Don’t let parking stop you from enjoying your favorite spots
Words by Sam Lauron
Before you go to dinner or head out for some weekend exploring, a question that often comes up is: Where do I park?
Unless you’re commuting on bike, on foot, or using public transportation (which is always a good idea), finding a parking spot is a necessary and sometimes frustrating event. To ease your parking woes, we’ve rounded up the best places to park in East Austin. Because even though it sometimes doesn’t feel like it, there are plenty of places to park — you just have to know where to look.
Aldrich Street
If you’re planning on spending time at Thinkery, Alamo Drafthouse, or any of the Aldrich Street retailers, the McBee District Parking Garage is where you’ll want to park. Located on McBee Street, this parking garage is centrally located around the eateries and entertainment on Aldrich Street. Parking is $1 per hour, but most retailers in the area will validate.
Pro tip: If you’re meeting for morning coffee, snag a spot before 10am as street parking in the area doesn’t start charging until 10am Monday-Saturday. After that it’s $1 an hour.
East 11th Street
Some retailers on East 11th have small lots with limited parking, (there’s a lot behind Old Thousand for those who are dining there, for instance) but for the most part street parking is the main option for this part of town. Street parking here is free and you can find spots around the block on Waller Street, Lydia Street and Juniper Street. Juniper Street is located in a residential area, so if you park there be mindful of your neighbors!
East 6th Street
The bars and restaurants along East 6th are a favorite for late night hangs and memorable dining experiences. For parking, your best bet is to find street parking along 6th as well as the side streets that branch off of it. There’s also a small paid parking lot in between Medina and Waller Street. If you head over to E. 5th, you’ll find a long row of street parking available for $1 per hour. Some apartment building garages, like Corazon on E. 5th, will also offer validated parking for nearby restaurants.
East Cesar Chavez Street
Taking a class at Sky Candy? Or maybe dropping in to Switched On, or grabbing a breakfast taco at Juan in a Million? There’s typically plenty of parking spots in the shared lot in front of the Sky Candy building, or you can also make your way one street over to 2nd Street. Free city street parking is available on 2nd Street between Mildred and Pedernales. The spots are angled, which means there are plenty of spaces lining the area.
Mueller Lake Park
Who doesn’t love spending Sunday shopping for fresh food at the Farmers’ Market at Mueller Lake Park? If the Texas Farmers’ Market is on your weekend agenda, don’t fret about parking. There’s plenty of street parking around the park area and throughout Mueller, and there’s also a lot designated for the Lake Park. Best of all, parking is free on Sundays.
