What do running a 5K, doing your taxes + parking in The Vista have in common? We tend to think they’re all a lot harder than they actually are. (Just don’t make us run a 5K, okay?)
When it comes to parking downtown, folks have questions, i.e. “When are meters free? How many meters are there? Which garages are public? If I’m wearing heels, should I just go home?”
We shared these parking tips with you back in 2017, but The Vista has experienced significant growth since then, from new restaurants to coworking spaces to hotels .
Enter: Your updated guide to parking in The Vista (just in time for Darius Rucker’s hometown visit tomorrow). 🚘
The meters.
- The Vista has 1,100 meters/Passport parking spaces.
- They’re enforced Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. In other words, free every day after 6 + all day Sunday.
- Accepted forms of payment: PassportParking app, coins, City of Columbia parking smart cards + tokens.
- Cost: 4 min. for $0.05, 8 min. for $0.10, 20 min. for $0.25
- Pro-tip: Downloading the PassportParking app means no more searching your car for coins. Ever. 🙌
The parking decks.
- The Vista has two conveniently located parking decks at 820 Lady St. + 1007 Park St.
- Accepted forms of payment: Cash, credit cards + coins.
- Cost: $1 for first 30 minutes, $1 for second 30 minutes, $1 for each additional hour, $10 for a full day.
- Rates differ for special events, like tomorrow’s Hootie concert ($20). Other upcoming events: Tunnel to Towers (Sept. 20, $10), Trey Songz (Sept. 21, $10), Carrie Underwood (Sept. 29, $20). Note: These are all cash-only.
- Pro-tip: Bookmark this list of Cola’s parking garages + learn more about how they work .
The parking lots.
- The lot behind 929 Kitchen, Panera + Nonnah’s is free, and you don’t have to move your car right after you eat. Feel free to take a stroll or grab a drink closeby.
- The lot next to Monterrey’s, Five Guys + Flying Saucer is free, but for those businesses only. If you want to venture elsewhere, you’ll need to move.
- Several lots are paid + privately-run, like the lots next to Glowout + COA – rates typically range from $5 to $10.
- Pro-tip: Many Vista restaurants have their own lots, but rules differ for how long you can stay. Wherever you park, be sure to read the signage.
The valet spots.
- Southern Way provides free valet service for Motor Supply, Sure Fire Tacos + Social.
- Carolina Ale House offers free valet as well – just show your receipt.
- Ristorante Divino has valet service for guests until 10 p.m.
- Pro-tip: Tip those valets, y’all. They’re working hard.
The Main St. option.
- Whether you work on Main or just want to start your evening there (*daydreams about sipping wine at Lula Drake*), walking to The Vista is super doable.
- Feeling fun? Grab a Blue Bike from one of the Main St. hubs + ride it to one of The Vista’s. See locations here .
- Pro-tip: If you need a little help with the hills, get a bike with e-assist (identified by a ⚡ on the rear fender).
The bus.
- Meet the Soda Cap Connector . It’s pretty great.
- Park above the State House and take the bus to Lincoln + Lady. Or ride up the hill from the SC State Museum or Edventure.
- You have a lot of options here – see the detailed route map .📍
Now that you’re ready to park and enjoy the shops + restaurants The Vista has to offer, go ahead + plan your next night out. Cheers. Ⓟ