Downtown St. Petersburg is a small slice of urban, city life smack dab in the middle of the Pinellas Peninsula. Like many other larger metropolises across the country, Downtown St. Pete plays host to an eclectic variety of restaurants, museums, live music venues, and sports teams ready to be enjoyed....if you can find a parking spot first.
Parking; it's the one big, drag about city life. When you need it most, it's not there and, even when it is, you've just got to hope it's not a marathon of a walk (especially during the summer) to your destination.
For sure-shot, (almost) always available parking, your best bet is one of the parking garages throughout Downtown. The BayWalk Garage on 1st Ave. N. and 2nd St. boasts 1,350 spaces, stays open 24/7, and is centrally located within walking distance of Downtown attractions including Jannus Live, Muvico Baywalk 20, and the Museum of Fine Arts. In fact, if you're going to the movies, just ask to get your ticket stamped at the time of purchase and your parking is free.
The South Core Garage on 1st Ave. S. and 1st St. is another option packing the same amenities as the BayWalk Garage in addition to a great transportation option available when the Tampa Bay Rays play at the Trop. Park your car in the garage, pay a whole heck of a lot less than you would at the Trop, and enjoy FREE shuttle service to and from the stadium.
Naturally, there's a ton of street-side parking in Downtown St. Petersburg as well. Find a spot, pay the meter, and you're set. Do take note of the time you've paid for as well as the maximum amount of time they allow so you don't wind up with a ticket. If you've got a mobile phone, you can pay for your parking without ever digging up your change. The Parkmobile Program (website here) allows you to utilize their free app for Droids/Iphones or toll-free number to pay for your parking. You can even opt to get a text message 15 minutes before your time expires so you don't forget.
Parking is, undoubtedly, an occasional pain in Downtown St. Petersburg, but heeding these tips should make it a bit easier on you. Good luck and enjoy your visit!
