Finding parking near the Charleston Municipal Auditorium can be a challenge, especially when there’s a major event happening. With some planning and knowledge of the parking options, you can find the best place to leave your car that’s both convenient and affordable. This article provides an overview of the parking choices close to the auditorium so you can decide where to park ahead of time.
Municipal Auditorium Location and Venue
The Charleston Municipal Auditorium is located at 43 Broad Street in downtown Charleston, SC. The multi-purpose arena has seating for up to 13,500 people and hosts concerts, sporting events, conferences, and other large gatherings.
Some major recurring events held at the auditorium include:
- Charleston Boat Show
- Volvo Car Open Tennis Tournament
- Charleston Food & Wine Festival
- Charleston Fashion Week
Knowing when major events are happening is key for finding parking, as the venues fill up all nearby parking lots and garages. Planning alternate transportation like walking, biking, ride sharing, or public transit can help avoid parking challenges.
Parking Options Near Charleston Municipal Auditorium
There are many parking garages and surface lots within a few blocks walking distance of the auditorium. Prices and availability vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and whether special events are happening.
Nearby Garages
Convenient parking garages include:
Garage Name | Address | Distance to Auditorium | # of Spaces | Average Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aquarium Garage | 24 Calhoun St | 2 blocks | 700 | $10-$20 |
Visitor Center Garage | 375 Meeting St | 3 blocks | 500 | $10-$15 |
City Marina Garage | 17 Lockwood Dr | 4 blocks | 800 | $5-$15 |
These garages offer covered parking in the heart of downtown Charleston. Prices are hourly and evening or weekend maximums apply at some locations. Garages fill up quickly when auditorium events are happening.
Nearby Surface Lots
Surface parking lots are available within a similar 3-4 block radius of the auditorium. Prices are comparable to garages. Key lots include:
- 85 Calhoun St
- Columbus St & Chapel St
- 260 Meeting St
- 28 Ann St
- Queen St & Cumberland St
These surface lots have capacity between 100-300 vehicles each. They are uncovered and less secure than garages. Allow extra time to find spaces at these locations.
Parking Recommendations for Events
Parking close to the Charleston Municipal Auditorium fills up fast when popular events are happening. Follow these tips to save time and money:
Arrive Early
Allow at least 45-60 minutes to find parking if you plan to drive. Garages and lots near the auditorium can reach capacity 1-2 hours before event start times. You may need to park further away and walk if arriving last minute.
Prepay for Parking
Some locations allow you to reserve or prepay for spaces online. This guarantees you have a spot and can sometimes save up to 50% on event parking rates. Check individual garage and lot websites for prepay options.
Use Parking Apps
Apps like Parking Panda allow you to compare parking rates and availability in real time. You can often reserve and prepay for spaces through these apps as well.
Take Public Transit
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) has a free DASH shuttle that stops near the auditorium. This can help avoid parking altogether. Other options like ride sharing services and bikes are also good alternatives.
Walk or Stay Nearby
If you stay at a downtown hotel, you can walk and avoid parking altogether. Many hotels even offer event shuttles. Ask when booking your stay.
General Parking Tips
Beyond having a plan for major events, you can park more easily and inexpensively around the auditorium by following these general tips:
- Target off-street municipal lots and garages instead of metered spaces
- Arrive before 10am for the lowest rates
- Avoid parking on residential streets with 2-hour limits
- Watch for temporary no parking signs near event venues
- Consider monthly pass options if you visit downtown regularly
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available near ramp entrances at the Visitor Center Garage, Aquarium Garage, City Marina Garage, and most surface lots. Check for specific ADA spaces when choosing parking.
Conclusion
Finding the right place to park near the Charleston Municipal Auditorium requires knowing your options and having a game plan. Now that you know the garages, lots, and tips for scoring great event parking or saving on daily rates, you can confidently navigate to the auditorium. With the right parking location, you can focus on enjoying the show, game, or other event instead of worrying about where you left your car.