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Oakland Paramount Theatre Parking - Top 5 Nearby Garages

Updated: Aug 8, 2022

Planning a visit to the Paramount Theatre? Get ready for a trip back to Old Hollywood, admiring its outstanding Art Deco design with meticulously restored towering mosaics and an impressing display of gold ornamentation along the walls. This 3,040-seat venue, located in downtown Oakland hosts year-round events such as concerts, stand-up comedy shows, lectures, conferences, ballets, and classic movie screenings from Hollywood's Golden Era.


The Paramount Theatre is also home to the Oakland Ballet as well as the Oakland East Bay Symphony, and it's also a U.S. National Historical Landmark. If you are attending an event here, it's a good idea to plan extra time for transportation and parking as the venue's surroundings are usually very busy.


To make your day easier, reserve your parking spot with SmartPass by Smarking. Our parking garage is conveniently located within minutes of the Paramount Theatre, and our online software allows you to book your parking days ahead of time to beat the crowds. Stop driving around looking for street parking and avoid tickets while keeping your car safe, with Smarking.


Find a Nearby Parking Garage

Oakland's downtown area is not only the business center of the city, there are many entertainments, cultural and shopping options around, making it hard to find nearby parking, especially during events. To save yourself some time and trouble, head to any of these parking garages near the Paramount Theatre.


Douglas Parking Lot 21st

While the Paramount Theatre does not have parking of its own, the Douglas Parking lot on 21st street and Broadway is located right by the venue, next to its box office, so it's sometimes referred to as the Paramount Theatre parking. This is not a covered garage, and it's not exclusive to the theatre, so if this is your option, head out with extra time as it can fill up very quickly. The rate per hour is $4 or a $16 flat rate for the day.


Telegraph Plaza

The Telegraph Plaza garage is located on 2100 Telegraph Ave, just one block away from the theatre. The rates start at $2 for every 20 minutes and they charge a daily maximum of $30. They also offer an early bird rate of $15 if you arrive before 9:30 a.m. Keep in mind the rates can increase when there's an event in the area, so it's always worth double-checking. The garage is only open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.


Franklin Plaza

You'll find the Franklin Plaza garage on 419 19th street between Franklin and Broadway. The rate per hour is $2 and it goes up to $36 for the day. Their early bird rate is $15 to go in before 9:30 a.m. and the night rate is $10 if you go in after 4 p.m. The opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the garage is also closed during weekends.


Rotunda Garage

The Rotunda Garage, less than a 10-minute walk away from the Paramount Theatre, is located on 524 16th street with another entrance on 17th street. The rates go from $4 for 30 minutes up to a daily maximum of $25. It's only open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m, although during certain events, it stays open until midnight, it's worth double-checking. This is a convenient location, close to many venues around the area and the availability is first come first served. In case you can't find any spots, you might want to try parking near Hampton Inn Oakland. It's only 3 minutes away from Rotunda Garage and downtown Oakland.


Smarking Garage

If you prefer to save time, and have a parking space already reserved in the heart of downtown Oakland, the Smarking garage is there for you. We're located on 14th street, between 1300 Clay street and 505 14th. With the SmartPass you will get some of the best rates in the area, and you'll be sure your car will be parked in a safe facility. Just go online to reserve and pay for your parking days ahead of time, then, you'll get a QR code to give you in/out access throughout the day. We're also open on weekends!


What Else Is Around?

If you are looking to spend some time exploring downtown Oakland, there are lots to do in the area. Aside from an amazing experience at the Paramount Theatre, you can check out other Designated Landmarks nearby and while you're at it, do some shopping, dining, and many other fun activities. The Oakland arena is a short 10-minute drive away if you want to catch a sports game or other event.


Here are other popular locations to visit within walking distance of the Smarking parking garage.


Oakland City Center

If you're ready to do some shopping, dining and relaxing, head to the Oakland City Center, which offers lots of amenities for you to spend a great couple of hours. Come over for a hot cup of coffee, an afternoon snack, or a business meeting. There is also an amazing fitness club featuring racquetball courts, fitness classes, and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

If you need parking for the day, the nearby Oakland City Center parking garage just steps away. Reserve your spot now!


Frank Ogawa Plaza

The Frank H. Ogawa Plaza is located on San Pablo Avenue, at the cross of Broadway and 14th Street, very close to the BART station. This 160,000-square-foot public square is home of the Oakland City Hall, and it features an amphitheater as well as several commercial buildings including coffee shops and small restaurants. It's a popular place for locals and visitors to take a break in the midst of a busy day. You can also find parking spaces in Frank Ogawa Plaza which is just 3 minutes away from Paramount Theater.


Preservation Park

The Preservation Park is another great place to go for a walk or plan your next event. It is a unique Victorian Neighborhood featuring 16 historic buildings, some of which still stand in their original location. Taking a walk around the area will make you forget about time, as you admire the beautifully landscaped gardens and 19th-century architecture. The Rio California café inside the park is a great option for a brazilian-style brunch if you're feeling a bit hungry.


Escape Oakland

If you are traveling in a group, and have an hour to spare, check out the Escape Room Oakland. This escape room offers 4 different experiences in which players solve puzzles and challenges to try to escape in less than 60 minutes. It's really a great option for team-building activities, birthday celebrations, and to just spend a fun evening with friends.


The Escape Room Oakland is located on 522 7th street and it's open Wednesday - Sunday.

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