From now on, parking your car at the Pearl is most likely going to cost you.
Earlier this week, the Pearl began charging visitors a fee to park at nearly all of its lots, depending on the time spent there, in and around the dining and retail destination along the San Antonio River Walk, not just the “premium” lots closest to the action.
The Silver Ventures-owned property began converting from all-free parking to a pay parking system in Nov. 2020. After that pilot program, it turned most of its 3,000 spaces into paid parking in July 2021.
But the lot at East Elmira Street and some areas under the highway overpass remained no-cost — a freebie many San Antonians prized.
Not anymore. Signs are posted in those areas with instructions to pay for parking.
The recent parking updates at Pearl reflect its continued growth, a spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Revenue from parking fees is spent on new projects and upgrading spaces, including areas like the new 1100 Springs Plaza.
The cost to park is a flat fee of $3 Monday through Thursday, and $10 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, according to the Pearl website.
In most parking areas at the Pearl, the first 30 minutes are free. So your coffee run might not cost you.
In three areas that had not been charging for parking, now only the first two hours are free: the Koehler garage, the East Elmira Street (River West) lot and a small lot at Avenue A and Newell Avenue. A surface parking lot on Camden Street is always free.
Valet parking is available at Hotel Emma and at the Carriqui and Ladino restaurants.
This story has been updated to correct the parking fee on Fridays and weekends.
