Are you one of those people allowing an 8×10 rectangle to keep you from experiencing the “hottest” spot in the southeast? Well, “know” more! If I hear “I don’t go downtown because I can’t find a place to park” one more time, I might pull my hair out!
Public garages are strategically scattered through town so regardless of your destination, you’ll find one close by. Look for the signs with the big white “P.” Most are free the first hour, $1.50 the second hour and $1.00 each additional hour ($7.50 max). Even my all day visits usually do not cost over $3.50. If you’re lucky enough to find one, two-hour FREE spaces line both sides of Main and most side streets.
If you’re not in the mood to circle the block one hundred forty – seven times, I recommend one of the (many) parking garages.
Richardson Street Garage 66 Richardson Street: My personal favorite, behind Mast General and O.P. Taylor. Free nights, after six, and weekends. Bathrooms are also located at the bottom of the steps just as you enter One City Plaza. If you’re traveling with someone who’s drinking a lot of coffee, you’ll thank me for this one.
River Place Garage 300 River Street: If you’re eating lunch at Up on the Roof, visiting the Children’s Garden, or taking the kids to play on the splash pad, this is your spot.
River Street Garage 420 River Street: Be careful not to mix these two up. River Street is located directly across from the Peace Center. This is also a good one for those of you who want to grab a hearty plate of spaghetti and meatballs at Limencello!
55 East Camperdown Way Garage: I know I said Richardson was my favorite, but Spring Street is definitely best if your goal is to hang out in Falls Park. This particular one would be easy to miss, it doesn’t have a name. Keep your eye out as you approach the bend in the road. It’s tucked away to your right.
S. Spring Street Garage 12 South Spring Street: If I’m being honest, this one would not be my first (or twelfth) choice. I may have gotten lost in it and circled for hours trying to get out.
Church Street Garage 320 North Church Street: If you’re headed to The Well (or the Courthouse) this is your spot.
Commons Garage 60 Beattie Place: Attached to the Hyatt Regency, it’s perfect for Main Street Thursdays and Fridays or a visit to NOMA Square.
Liberty Square Garage 65 Beattie Place: Directly across the street from Hyatt Regency. This is your parking for the Commerce Club.
Poinsett Garage 25 West McBee Avenue: Another great one! You can enter from Court Street or McBee. If it’s raining, take a walk through the Westin Poinsett to several fine restaurants without using your umbrella. (This is where I park when I go to M. Judson.)
One City Plaza Garage 34 Richardson Street: Neighbor to Richardson Street Garage, do not enter if you’re claustrophobic or drive a really tall car.
North Laurens Street Garage 210 Laurens Street: Spending an evening in or near Cafe & Then Some? Here’s your sign!
Landmark Building Parking 22 College Street: Behind the Landmark Building on North Main.
Broad Street Garage 135 East Broad Street: Brand new garage on the way to Cleveland Park from Main.
West Washington Street Deck 101 East Washington Street: Flat $1/hour with a $7 maximum. Free on nights and weekends.
In addition to this list, there’s a two-hour free lot behind Mellow Mushroom, and plenty of lots with pay boxes. Keep in mind there’s a Trolley (free) stop at County Square.
I won’t promise we didn’t overlook one or two, but if you still don’t find a place to park after reading this, I can’t help you!
Leave a Reply