Finding parking in downtown Charleston can often be a challenge, but the City of Charleston offers numerous parking solutions to make your visit smoother. Among these, the Cumberland Street Garage, also known as the Concord/Cumberland Garage, stands out as a conveniently located and well-equipped option for visitors and locals alike. This guide provides essential information about the Cumberland Street Garage and other city parking facilities to help you navigate parking in Charleston with ease.
Cumberland Street Garage: Your Downtown Charleston Parking Solution
Located at 1 Cumberland Street, the Cumberland Street Garage is a prime parking destination in the heart of Charleston. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for those exploring popular attractions, hotels, and dining options in the downtown area. Like other City of Charleston garages, it operates on a rate of $1 per 20 minutes, with a daily maximum of $24. Payment is accepted via cash and credit card, providing flexibility for all parkers.
One of the key benefits of choosing the Cumberland Street Garage is its amenities. It offers hotel parking, making it a particularly convenient option for guests staying at nearby hotels. Additionally, public restrooms are available within the garage, adding to the comfort and convenience of your parking experience.
Overview of City of Charleston Parking Garages
Beyond the Cumberland Street Garage, the City of Charleston manages a network of parking garages throughout the city center. These garages are designed to accommodate daily, transient, and visitor parking needs. While monthly parking options are currently unavailable due to high demand and no current vacancies, these garages remain readily accessible for hourly and daily parking.
Here’s a summary of other City of Charleston parking garages, all sharing the same standard rate of $1 per 20 minutes and a $24 daily maximum unless otherwise noted:
- Aquarium Garage: Located at 24 Calhoun Street, offering public restrooms.
- Camden/Exchange Garage: Situated at 35 John Street, providing hotel parking and public restrooms.
- Charleston Place Garage: Found at 85 Hasell Street, with hotel parking available.
- Charleston Tech Center Garage: At 4 Conroy Street, equipped with public restrooms.
- East Bay/Prioleau Garage: Located at 25 Prioleau Street, offering hotel parking and public restrooms.
- Gaillard Auditorium Garage: Situated at 32 Alexander Street, featuring electric plug-ins.
- Majestic Garage: At 211 King Street, providing public restrooms.
- Marion Square Garage: Located at 399 King Street, offering hotel parking and public restrooms.
- Midtown Garage: Situated at 558 King Street, with hotel parking and public restrooms.
- 93 Queen Street Garage: At 93 Queen Street, equipped with electric plug-ins and public restrooms.
- 34 Saint Philip Garage: At 34 Saint Philip Street.
- Visitor’s Center Garage: Located at 63 Mary Street, featuring electric plug-ins and RV parking (12’8” max clearance, no hook-ups).
- 99 West Edge Garage: At 99 West Edge Street, offering public restrooms.
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Non-Metered and Metered Parking Lots
In addition to garages, Charleston offers non-metered and metered parking lots. Non-metered lots, such as Market/Horlbeck Lot (131 Market Street) and 180 Lockwood Lot (180 Lockwood Dr.), also operate with rates per 20 minutes. The 180 Lockwood Lot has a rate of $2 per 20 minutes and offers free validation for City business.
Metered lots and on-street meters are another parking option. Metered lot locations include Auditorium Lots (1 George Street, 34 Alexander, 54 Alexander), Beaufain/Archdale/Market (45 Archdale Street), and others. Metered parking operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a rate of $3 per hour and a 2-hour limit in many locations. Payment options include pay stations, pay by text, and pay by app.
Important Parking Rules and Regulations
When parking in City of Charleston facilities, be aware of the following rules:
- No Monthly Parking: Currently, monthly parking accounts are not available in any City garages or lots.
- No Golf Cart Parking: Golf carts are prohibited in City parking garages.
- Trailers: Trailers are generally not allowed, except for RV parking stalls at the Visitor’s Center Garage.
- Motorcycles: Motorcycles are permitted, with each bike requiring one ticket and occupying one space.
- On-Street Meters: On-street parking meters are active Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at a rate of $3 per hour.
- King Street Weekend Parking: Street parking on King Street between Spring and John streets is prohibited from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Discounted parking is available at the Visitor Center Garage during these hours.
- Parking for People with Disabilities: Free parking is available for people with disabilities in City-owned facilities with a state-issued placard or handicap license plate.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
For specific inquiries about City parking garages and lots, you can contact Josh Cale at (843) 720-3857 or via email at [email protected]. For on-street parking questions, contact the Parking Operations Division at (843) 724-7311.
For a comprehensive and interactive parking map, consider downloading the ParkMe parking application. This app can help you locate parking facilities and find real-time parking availability.
By utilizing City of Charleston parking facilities like the Cumberland Street Garage and staying informed about parking rules and options, you can ensure a more convenient and enjoyable experience in downtown Charleston.
