Tips and Ticks To Experience Stress Free Parking in the Short North
Despite what you’ve heard, parking in the Short North can be stress free with just a little bit of preparation.
1. You are wasting your time if you are looking for free parking in the area. Although free parking doesn’t exist, there are a number of very reasonably priced parking options.
2. Many area businesses will validate a portion of your parking costs before 5PM. It typically applies to the first hour and is dependant on where you park. My best advise is to either call ahead and ask for the validation policy OR bring your parking ticket with you into the business.
3. Metered street parking is available 8AM - 10PM daily throughout the area ($1/hour from 8AM - 4PM; $2/hour from 4-10 PM). All meters take credit card OR accept payments using the Park Columbus App.
4. There’s also permit parking available in the Short North on side streets which are zoned SNA-SNE per the street signs. You’ll need the Park Columbus App to pay and register your car. Depending on the zone and proximity to N. High St., parking is between $1-$3/hour. It’s actually a pretty slick app so I’d recommend trying it because it works in several other cities and at many major events around Columbus.
5. If you decide to use street parking, you need to know that parking at the meters and the permit zones are both limited to 3 hours. If you pay by credit card or the app, it recognizes you and won’t allow you to extend time past 3 hours, even if you come back later and try.
6. If you are visiting the area on Sundays or holidays recognized by the City of Columbus, parking at meters is free.
7. The area parking garages are excellent, low stress ways to park in the Short North. Before I moved downtown, this was my go to option when traveling into the area. Rates are reasonable and spaces are typically available. If you are visiting during Gallery Hop or other high traffic events, there are fixed fees and reservations available at the Hub Parking and other area garages.
8. There are also several valet stands throughout the Short North and I’ve learned that most will handle your parking needs, regardless of your destination.
9. Finally, Uber and Lyft are also great options, especially for those traveling from nearby communities.
The bottom line is that parking is easier than ever in the Short North. With the addition of several large parking garages and the new Park Columbus App, there are now over 8,500 easy to use parking spots, all within a quick 3-5 minute walk to your favorite Short North entertainment, shopping and dining venues.
So come visit the Short North and experience everything the area has to offer!