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Thanks everyone for the tips about garages in Crystal City...I never knew any of them allowed free exit at any time.

As for street parking, I usually park up the hill from the Rosslyn Metro if I am traveling light and near Clarendon if I have luggage. Rosslyn is a bit faster ride to DCA as it does not involve transfers, but the streets off Lee Hwy. that have unrestricted parking, west of the Key Bridge Marriott, are up a very steep hill from the metro and thus not for anyone who isn't up for a "hike"

Clarendon is flatter, which is why I park there if I have heavier things packed...some of the side streets off Washington Blvd. south of the metro station offer free parking about a 10 minute walk from the station.

A few years ago, there were a number of unrestricted spots near Crystal City and Pentagon City, but most of those have since been metered or limited to 2 hours. The only street parking without restrictions I can find in Crystal City is a few (maybe 5) spaces on Fern Street.

Either way, if traveling on leisure free parking sure beats the $20 per day for the DCA garage (which is full much of the time anyway) or $12 for a long shuttle ride.