Keep in mind this is the Pacific Coastline. The water tends to be on the chilly side and the boulders are numerous along the shoreline. Baker Beach, China Beach, Ocean Beach, and Rodeo Beach are four of the choice beaches to visit while in the San Francisco area.

Baker Beach provides a great opportunity to people watch, fish, and sunbathe. If you do choose to visit Baker Beach, be prepared, nudity is allowed on this rocky beach. For the budding photographer, this beach provides awesome views of the Golden Gate Bridge. A picnic along the coastline can be enjoyed among the large boulders which are scattered around the beach area. Be sure to pack up the picnic basket and do not forget to throw in a frisbee or two!

China Beach is one of those local “best kept” secrets. This beach is tucked away near the Seacliff neighborhood and provides one of the few safe places to ocean swim. Showers, changing areas, restrooms, and picnic facilities are all located within China Beach area. From April through the month of October a lifeguard is on duty on this beach. The surf here is much calmer than other beaches and warrants the need for a lifeguard. For the traveling family, this beach is one that you will want to visit. Plan on spending a day at China Beach. Some helpful advice, arrive early, as all 40 parking spots fill up rather quickly.

Ocean Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area and provides 3.5 miles of Pacific coastline views. From kite flying to volleyball there is something for everyone within this area. As with most beaches in the San Francisco Bay area, swimming is not recommended here. The rip currents are fiere and cold! For the avid surf boarder, this beach does provide surfing opportunities for those that dare to take the risk. Remember, this is the Pacific Coastline and the beaches here are rugged. The beaches here have an inner beauty that only one can experience by seeing through their own eyes.

Rodeo Beach provides photo opportunities like no other! There are two large boulders here that have been seen throughout the world. The beauty here is astounding! The north end of this beach is covered in pebbles and should you be fortunate enough, you may even stumble upon an orange pebble to take home. Pebbles are all over the place, but the orange pebbles are exquisite and unique! The birdwatching here is fabulous, as the fresh water lagoon attracts birds of all species to Rodeo Beach. keep in mind, Rodeo Beach is another beach where nudity is allowed, therefore; if you are traveling with a family you may want to check out other beaches before this one. The pebbles on the north end truly set this beach apart from any other beach in the area. Should you choose to visit Rodeo Beach, you will be glad you did!

While visiting all beaches within the San Francisco Bay area remember that you are in God’s country and respect the scenery around you. Kick back, relax and take in all that nature has to offer. From bonfires to family activities on the beaches, you will enjoy your visit and be glad that you visited a beach in the San Francisco Bay area. The Pacific Coast is rich in history. as well as astounding beauty!