SF Parking-Woes-Workaround: Tip-of-the-Day #342

A few days ago a friend told me she downloaded an app called SpotHero and then parked her mom's car at the Embarcadero for 24 hrs for a mere $22. I was impressed but didn't think to install it myself since I generally park in the same lot by my office every day (also $22) and I have a garage at home.

That said, I realized I'm meeting this very friend for happy hour just off Union Square tomorrow at 5:30, and historically this outing always hits me hard with a $36 parking fee. It *is* Union Square after all.

I decided to download SpotHero to see what kind of parking options they could offer in the heart of the city. I was NOT disappointed. After entering the address of the bar along with the date and time that I was interested in arriving, the app pulled up more than a dozen parking locations ranging from as low as $8 to as high as $45.

Thinking the $8 lot was too good to be true, I clicked on it and sure enough, I could park from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at a lot right around the corner from the bar for $8! AND, I didn't need to create an account with SpotHero - just pay the $8 in advance using Apple Pay!

Best yet, they make it super easy to use the voucher because with one click you can add it to your Apple Wallet! The simple instructions explained that I just pull a ticket when I enter the garage and park anywhere that isn't "Reserved". When I'm ready to leave I show the attendant my SpotHero reservation, along with the ticket I pulled upon entrance. The gate will open and away I go!

Hard to believe I haven't used this app before, but I can tell you I will be using it again!