Parking Map & Guide for Downtown St. Joseph, Michigan

A photo of parked cars along the bluff in downtown St. Joseph, MI When you visit St. Joseph from May 15 through September 15, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., you will find pay-to-park spaces downtown. These select spots help keep parking available so more people can enjoy all the great things happening in the heart of the city.

But don’t worry —there are plenty of FREE parking options just a short walk from everyone's favorite shops, beaches, attractions and events. Whether you’re spending the whole day or just stopping by for a few hours, use this handy map and guide to find the perfect parking spot for your visit and how to pay, if needed.

2025 Downtown Parking Guide

Downtown St. Joseph Parking Map.

For updates, visit the St. Joseph Downtown Parking Program page.

Free Parking East of Main Street

Please check the signage. Some free on-street and lot spaces are limited to three hours maximum.

Free spaces are near —

St. Joseph Social District
U.S. Post Office
221 Main Restaurant and Cocktail House
The Copper Pot Breakfast Cafe
Silver Harbor Brewing Company
Union + Social Event Venue
The Market
City Hall
St. Joseph Court Place — in the parking lot facing Broad Street (look for Huntington Bank)
Church Street lot between Broad and Pleasant Streets
Public Works parking lot across from the Box Factory for the Arts

Also, the Berrien County Courthouse west parking lot, on the corner of Main and Port Streets, is free on weekday evenings after 6 p.m. and weekends.

Limited Free Parking West of Main Street

There are 30-minute FREE parking spaces on Ship Street, Pleasant Street, Broad Street and Elm Street. These spots are convenient for quick pickup trips to downtown retail, service businesses and restaurants.

Find three-hour maximum FREE parking on Main Street’s westside across from City Hall, between Broad and Elm Streets, and in front of the St. Joseph Today Visitor Center on State Street.

Paid Parking Fees West of Main Street

On-Street Parking

$2 per hour; 15 minutes to three hours
$6 maximum

All-Day Parking Lots

$1 per hour, 15 minutes to All Day
$12 maximum

How to Pay for Parking

There are two ways to pay your parking fee:

1. Save Time! Pay Via Mobile App

The city’s passport mobile app is a hassle-free option. It saves your pay information and license plate information after your first use to make using it in the future a breeze. When you enter the parking space, open the app, go to your vehicle’s license plate and enter the zone number.

A person using their phone to pay for parking via a mobile app, with a parked car visible in the background.

To download the free app, visit the Apple or Google Play store.

2. Pay Via a Nearby Pay Station

On each block downtown, you will see a pay station. Enter your license plate number and the pay station zone number, then insert your credit or debit card. These pay stations do not accept cash.

It matters which pay station you pay at. If you park in a lot, use the pay station in that lot. When you park on the street, choose the pay station closest to your space.

A photo of a parking pay station for in-person payment, with instructions and a digital screen visible on the front

Going to a St. Joseph City Park or Beach? Pay a Separate Parking Fee.

Kids playing on the playground at Lions Park Beach during sunset, with the sky glowing in warm hues and Lake Michigan in the background. The downtown paid parking program is different from our City Parks’ paid parking. You will need a separate parking pass from April 1 to October 31 to park at:

Lions Park Beach
Whirlpool Compass Fountain Elm Street Lot
Kiwanis Park
Tiscornia Park, beach and North Pier Lighthouse access

You can purchase a parking pass from the kiosk at each site. Hourly, daily or annual passes are available — pick what works best for you. Find complete details at Park Parking Passes.