Metered parking

Question

We are going to be in Savannah late Christmas week and thought about staying outside of downtown and driving in and parking for the 2 days we’re there. The $24 parking pass only covers metered parking. Am I going to run into an issue of having to drive around looking for a place to park because of a lack of metered parking? I don’t mind parking in the garages but then I just wouldn’t purchase the pass. Thanks for your responses.

Answer

Visiting Savannah during late Christmas week means you’ll be in one of the busiest times of the year for the Historic District. Metered parking is plentiful in some areas, but finding an open spot, especially close to popular squares or River Street, can be challenging during peak holiday periods.

Here’s what to consider:

Metered spaces are limited in the busiest areas, and holiday visitors often make it more difficult to find open spots. You may need to drive around for a while to find an available meter, especially during daytime sightseeing hours.
The $24 parking pass for metered spaces is convenient if you plan to park and walk frequently, but it doesn’t guarantee you a space—it only covers the cost once you find a meter.
Street parking rules apply, including time limits, so you may have to move your car if staying longer than the posted time or risk a ticket.

Alternative options:

Parking garages: Several garages around the Historic District (Liberty Street Garage, Bryan Street Garage, and others) offer more reliable parking with flat daily rates. While slightly more expensive than meters in some cases, you don’t have to hunt for an open space.
Hotel parking: If staying near downtown, many hotels provide valet or self-parking options—sometimes more convenient than dealing with meters.
Consider a combination: Use the metered parking pass for short walks or errands, and garages for longer stays or sightseeing.

In summary, the metered parking pass is useful but does not eliminate the hassle of finding a spot, particularly during a busy holiday week. If your priority is convenience and stress-free parking, garages or hotel options may be a better choice. If you enjoy walking and are okay with potentially circling the block, the metered pass could work for you.