Decide best strategy now to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day downtown

City offering lots of options, including prepay for parking.

If you plan to park in downtown Savannah on St. Patrick’s Day, get there early.

While the parade starts at 10:15 a.m. Friday, thousands of people stake out spots along the parade route much earlier, with the squares opening to St. Patrick’s Day squatters at 6 a.m.

As for the city-owned parking decks, monthly cardholders are allowed entry until 8 a.m. After that, all garages will be open to the public.

The Liberty Street parking garage, which is furthest away from the parade route, typically fills up first. Those who park at Bryan Street and State Street decks — located just off the parade route — are not allowed to leave once the parade starts. No cars will be able to get in or out until the parade has passed.

For the second year in a row, people will be able to park at the Eastern Wharf deck.

All city-owned garages will charge $25 this year.

“People should be sure they are parking in a city-owned garage for that rate,” said Senior Director Office of Marketing and Communications Nick Zoller.

Residents can prepay for a parking spot by calling 912-6516470.

Public transit options are available. The city has partnered with Chatham Area Transit to offer shuttles throughout and into downtown. Last year, they were unable to do so because of CAT staffing shortages. This year, the city hopes to finalize an agreement for the fixed route system to run for free Friday and March 18.

Street parking will also be available, but drastically limited due to the parade route.

While city officials have encouraged taking a rideshare service into town in past years, a surge in prices often accompany the festivities. The city has designated three geo-fences to define rideshare pickup and drop-off areas, which are Indian Street, Johnson Square and Telfair Square. Those areas will be available for pickup and dropoff starting at 10 p.m. Friday until the morning of March 18, and 10 p.m. March 18 until the morning of March 19.

SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS Lafayette Square is among the squares in Savannah that will open early for the public to pick their favorite spot to watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade.