The Lume is a popular destination in the Tampa Bay area that offers immersive art experiences and exhibitions. With its growing popularity, many visitors wonder about the parking situation at The Lume before planning their visit. Having convenient, affordable parking available makes visiting The Lume a more accessible and enjoyable experience for guests. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the parking options available at The Lume, including details on location, cost, accessibility, and tips for finding a spot. Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor, read on to find out everything you need to know about parking at The Lume in Tampa.
Overview of Parking at The Lume
The Lume is located in the Amalie Arena district of downtown Tampa. The venue does not have its own dedicated parking lot or garage. However, there are several parking options in the surrounding blocks that Lume visitors can utilize. These include street parking, surface lots, and parking garages. The closest parking is located directly across the street from The Lume entrance. Most parking in the immediate area is metered street parking or surface lots that charge by the hour. There are also several large parking garages within a 5-10 minute walk that offer day rates. Parking prices vary depending on the option, but range from $1-3 per hour for street and surface lot parking to $10-20 for all-day garage parking.
Street Parking
Street parking is available on most streets directly surrounding The Lume. This includes Channelside Drive, Old Water Street, and Meridian Avenue. The rate for street parking is $1 per hour with a 2 hour maximum stay. Street parking uses metered kiosks that accept credit cards and coins. The spots fill up quickly, so street parking is ideal for short visits to The Lume of 1-2 hours. Visitors should make sure to have quarters on hand or a credit card ready to pay at the kiosk. Street parking is conveniently located, affordable for short trips, and offers easy in-and-out access. However, the 2 hour limit means it is not suitable for long visits.
Surface Parking Lots
There are several surface parking lots within a 1-2 block radius of The Lume that offer hourly and daily rates. Some major lots include:
- Amalie Arena Lot – $3 per hour, $15 daily maximum
- Tampa Bay Times Forum Lot – $2 per hour, $10 daily maximum
- Platt Street Lot – $2 per hour, $8 daily maximum
The surface lots are a good option for visitors planning to spend 2-4 hours at The Lume. Prices are comparable to street parking but some lots allow longer stays before daily maximums kick in. The lots are privately owned and accept cash or credit. Look for signage denoting rates and parking validation options.
Parking Garages
For longer visits to The Lume or for overnight parking, parking garages provide the most convenient and cost-effective option. There are several large garages located within blocks of The Lume with all-day and overnight rates. The closest parking garage is the Fort Brooke parking garage located 2 blocks away. Some other garages in the area include:
- Fort Brooke Garage – 200 N Ashley Dr, $2 first hour, $1 each additional hour, $15 daily max
- Pam Iorio Garage – 655 Channelside Dr, $2 first hour, $1 each additional hour, $15 daily max
- Tampa Convention Center Garage – 333 S Franklin St, $10 flat rate evenings after 5PM
These garages have easy accessibility to The Lume, either via direct indoor connections or quick outdoor walks. Rates are quite affordable, with most garages charging $15-20 for all-day parking. Overnight parking is also available in certain garages. Garages are the best bet for Lume visitors planning to spend longer than 4 hours or looking to park overnight for a downtown hotel stay.
Validating Parking at The Lume
Many of the parking garages and surface lots near The Lume offer parking validation with a receipt from the venue. This allows visitors to receive a discount on their parking when visiting The Lume. Validation options include:
- Amalie Arena Lot – Receive $6 off with Lume validation
- Fort Brooke Garage – First 3 hours free with validation
- Pam Iorio Garage – $6 discount with validation
To receive validation, visitors must bring their parking ticket to the Lume ticket counter and have it stamped. This stamped ticket can then be redeemed when exiting the garage or lot to receive the discounted rate. Validated parking makes enjoying The Lume even more affordable. Be sure to check for validation options when parking to maximize your savings.
Accessible Parking at The Lume
The Lume aims to provide an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors. There are many accessible parking spaces located close to the venue entrance for those requiring this accommodation:
- 5 accessible street parking spots on Old Water Street near entry
- 8 accessible spots in Amalie Arena Lot
- 6 accessible spots in Fort Brooke Garage
Visitors with valid accessible parking permits can use these designated spaces free of charge. The accessible street parking and Amalie Arena spots do not require payment or time limits. The Lume also offers wheelchairs free of charge if needed to help mobility within the venue. Be sure to call ahead for large groups requiring multiple accessible spots.
Parking Tips & Advice for The Lume
To make your parking experience smooth when visiting The Lume, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early – Spots fill quickly, so arrive at least 30 minutes before opening.
- Bring small bills and coins – Have $1 bills, quarters, and credit cards ready for meters and kiosks.
- Check for validation – Ask about validation options to reduce your parking costs.
- Use parking apps – Apps like ParkMobile can help you pay for and extend meter time remotely.
- Consider rideshare or public transit – Grab an Uber or take the TECO streetcar to avoid parking altogether.
Advanced planning and preparation takes the headache out of parking at The Lume. Now that you know what’s available, you can pick the best parking option for your visit and budget.
Current Parking Rates at The Lume (October 2023)
To summarize the current parking rates at facilities near The Lume:
Parking Type | Standard Rate |
---|---|
Street Parking (metered) | $1 per hour ($2 hour maximum stay) |
Surface Lot Parking | $2-3 per hour ($8-15 daily maximum) |
Parking Garages | $2 per hour, $15-20 daily rate |
These are the base rates without discounts or validation applied. Be sure to check garage and lot signage for any rate changes or promotional offers.
Conclusion
While The Lume does not operate its own parking, there are still numerous convenient and affordable parking options in the surrounding downtown area. Street parking and surface lots are ideal for short visits of 1-4 hours. For longer daytime visits or overnight parking, nearby garages like Fort Brooke provide the best rates and accessibility. Validated parking can offer significant discounts off parking costs when visiting The Lume. And accessible parking is available near the entrance for those in need. Now that you know what parking to expect, you can confidently choose the right option for your visit duration and budget. With the beautiful Tampa waterfront district surrounding The Lume, taking time to park and walk offers an enjoyable glimpse of downtown. So consider mixing up your parking spot and transportation mode to make the most of your time at The Lume and in Tampa.