Parking with Pride in Annapolis

Everyone’s favorite subject–parking–is somewhat troubling in downtown Annapolis due to its tight streets, but can be manageable if armed with good information. Coupled with the limited parking, many streets in downtown Annapolis are one way, rendering it difficult for newcomers to navigate. Even so, there are four parking garages downtown, parking on most of the streets, and the eCruiser and Circulator services that alleviate parking downtown and excessive walking. In addition to these solutions, we have some tricks up our sleeve that will save you time and worries.

Parking in garages is the easiest way for the largest volume of people to park downtown. Perhaps this is why the city supplied four garages for visitors. Hillman Garage charges $2 per hour, with a max at $16 per day. Unless you’re planning to only visit Annapolis at night or live in the city, this is the only rate you need to know for Hillman parking. Sunday, visitors park free from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hillman Garage is located at 150 Gorman Street, near Jimmy John’s off Main Street. To get there, take Duke of Gloucester Street all the way to the end, turn left past the marina and Annapolis Marriott, and then go up Main Street. Turn left at Jimmy John’s.

At Gott’s Garage, visitors pay less for parking. Located at 25 Northwest Street, Gott’s Garage is also next to the Visitor’s Center. Gott’s only charges $1.50 per hour with a max daily charge of $12. Like Hillman, parking on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. is free. To get to Gott’s Garage follow Northwest Street into downtown and turn right before you come to the Post Office. You may even see the Circulator sitting in the lot, which is a free chauffeur service that oscillates between the four downtown garages.

Knighton Garage features the cheapest rate for parking–$1 per hour. Identical to Hillman and Gott’s Garages, Knighton allows visitors to park for eight hours. Knighton’s location is 1A Colonial Avenue, near the intersection of Morris Street, Murray Avenue and Colonial Avenue off West Street. Hang a right after Lemongrass on West Street onto Colonial Avenue. Take a right before you approach Morris Street. Although this part of downtown is away from Main Street and much of the shopping, it’s still a smart parking option. The eCruiser or Circulator will gladly pick up visitors and transport them, hassle and charge free, into the heart of downtown.

Visitors can also park at the Park Place Garage. Located at 5 Park Place, the rate is cheaper than parking downtown. One hour costs $1.25. Sunday mornings see free parking. Evenings from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., parking costs $3. Once again, this garage is too far to park and walk downtown, but the eCruiser can provide its services. Sandwiched between Taylor Avenue and West Street (not the cemetery side), this lot is ideal for those who want to explore the city all day.

Larkin Lot is a bit off the beaten path, but has several parking options free of charge. Overnight parking from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. is free Monday through Thursday. In addition, parking Friday after 6 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m. is free. The other parking option guests can utilize with Larkin Lot is a monthly unrestricted pass, which costs $170. Larkin Lot is located at City Gate Lane on the map, but is easier to locate at the intersection of Murray Avenue and Franklin Street going toward Cathedral Street.

The lot at South Street charges $1.50 per hour. If a monthly pass works better for you, purchase the unrestricted monthly one for $175. Coming from Rowe Boulevard, follow Northwest Street and wrap around Church Circle until you see the Courthouse. Parking is across the street.

There is also parking next at Fleet Reserve Club, next to Annapolis Marriott Hotel. To get there, take Duke of Gloucester street all the way to the end, turn left, and then turn right into the lot just after the hotel. The lot is metered.

If none of these options suit your fancy, park next to the boats! City Dock has metered parking: $1-$2 per hour. If you don’t carry buckets of quarters, simply use your credit card to pay. You’ll see kiosks at the end of rows of cars for credit card payment. Don’t neglect to place the receipt on your dash to show you paid for parking like an upstanding person.

Parking on Main Street and some of the other central streets downtown is an option, however you must pay with quarters. One quarter gets you 15 minutes of worry-free parking.

For first-timers or those who need reminders, here are tips on parking:

1. You must be a weekend warrior: understand weekends are busy in Annapolis. Expect traffic and expect to search out parking. You can visit on the weekends, just use these tips and parking suggestions and your visit will run smoothly.

2. Use a clock, skip a ticket: be mindful of when your parking expires. It’s easy to lose yourself amidst the ice cream stores, boutiques, and lovely water views in Annapolis. However, is stopping at another storefront to snap the hundredth family photo worth getting a $40 parking ticket? Besides, you know the first time to Annapolis is never the last. Snap another photo after fulfilling your parking fee responsibility. Or, make it even easier and buy parking that’s valid the whole day.

3. Let those who reside there park there: don’t park in neighborhoods. Parking Enforcement Officers are tenacious with their ticket writing machines. They frequent residential areas and strictly enforce violators of the parking laws. Many of the residential area streets that border downtown are full of cars anyway, and boast signs that declare no parking at certain times, days, or in certain areas. Because it’s so difficult to park there legally, just avoid it.

4. Ignorance is not bliss: pay for parking. See the rates above if you’re visiting or head to http://www.ci.annapolis.md.us/Government/Departments/Transportation/Parking.aspx to learn about various parking permits.

5. Let others help you: utilize the garages, eCruiser, and Circulator. The Circulator travels between the four garages downtown and drops off guests at each one. Walk to shops or walk to your car from there. The eCruiser will pick up anyone in Annapolis. Call dispatch at 443-481-2422 or 443-497-4769 and wait for the yellow bus. The garages are of course perfect for galavanting all over town for the day.

6. Be a teen without a car again: carpool. Hitch a ride with friends for a day on the town. Or, if you have family or friends visiting town, don’t tell them to meet you at a certain store downtown. Be a doll and pick them up. Navigating the narrow streets of downtown Annapolis can be intimidating for newcomers. Offering to drive visitors into downtown will not only mitigate their stress, but will leave parking spots for others. Carpooling is just like recycling–every person who participates leads to ample parking and a greener Earth.

7. Exercise the quads AND smart parking: bike downtown. The city provides bike racks and even scooter parking spots all over town. Walking is an attractive option as well, but if you’re a bit too far to walk, bike! Avoiding traffic jams and the parking fees are added bonuses to biking downtown.

Now there is no excuse to avoid downtown simply because of parking. Between the services the city provides and the tips detailed above, visiting Annapolis is feasible and should occur often. Grab your planner, coordinate with friends or family, and park with pride on your next visit to this great city!