Navigating parking in a historic city like Annapolis can sometimes feel like a puzzle. While the charm of Annapolis is undeniable, its limited street parking, coupled with strict regulations and hefty fines, can be a concern for visitors. Street parking is often restricted to just a few hours, making it impractical for extended stays or leisurely explorations. To avoid parking violations and potential towing, it’s wise to explore alternative parking solutions.
Fortunately, Annapolis offers a variety of parking garages and lots to accommodate visitors. To easily explore all available options, the City of Annapolis provides an invaluable online resource: the Official Parking Guide (https://www.annapolisparking.com). This guide is your go-to for real-time information on parking locations, rates, and any temporary advisories.
For those planning a visit, especially near popular spots or accommodations like the Annapolis Inn, several parking locations stand out for their convenience and accessibility. Among these, the Calvert Street Garage, also known as the State Garage, is a particularly attractive option.
The Calvert Street Garage: Your Weekend and Evening Parking Solution
Located at 19 St. John’s St., the Calvert Street Garage is a prime choice for visitors, especially due to its advantageous free parking periods. Take note of these times to maximize your savings:
- Weekends: Enjoy free parking from Friday night at 6:00 PM all the way through Sunday night until 6:00 AM Monday morning. This makes it perfect for weekend getaways in Annapolis.
- Weeknights: If you’re visiting during the week, parking is also free from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday. Ideal for evening events or dinners in downtown Annapolis.
During weekdays, from Monday to Friday, standard parking rates apply at the Calvert Street Garage. It’s advisable to consult the Annapolis Parking Guide for the most current hourly and daily rates to plan your parking budget accordingly.
Exploring Other Convenient Parking Garages and Lots
Besides the Calvert Street Garage, Annapolis offers other conveniently located parking facilities:
- Gott’s Court Garage (25 Northwest St.): Another excellent garage option in downtown Annapolis, providing ample parking spaces. Check the Annapolis Parking Guide for current rates and hours.
- South St. Lot (South St. off of Church Circle): A surface parking lot situated near Church Circle, offering a convenient outdoor parking alternative.
For shorter visits or quick stops, consider these 2-hour parking locations:
- Visitors Center Parking Lot (Calvert St): Perfect for a brief visit to the Annapolis Visitors Center or nearby attractions.
- Basil Lot (110 Compromise St): Located in the heart of the historic district, ideal for short explorations.
- City Dock Lot (Dock St): Provides immediate access to the waterfront and City Dock area for quick visits.
When using GPS to locate these parking options, ensure you use the downtown Annapolis zip code: 21401. Always verify the daily parking rates, operational hours, and any specific terms and conditions before parking. Parking regulations and availability are subject to change, so double-checking is always a good practice before your arrival in Annapolis. Pay attention to vehicle height clearances and limitations, especially when using parking garages.
Utilize the Free Circulator Bus for Easy Downtown Access
To further enhance your Annapolis experience, take advantage of the free Circulator Bus service. This convenient bus route connects several parking garages, including Park Place, Knighton, and Gott’s Court Garage, with the City Dock area, which is close to many attractions and accommodations. For the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules, visit the Annapolis Parking website and look for the Circulator information.
An enhanced free shuttle service operates on the downtown Circulator route, running frequently between Park Place and Main Street. For those parked at Gott’s and Whitmore garages, a dedicated electric trolley provides a quick 10-minute loop connecting Calvert Street, State Circle, Main Street, and West Street. Additionally, Via, a microtransit vendor, is planned to offer on-demand services to and from designated locations via a smartphone app, further expanding transportation options.
Additional Parking at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium
For events or busier times, consider the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, which offers 1,000 public parking spaces. Annapolis Transit operates the State Shuttle between the stadium and the Maryland State House buildings for a nominal one-way fare. Downtown parking options also remain available at Dock Street, on-street metered spots, and surface lots like Basil, Donner, South Street, and Larkin.
Need More Parking Information?
For any further inquiries regarding parking in Annapolis, you can contact the City of Annapolis Parking Office directly:
City of Annapolis Parking Office
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Phone: (443) 648-3087
By utilizing these parking resources and especially considering the Calvert Street Garage for its free weekend and evening parking, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable visit to Annapolis. Remember to always consult the official Annapolis Parking Guide for the most current details and regulations before your trip.
