Finding parking near the historic Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco can be a challenge, especially when there’s an event going on. The good news is that with some preparation and knowledge of the area, you can find convenient and affordable parking options. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about parking for the Orpheum Theatre SF, from garage and lot locations, prices, hours, and tips for easy access.
Overview of Parking near Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre is located at 1192 Market Street in downtown San Francisco. It sits on the corner of Hyde Street in the Civic Center/UN Plaza neighborhood. While there is no dedicated parking lot or garage for the theater, there are several parking garages and lots within a short walking distance. Here are some of the main parking options close to the Orpheum Theatre:
- Civic Center Garage – 50 spaces, entrance on Larkin St
- Civic Center Plaza Garage – 755 spaces, entrance on McAllister St
- Performing Arts Garage – 460 spaces, entrance on Grove St
- UN Plaza Garage – 835 spaces, entrance on Fulton St
- Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Lot – 300 spaces, entrance on Larkin St
- Golden Gate Ave Garage – 340 spaces, entrance on Golden Gate Ave
Most of these garages and lots are within 2-4 blocks (less than a 5 minute walk) from the Orpheum Theatre. The Civic Center Plaza Garage is the closest option, right across the street. Rates range from $3-$8 per hour depending on the facility.
Detailed Parking Options near Orpheum Theatre
Civic Center Garage
The Civic Center Garage is a small garage located next to the Orpheum Theatre on Hyde St between Fulton and Larkin. With just 50 spaces on 5 levels, this garage fills up quickly when there are events at nearby venues. The entrance is on Larkin St and the garage offers both hourly and daily rates. Hourly parking ranges from $3.00-$8.00 depending on how long you park. Daily rates are $30.
Some key details for the Civic Center Garage:
- 50 total spaces on 5 levels
- Entrance located on Larkin St, just south of Fulton St
- Rates from $3-$8 per hour
- Daily maximum rate is $30
- 5 minute walk to Orpheum Theatre
- Cash or credit cards accepted
- No advance reservations
- Attendant on duty during business hours
This garage is best for short visits to the Orpheum Theatre when you just need to park for a couple hours. Availability is limited when there are events in the area.
Civic Center Plaza Garage
Located right across the street from the Orpheum Theatre, the Civic Center Plaza Garage is the most convenient parking option. This large municipal garage has 755 spaces on 7 levels and is accessible from McAllister St. Hourly, daily and monthly parking are available. Rates range from $3-$6 per hour with a $24 daily maximum.
Key details on the Civic Center Plaza Garage:
- 755 total spaces on 7 levels
- Entrance on McAllister St, across from Orpheum Theatre
- Rates from $3-$6 per hour
- Daily maximum rate is $24
- Less than 2 minute walk to Orpheum Theatre
- Cash or credit cards accepted
- Monthly parking available
- No advance reservations
- Attendant on duty 24/7
Due to the prime location, reasonable rates, and large capacity, the Civic Center Plaza Garage is a top choice for Orpheum Theatre events. Availability is still limited for popular shows, so arrive early.
Performing Arts Garage
Another excellent option within a 5 minute walk of the Orpheum Theatre is the Performing Arts Garage. Located on Grove Street between Gough and Franklin, this garage has 460 spaces on 8 levels. Hourly, daily and monthly parking are offered with competitive rates. Hourly parking ranges from $3-$6.
Here are key details on the Performing Arts Garage:
- 460 total spaces on 8 levels
- Entrance on Grove St between Gough and Franklin
- Rates from $3-$6 per hour
- Daily maximum rate is $30
- 5 minute walk to Orpheum Theatre
- Cash or credit cards accepted
- Monthly parking available
- No advance reservations
- Attendant on duty
This garage is a bit further than Civic Center Plaza but still very convenient for Orpheum Theatre events. Prices are competitive and it has ample capacity for most shows.
UN Plaza Garage
The UN Plaza Garage is a large city-run garage located on Fulton Street, about a 4 minute walk from the Orpheum Theatre. With 835 spaces on 9 levels, this garage has ample parking for big events. Hourly, daily and monthly rates are offered. Hourly parking ranges from $3.50-$5.50.
Here are the key details on the UN Plaza Garage:
- 835 total spaces on 9 levels
- Entrance on Fulton St between Hyde and Leavenworth
- Rates from $3.50-$5.50 per hour
- Daily maximum rate is $30
- 4 minute walk to Orpheum Theatre
- Cash or credit cards accepted
- Monthly parking available
- No advance reservations
- Attendant on duty 24/7
The UN Plaza Garage is a bit further than other options but the large capacity and reasonable rates make it a good back-up plan if the other garages are full.
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Parking Lot
Next to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium one block south of the Orpheum Theatre is a 300 space outdoor parking lot, conveniently located for theatre events. Hourly and daily rates apply in the lot, ranging from $4-$10 per hour.
