Parking

Question

Hi all,

Where is an inexpensive place to park uptown if you want to ride the street car toward to Audobon Zoo?

Answer

If you want to ride the streetcar uptown toward the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, finding inexpensive parking is possible, though it requires planning since the area can be busy, especially on weekends and during events.

Street Parking:

Metered street parking is available along the Uptown/Carrollton route and nearby neighborhoods. Rates are generally lower than downtown, and meters are usually enforced during the day.

Look for parking along residential streets near St. Charles Avenue; these often have free or low-cost meter options after certain hours.
Check signs carefully, as some areas are permit-only or have time restrictions.

Parking Lots and Garages:

Audubon Park/ Zoo Parking: There is a dedicated parking lot near the zoo, but it can fill up quickly and may charge around $10–$15.
St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street Garages: A few small public garages along these streets offer reasonable daily rates ($10–$12) and are within walking distance of the streetcar line.
University Area: Around Tulane and Loyola University, some lots allow public parking on weekends for lower rates, which is convenient if you plan to board the streetcar near the universities.

Tips:

Arrive early if visiting on weekends or holidays, as street parking and affordable lots fill up quickly.
Bring coins or a parking app for meters; some areas accept mobile payment apps.
After parking, the St. Charles streetcar runs frequently and is a scenic, inexpensive way to reach the Audubon Zoo without worrying about driving or additional parking near the zoo itself.

Overall, the best strategy is to park slightly away from the main zoo area along a residential street or small public lot, then take the streetcar directly to the zoo. This avoids higher rates and the stress of limited parking at the destination.