Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or you live in the heart of the Mile-High City, understanding parking in downtown Denver is crucial. With the city’s ever-growing popularity, both for tourists and residents alike, navigating downtown’s bustling streets can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding a parking spot. However, with a little preparation and insider knowledge, parking in downtown Denver doesn’t have to be a headache.

Why Parking in Downtown Denver Can Be Tricky

Before we dive into the specifics of parking options, it’s important to acknowledge why parking in downtown Denver can be a bit tricky. Over the past few years, Denver has experienced rapid growth, and the downtown area has become more vibrant and densely populated. This has led to an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, resulting in limited parking spaces in the most sought-after parts of the city.

Factors like construction projects, traffic, and the influx of visitors to downtown attractions such as Union Station, Coors Field, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex further contribute to the demand for parking. Still, fear not! There are plenty of strategies and resources available that can help you secure a spot without wasting time driving in circles.

Parking Options in Downtown Denver

There are several ways to park your car in downtown Denver, ranging from street parking to parking garages and private lots. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on factors such as duration, budget, and convenience. Let’s break down the various parking options available to you:

1. Street Parking

Street parking is often the most affordable option if you can find a spot, but it’s also the most competitive, especially during peak hours or special events. In downtown Denver, you’ll find two main types of street parking: metered parking and residential permit parking.

Metered Parking

Metered parking is available throughout downtown Denver and is typically enforced from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with free parking on Sundays and certain holidays. Parking meters are commonly found on both major streets and side streets, and they are operated by a digital meter system that accepts coins, credit cards, and mobile payments through apps like ParkMobile and PayByPhone.

Metered parking prices vary depending on the location. Prime spots near popular attractions like Larimer Square, the 16th Street Mall, or LoDo (Lower Downtown) can cost upwards of $2 per hour, while other areas might offer cheaper rates of $1 per hour. The maximum time limit for metered parking is generally two hours, so be mindful of the time and check the meter regularly.

Tip: Download the ParkMobile or PayByPhone app to extend your parking time remotely if you’re running late. This saves you the hassle of returning to your car and allows you to stay focused on your activities in downtown Denver.

Residential Permit Parking

Some residential areas in downtown Denver require a permit to park on the street. These areas are designated with signs that indicate the hours during which permits are required. In general, if you’re visiting downtown, you’ll likely encounter residential permit parking only if you venture beyond the typical tourist zones. Visitors should be careful not to park in these areas without a permit, as parking tickets can be steep.

Tip: Always read street signs carefully to ensure that you’re not parking in a permit-only area, especially after hours or on weekends.

2. Parking Garages

Parking garages offer more peace of mind compared to street parking, as they provide a guaranteed parking spot (though often at a higher price). You’ll find both public and private parking garages scattered throughout downtown Denver, many of which are located near major attractions, hotels, and office buildings. Some garages are open 24/7, while others have specific operating hours.

Most parking garages in downtown Denver charge by the hour, and prices can range from $2 to $6 per hour, depending on the location and demand. There are also daily maximum rates, which allow you to park for a fixed price regardless of the number of hours you spend there. In some cases, you might even find early-bird or evening rates that can save you money if you’re parking for a short period.

Notable Parking Garages in Downtown Denver:

  • The Clock Tower Garage: Located near the iconic Clock Tower building, this garage offers hourly and daily parking options and is centrally located for access to the 16th Street Mall and Union Station.
  • Larimer Square Garage: Situated near one of the most popular dining and shopping areas in downtown, this garage is a great option for visitors heading to Larimer Square or the nearby arts district.
  • Tabor Center Garage: A large parking facility located near Denver Pavilions and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The garage offers hourly rates and discounts for evening parking.
Tip: If you know you’ll be parking for several hours or all day, consider using an app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a parking spot in advance. You can compare prices and even find discounts for certain garages.

3. Private Lots

Private parking lots are scattered throughout downtown and can be a great option for short-term parking. These lots tend to offer a flat rate for parking, with prices ranging anywhere from $10 to $30 per day, depending on the lot’s proximity to popular areas like the Denver Convention Center, Coors Field, or the Denver Art Museum.

Unlike parking garages, private lots are often unstructured, with basic signage indicating the rate and hours of operation. Some lots are self-park, while others are attended by parking attendants who manage the flow of cars in and out of the lot.

Notable Private Lots in Downtown Denver:

  • Park-It 360: A private lot near Union Station offering daily and monthly rates for those looking to park close to the heart of downtown.
  • Ace Parking: Located near the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Ace Parking offers lots with competitive daily rates, perfect for theatergoers or concert attendees.
Tip: Always check if the lot offers overnight parking if you plan to stay longer than a few hours. Some private lots may charge additional fees for overnight stays.

4. Valet Parking

If you’re looking for a premium parking experience or you’re attending a special event, valet parking might be a convenient option. Many hotels, restaurants, and venues in downtown Denver offer valet services for a higher fee, often ranging from $20 to $40 for a single session.

Valet parking is often available at luxury hotels and upscale restaurants, and it’s typically located at the front entrance of the establishment. This service is ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of finding parking and prefer a more luxurious experience.

Notable Places Offering Valet Parking:

  • The Brown Palace Hotel: One of Denver’s most iconic hotels offers valet parking services for hotel guests and visitors to its restaurants and event spaces.
  • Union Station: For travelers arriving at Denver’s historic train station, valet parking is available at the station’s designated area.
Tip: Valet parking is often more expensive than other parking options, so use it only when convenience or special occasions demand it.

5. Public Transportation and Alternative Parking Solutions

For many visitors and residents, driving to downtown Denver isn’t always the best option, especially with the city’s growing congestion. Fortunately, Denver offers several alternative parking solutions that can help you avoid the hassle of city driving altogether.

RTD Light Rail and Bus Services

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates a network of light rail and bus services that provide convenient and affordable transportation to and from downtown Denver. Several light rail stations are located around the city, including at major hubs like Union Station, which provides direct access to the downtown area.

Ride-Sharing Services

For those looking to avoid the stress of parking altogether, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Denver. You can request a ride to your destination and be dropped off right at the entrance, without having to worry about finding parking.

Biking

Denver has a bike-friendly infrastructure, and many residents and visitors take advantage of the city’s bike lanes and bike-share programs to get around. If you’re staying nearby or simply looking to enjoy a more active and eco-friendly mode of transportation, renting a bike could be a fun and efficient way to get around downtown.

6. Parking Apps and Technology

With the advent of technology, parking in downtown Denver has become easier than ever. Several apps and services are now available to help you find parking spots, reserve spaces in advance, and even pay for your parking without using coins or cards.

Popular Parking Apps in Denver:

  • ParkMobile: Allows users to find metered parking spots, pay for parking via app, and extend time remotely.
  • SpotHero: A parking reservation app that lets you compare prices and reserve parking in garages and lots ahead of time.
  • ParkWhiz: Another popular app for finding and reserving parking in advance, with competitive pricing and discounts.
Tip: Using parking apps can save you time and money, especially during peak hours or when you’re headed to a busy event.

Conclusion

Navigating parking in downtown Denver may seem challenging, but with a little knowledge and preparation, you can make your experience much easier. Whether you’re opting for street parking, a parking garage, or a private lot, downtown Denver offers a variety of parking options to suit your needs. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, valet parking and ride-sharing services provide convenient alternatives. And with parking apps and public transportation options, getting around the Mile-High City has never been more accessible.

So, next time you plan a trip to downtown Denver, take a deep breath, follow the tips above, and enjoy all the exciting activities this vibrant city has to offer!