Key parking lot details:
- 300 spaces in outdoor lot
- Entrance on Larkin Street, south of Grove Street
- Rates from $4-$10 per hour
- Daily maximum rate is $30
- 4 minute walk to Orpheum Theatre
- Cash or credit cards accepted
- No monthly parking
- No advance reservations
- Attendant on duty for events
This outdoor lot is very convenient for the Civic Center area and Orpheum Theatre. Prices are moderate and it provides easy access from Larkin Street.
Golden Gate Avenue Garage
On the western side of the Civic Center, the Golden Gate Avenue Garage is about a 6 minute walk from the Orpheum Theatre. With 340 spaces on 4 levels, this garage provides ample parking and reasonable rates. Hourly parking is $3.50-$5.50.
Here are key details about the Golden Gate Avenue Garage:
- 340 total spaces on 4 levels
- Entrance on Golden Gate Ave between Larkin and Hyde
- Rates from $3.50-$5.50 per hour
- Daily maximum rate is $24
- 6 minute walk to Orpheum Theatre
- Cash or credit cards accepted
- Monthly parking available
- No advance reservations
- Attendant on duty 24/7
The Golden Gate Avenue Garage is a bit further than other options but provides affordable rates and easy access from Golden Gate Avenue.
Parking Rates Comparison
To summarize the key parking rates and distances for the major garages/lots near the Orpheum Theatre:
Garage/Lot | Hourly Rate | Daily Max | Distance to Theater |
---|---|---|---|
Civic Center Garage | $3-$8 | $30 | 5 min walk |
Civic Center Plaza Garage | $3-$6 | $24 | 2 min walk |
Performing Arts Garage | $3-$6 | $30 | 5 min walk |
UN Plaza Garage | $3.50-$5.50 | $30 | 4 min walk |
Bill Graham Lot | $4-$10 | $30 | 4 min walk |
Golden Gate Garage | $3.50-$5.50 | $24 | 6 min walk |
As you can see, rates range from $3-$10 per hour depending on the facility. The Civic Center Plaza Garage provides the most convenient access right across the street from the Orpheum Theatre. Most options are within a 5 minute or less walk.
Parking Tips for Orpheum Theatre Events
Here are some key tips for parking smoothly when attending an event at the Orpheum Theatre SF:
- Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to find parking since garages fill up fast for popular shows. Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before showtime.
- Consider public transit: The Civic Center BART and Muni stations are very close to the theater, so public transit is an easy option.
- Prepaid parking: Some options like the Civic Center Plaza Garage offer prepaid parking passes online to guarantee a space.
- Have back-up options: Be familiar with the various garages/lots in the area in case your first choice is full.
- Check for events: Parking demand and rates increase when there are multiple events, so check the event schedules.
- Validate parking: Some Orpheum Theatre shows provide parking validation for reduced rates at nearby garages.
- Use parking apps: Apps like ParkWhiz and SpotHero let you reserve and prepay for spaces.
- Check rates & hours: Rates can vary by day/time, and some garages close at night, so check schedules.
With some advance planning and strategic parking choices, you can find affordable and convenient parking near the Orpheum Theatre SF. Now you have all the information you need to park like a pro!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the closest parking to Orpheum Theatre SF?
The closest parking garage is the Civic Center Plaza Garage located directly across McAllister Street from the Orpheum Theatre. This large garage has 755 spaces and is less than a 2 minute walk to the theatre entrance.
How much does parking cost near Orpheum Theatre?
Hourly parking rates at garages near the Orpheum Theatre range from $3-$10 per hour depending on the facility. Daily maximums are typically $24-$30. The Civic Center Plaza Garage across the street offers rates from $3-$6 per hour with a $24 daily max.
Can you reserve parking for the Orpheum Theatre?
Some garages like the Civic Center Plaza Garage allow you to pre-purchase parking passes online to guarantee a space. Apps like ParkWhiz also allow you to reserve and prepay for parking near the theatre.
Is street parking available near Orpheum Theatre?
Limited metered street parking is available on nearby streets like Grove, Larkin, Hyde, and Leavenworth. However, these spots are hard to find and time-limited near show times. Garages and lots are recommended for guaranteed parking.
Does the Orpheum Theatre offer parking validation?
For some shows, the Orpheum Theatre provides parking validation for reduced rates at select nearby garages like Civic Center Plaza. Check with the box office when purchasing tickets to see if validation will be offered.
Conclusion
Finding convenient parking for Orpheum Theatre events is easy when you know your options. We recommend the Civic Center Plaza Garage for its unbeatable location right across the street. Arrive early, have back-up garages in mind, and consider prepaid parking or transit when possible. With these insider tips, you’ll save time and money on parking so you can better enjoy the show. Have fun at the historic and magnificent Orpheum Theatre!