Uncovering Charlotte’s most difficult parking spots

We’re looking to find which Queen City parking spots may require planning (and patience).

A parking lot filled with cars outside the DOWD YMCA.

Parking in the Dowd YMCA parking lot can be a challenge during weekday evenings.

Image via Google Maps

May the odds be ever in your favor. Competing for parking spaces in some of Charlotte’s busiest places can feel like “The Hunger Games.”

City Editor Jack, here. After navigating springtime parking at Freedom Park, I was left wondering what other spots are challenging for Charlotteans trying to park their cars.

Here are just a few places I’ve encountered + tips to make your parking experience a tad less stressful.

The Dowd YMCA, South End

Be prepared for limited parking options on weekday afternoons between 3-7 p.m. as many people hit the gym after work + expect to join a line of cars circling to find an empty spot.

Possible solution: There’s a free parking garage for YMCA members at the corner of South Caldwell Street and Lexington Ave.

A car enters a full parking lot outside a Panera Bread.

Anticipate few open parking spots at Panera Bread in SouthPark.

Image via Google Maps

Panera Bread, SouthPark

Grabbing lunch at Panera or swinging by AT&T? This tiny lot fills up quickly in the afternoon + the hairpin turn doesn’t help.

Possible solution: Guests can find a free garage nearby at South Executive Park Drive.

Selwyn Pub, Myers Park

This popular spot in Myers Park is bustling in the evenings and weekends — especially on game day — leaving limited parking.

Possible solution: Arrive early before a game or try to navigate street parking along Colony Road.

Latta Arcade and Romare Bearden Park

We get it. Parking spots are a premium in the heart of Uptown, especially on weekends and game days for the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, and Charlotte FC.

Possible solution: Check out numerous paid parking lots nearby including South Poplar Street and South Mint Street. Prices may vary.

An exterior shot of a city parking deck.

Compact cars will be your friends when parking at Metropolitan.

Image via Google Maps

Metropolitan, Midtown

Attention shoppers: A trip to Target or At Home can cause a headache navigating this claustrophobic parking deck so anticipate cruising up to Level 2 or 3 to save time.

Possible solution: Arrive early in the day to avoid late-day shoppers.

Suffolk Punch Brewing, South End

Parking spaces fill up fast at this popular hangout, especially during nice weather conditions and evening hours.

Possible solution: Street parking can be found a few blocks down along Youngblood Street.

What did we miss? Let us know what parking spots across Charlotte leave you gripping the steering wheel.

More from CLTtoday
Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also for leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.
The technology will be used in the newly renovated Spectrum Center and the upcoming Novant Health Performance Center.
Customshop’s Andres Kaifer and Alex Briges are putting the final touches on Emmy Lou’s, which will open on Friday, Dec. 19.
VRV Athletics helps users create lasting friendships over their shared love of activities.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
As the Japanese-inspired restaurants prepare to debut in Plaza Midwood, the restaurants’ chef opens up about inspiration, ingredients, and the move to the Queen City.
Dining in Charlotte is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way. From a classic hamburger to fine dining, bookmark this page to keep in the know about all the new restaurants coming to town.
This year brought development updates, restaurant news, and the final upgrades of the Spectrum Center, and CLTtoday was there to cover it all. We’re looking back at 2025’s top stories with our CLTtoday wrapped.
Whether you’re looking for a Queen City-themed souvenir or a unique hand-crafted item, you’re sure to find something at any of these vendor markets in Charlotte.
USMNT will return to Charlotte this spring for a pre-World Cup friendly at Bank of America Stadium.