Whenever I drive into Carytown, my heart skips a beat—not because of the murals or the shopping, but because I’m silently praying for a parking spot. Carytown’s charm comes with a challenge: narrow streets, busy weekends, and a maze of meters. But after enough trial and error, I’ve learned how to park without stress. Here’s my Carytown parking guide from the trenches.
The most obvious choice is on Cary Street itself. Metered spots line the main drag, and if you’re lucky, you’ll slide right in front of your destination. But beware: these spots fill up quickly on weekends, and Richmond parking enforcement is as punctual as a church bell. Always check the meter time and download the Passport Parking App to pay or extend time without running back.
The Carytown Deck
My personal safety net is the Carytown Parking Deck at 3200 W Cary Street. For about $2–$3 an hour (with a daily max around $10), it saves me from circling endlessly. It’s especially handy during events or holidays when the streets are jam-packed.
Free (But Tricky) Neighborhood Spots
If you’re willing to walk a few blocks, side streets north of Carytown (like Ellwood Ave. and Colonial Ave.) often have free two-hour parking. Just keep an eye on the signs—residential restrictions can be sneaky. I once parked too close to a permit-only section and ended up with a ticket that cost more than dinner.
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use the Passport Parking App to extend your time remotely. | Don’t assume a free spot has no restrictions—always read the signs. |
| Head to the Carytown Deck for stress-free parking on weekends. | Don’t park in business-only lots (towing is common). |
| Arrive before 11 a.m. on Saturdays for the best street parking. | Don’t gamble on “just 5 minutes” in a metered spot without paying. |
| Walk a block or two into neighborhoods for free two-hour parking. | Don’t block alleys or driveways—Carytown towing is quick. |
Helpline Info
If you run into trouble:
- Richmond Parking Management Helpline: 804-646-5700
- Towing Dispatch (City of Richmond): 804-646-6464
- Passport Parking App Support: In-app help or support.passportinc.com
Trust me—having those numbers handy can save a lot of stress.
Tips to Save Parking Money
- Park Once, Walk More. Carytown is compact—ditch the car for a few hours and explore on foot.
- Carpool. Bringing a friend not only makes parking easier but also splits costs.
- Arrive Early. Before brunch crowds hit, you’ll almost always find free street spots.
- Use Side Streets Wisely. Two-hour free parking beats feeding meters—set an alarm to move your car before time’s up.
- Consider the Bus. GRTC’s Route 5 runs right into Carytown for just $2, making parking unnecessary altogether.
Conclusion
Parking in Carytown can be intimidating at first, but once you know the landscape, it’s manageable. My Carytown parking guide is built on a lot of circling, a few tickets, and eventually a few victories. Whether you grab a meter, head to the deck, or brave the side streets, remember this: Carytown is worth the hassle. And with a little planning, you’ll spend more time enjoying coffee and shopping—and less time staring at “No Parking” signs.
