What are some good places to park for the day in Downtown SA? (San Antonio: credit card)

[Newbe10]

I took a quick scouting trip recently to SA, and saw many areas that I really want to visit when I actually get to spend a few days there and many of those areas where in and around dowtown. My only issue was trying to find a good place to park in downtown.

It doesn't appear that there is ANY free parking in downtown or anywhere near it. This was somewhat an issue for me on the scouting trip because I did not have any coins or cash on me to pay for any parking so, in turn, I couldn't actually get out of the car and walk around downtown to get some pics.

I almost never carry cash or coins on me, unless I have to...I have a Credit Card and a Debit Card that I can use. So what is a good place for me to park at that would allow me a full day to enjoy downtown and some of the surrounding areas?

[SabresFanInSA]

With the heat the way it is these days? Park in the river!

Any time we go downtown we park in the garage on the corner of Bowie and E Market. It's like $8.00 as I recall. There is also Rivercenter. I think the absolute max there is $12.00 but I am sure the experts here know better than me.

[Bo]

SAISD parking lot between Lavaca and Durango is the official parking for the Magik Theater. Anytime a show is going on at the theater, which is most Friday and Saturday nights, you can park there free without fear. During events, the school district sells parking there, but on weekend days and evenings when nothing special is happening downtown or at the Alamodome, it's not a problem to park there. I even parked there once when we went to the Auto Show at the Convention Center.

[LindaGrace]

In this heat, I'd for sure park in one of the garages.

Be sure to drink lots of water while you're out and about, and duck into a/c whenever you can! Enjoy downtown!

[Chaka]

Any chance you drive a hybrid? If so, you can sign up (for free) for the city's hybrid parking program. You get a hang tag that allows you to park for free in any of the metered spots.

We usually cycle or walk downtown, but if we do drive, I usually try to take advantage of the above. There isn't free parking in downtown proper, but if you're willing to walk, plenty of areas to park in Southtown. You could even take the trolley back, but then you'd need coins. I think, but am not 100% sure, thegarages take credit cards.

[OzzyRules]

I make it a rule to carry cash anytime I go downtown.

[Newbe10]

Hey thanks for all of the suggestions everyone! Based on how hot it has been lately all across Texas (especially in SA) I will more than likely stick to the Garages, since I will be coming to San Antonio early next month. I also like the fact that they have the Credit Card option.

[Drzy]

The cheapest I've seen is the Bexar County Courthouse garage. I went for jury duty recently, and they gave a little speech to everyone about how if you don't get your parking ticket validated, you have to pay the full day price of..... SIX DOLLARS! That immediately got my attention that it'll be a good place to park anytime I go downtown.

Google Maps link -- it's on the southwest corner of W Nueva and N Flores. If you're traveling south on Flores, the entrance is on the right.

[Sonny Chiba57]

Park & Ride is the best bet for me. I don't have to worry about traffic, finding parking, or parking meters that you have to feed every two hours.

[ShanClark85]

We like going downtown on Sundays, it is free parking at all the meters and its usually pretty dead on Sunday.