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.Ⓟ