Everything you need to know about getting to Bards & Cards Game Shop.
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Nearby Parking Garages
Several garages are within easy walking distance of our shop. Rates may vary during Padres games and major events at Petco Park — call ahead or reserve in advance on busy days.
5th & Broadway Garage
Address: 1026 5th Ave (between Broadway & C St)
Distance: Same block — steps from our shop
Rate: $2 per 15 min
Type: Covered, self-park
Max height: 6'6"
Operator: LAZ Parking
Look for teal & white "Public Parking" signs on 5th Ave.
Directions →707 Broadway Garage
Address: 707 Broadway (entrances on 7th & 8th Ave between Broadway & E St)
Distance: ~1 block east
Early bird: ~$10 flat rate (in before 9 AM, out before 5 PM)
Spaces: 792 spaces across 12 levels
Phone: (619) 236-1526
Operator: LAZ Parking
A great daytime option — ask about the early bird rate at the entrance.
Directions →Park It on Market
Address: 614 Market St
Distance: ~4 blocks south
Hours: Open 24/7
Spaces: 500 spaces across 6 levels
Max height: 8'2" (1st floor) / 6'8" (upper levels)
Phone: (619) 818-9137
Operator: Ace Parking
One of the more affordable garages in the Gaslamp. No in/out privileges.
Directions →Civic Center Plaza Garage
Address: 1200 3rd Ave (underground, at C St)
Distance: ~2 blocks west
Rate: $2 per 20 min / $18 daily max (Mon–Fri)
Max height: 6'8"
Operator: ABM Parking
Directions →The Campus at Horton Garage
Address: 324 Horton Plaza
Entrances: 4th Ave & F St (24 hrs) or 3rd Ave & G St (5 AM–11 PM)
Distance: ~3 blocks south
Spaces: 2,200 spaces
Max height: 6'8" (4th Ave) / 8'1" (3rd Ave)
Operator: ABM Parking
Phone: (619) 233-1491
Directions →You can also reserve garage parking in advance through SpotHero or Ace Parking Reservations — often at a discount compared to drive-up rates.
Street & Metered Parking
Metered spaces are available throughout the Gaslamp Quarter on most blocks. Here's what you need to know:
Current Meter Rates & Hours
- Rate: $2.50/hour at most downtown meters
- Enforcement: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, seven days a week in the Gaslamp Hospitality Zone
- Time limits: Usually 2–4 hours per block (check signage)
- Payment: Coins, credit/debit cards at the meter, or the ParkMobile / Park Smarter app
Event Day Pricing Alert
During Padres games and major events at Petco Park, special event pricing of up to $10/hour applies to meters within a half-mile radius — which includes much of the Gaslamp Quarter. If you're visiting on a game day, a parking garage is usually the better deal.
Paying by app: Download ParkMobile or the Park Smarter app to pay for metered parking from your phone. You can extend your time remotely and get expiration alerts. Look for the zone number on the meter sign. Note: a $0.35 transaction fee applies to credit card payments.
San Diego Trolley
The MTS Trolley is one of the easiest ways to reach the Gaslamp Quarter. Two stations are within short walking distance of our shop:
Fifth Avenue Station
Location: C Street between 5th Ave & 6th Ave
Walk to shop: ~5 minutes south on 5th Ave
This is the most convenient stop if you're coming from UTC, Old Town, the US–Mexico border, El Cajon, or Santee. Exit the station and walk south on 5th Avenue — our shop is on the right.
Walking directions from station →Gaslamp Quarter Station
Location: 5th Ave & Harbor Drive (near Convention Center)
Walk to shop: ~7 minutes north on 5th Ave
If you're coming from the east (Santee, Mission Valley on the Green Line), this station drops you at the south end of the Gaslamp. Walk north on 5th Avenue to reach us.
Walking directions from station →Park & Ride — Drive Part of the Way
Not close to a trolley stop? Many stations along the Blue, Orange, and Green lines have free park & ride lots, so you can drive to a station and ride in from there. Parking is limited to 24 hours. A few options near popular routes to downtown:
- Old Town Transit Center — Blue & Green lines, ~400 free spaces
- Balboa Ave Transit Center — Blue Line, ~225 free spaces
- Tecolote Road — Blue Line, ~275 free spaces
- Grossmont Transit Center — Green & Orange lines, ~220 free spaces
- Amaya Drive — Green & Orange lines, ~236 free spaces
For the full list of stations with parking, visit the MTS Transit Station Parking page.
MTS Bus Routes
Several MTS bus routes have stops along Broadway and 5th Avenue, just a block or two from our shop. Key routes that serve the area include:
Routes with nearby stops: 3, 7, 11, 20, 120, 215, 225, 235, and others
Bus stops along Broadway & 5th Ave and Market St & 5th Ave are the closest to our location. Check the MTS website or the PRONTO app for real-time arrivals and route planning.
Paying on the bus: You can pay with cash, a PRONTO card, or a contactless credit/debit card via tap to pay — no PRONTO card required.
Transit Fares & Payment
| Fare Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult one-way (trolley or bus) | $2.50 |
| Senior / Disabled / Medicare (kids ride free too!) | $1.25 |
| Transfers | Free within 2 hours of tap |
| PRONTO card fee | $2.00 one-time purchase |
How to pay: Tap a PRONTO card, scan the PRONTO mobile app, or tap a contactless credit/debit card directly at the station validator. Cards are available at trolley station ticket machines, the MTS Transit Store, and select retail locations. PRONTO offers automatic fare capping — you'll never pay more than a Day Pass in a day, or a Monthly Pass in a month.
Helpful Tips
Getting Here Stress-Free
- Padres game days: Street meter rates surge to $10/hour in the Gaslamp during events at Petco Park. Use a garage or take the trolley on these days.
- Reserve ahead: Book garage parking in advance on SpotHero for discounted rates and a guaranteed spot.
- Evenings & weekends: Metered spots can be competitive on Friday and Saturday evenings. Arriving a few minutes early or heading straight to a garage saves time.
- Pay by app: Download ParkMobile or Park Smarter before you arrive so you can pay and extend your meter from inside the shop.
- Trolley is easy: The Blue, Orange, and Green lines all have stops within a 5–7 minute walk. If you're anywhere along the trolley network, it's often the fastest, cheapest option.
- Check signage: Meter time limits (2–4 hours) are strictly enforced. Don't assume you can feed the meter indefinitely — you may still get a ticket after the posted limit.
Rates, hours, and transit schedules are subject to change. Information on this page was last verified in March 2026. For the most current details, check with the individual garage operator or visit sdmts.com for transit schedules. Bards & Cards Game Shop is not affiliated with any parking operator or transit agency.