Cherry Creek Shopping Center parking
Cherry Creek Shopping Center has a large attached parking structure with approximately 1,000 spaces — the most convenient option if you're shopping the mall itself. Key details:
- Free with validation: First 3 hours free when you get your parking ticket validated by any Cherry Creek Shopping Center merchant
- After validation period: $5/hr — costs add up quickly for extended visits
- Hours: Open 7am–midnight daily
- Busiest areas: The lot near the Macy's entrance fills fastest on weekends; try entrances on the north or east side of the structure
- Weekend tip: The structure routinely fills by 11am on Saturdays in November and December — arrive before 10am or plan to park in Cherry Creek North
The validation system means a quick coffee or small purchase at any mall shop effectively gives you free parking for up to 3 hours — a significant benefit compared to paid garages in the area.
Cherry Creek North parking
Cherry Creek North is the upscale neighborhood immediately north of the mall, centered on 2nd and 3rd Avenues. It has a different parking situation than the mall itself — a mix of free street parking and paid lots:
- Free 2-hour street parking: Available on Detroit Street, Milwaukee Street, and Fillmore Street — popular blocks fill up by 10am on weekends
- Meters enforced: Monday–Saturday, 8am–8pm; free all day Sunday
- Paid lots: Surface lots on 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue range from $5–$15/day — good for longer visits to Cherry Creek North shops and restaurants
- Time limit watch: Most street spots in Cherry Creek North have a 2-hour maximum — even on blocks that feel residential, enforcement is regular on weekdays and Saturday mornings
Free parking in Cherry Creek
There are several ways to park for free in Cherry Creek Denver — you just need to know where to look:
- Free 2-hr street parking in Cherry Creek North: The best free option on weekdays and Saturdays — streets like Detroit, Milwaukee, and Fillmore have unmetered or 2-hr free spots. Move your car before the 2-hour limit if you're staying longer
- Sundays — completely free citywide: All metered street parking in Denver, including throughout Cherry Creek, is free every Sunday. This is the single best day to visit if parking cost is a concern
- Mall validation (first 3 hrs): Technically "free" when you make any purchase — the validation system makes the mall garage effectively free for most standard shopping trips
- Evening parking: After 8pm on weekdays, meter enforcement ends — free street parking is widely available in Cherry Creek North
Parking garages in Cherry Creek
Beyond the mall structure, Cherry Creek has several standalone garages worth knowing about:
| Option | Location | Rate | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Creek North Garage | 250 Detroit St | ~$2/hr | All day |
| Fillmore Plaza Garage | Fillmore & 3rd Ave | ~$3/hr | All day |
| Cherry Creek Mall Structure | Attached to mall | Free 3 hrs (validated) / $5/hr after | Until midnight |
| Paid lots — 2nd & 3rd Ave | Cherry Creek North | $5–$15/day | All day |
| JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek | 150 Clayton St | $35/day valet | Hotel guests / event |
Rates are approximate and may vary by day and season. Pre-booking on SpotHero or ParkWhiz may offer lower rates on select lots.
Getting to Cherry Creek by transit
Cherry Creek is not served directly by RTD Light Rail, but it's very accessible from downtown Denver by bus and bike:
- RTD Bus Route 83: Runs from downtown Denver directly to Cherry Creek — about 15–20 minutes from the 16th Street Mall area. Stops on 1st Avenue through the neighborhood
- Bike via Cherry Creek Trail: The Cherry Creek Trail is a paved multi-use path that connects downtown Denver directly to Cherry Creek in approximately 15 minutes by bike. It runs along the creek bed and is one of the most pleasant urban bike commutes in the city
- Rideshare: Lyft/Uber from downtown Denver to Cherry Creek runs approximately $10–16 one-way depending on time of day
- No Light Rail direct service: Cherry Creek is not on any RTD rail line — bus or bike are the best transit options
Flying into or out of Denver? Cherry Creek is about 26 miles from Denver International Airport. The RTD A Line runs from DIA to Union Station in 37 minutes for $10.50 — from Union Station you can take the Route 83 bus or rideshare to Cherry Creek.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cherry Creek parking free?
Cherry Creek Shopping Center offers free parking for the first 3 hours with merchant validation from any mall retailer. Without validation, or after 3 hours, the rate is $5/hr. In Cherry Creek North, 2-hour free street parking is available on streets like Detroit, Milwaukee, and Fillmore. All on-street meters in Denver are free on Sundays.
How long can I park at Cherry Creek Mall?
You can park for free at Cherry Creek Shopping Center for the first 3 hours when you get your ticket validated by any merchant inside the mall. After 3 hours, parking costs $5/hr. The parking structure is open 7am–midnight daily. On busy weekends the structure fills up, especially near the Macy's entrance — arrive early or use the less-crowded entrances.
Is there free parking in Cherry Creek North?
Yes. Cherry Creek North has free 2-hour street parking on many streets including Detroit Street, Milwaukee Street, and Fillmore Street. Meters are enforced Monday–Saturday 8am–8pm, but Sundays are completely free citywide. Arrive before 10am on weekends to secure a free street spot before they fill up.
Where is the cheapest parking in Cherry Creek?
The cheapest parking in Cherry Creek is free 2-hour street parking on Detroit, Milwaukee, and Fillmore Streets in Cherry Creek North. If you need all-day parking, the Cherry Creek North Garage at 250 Detroit St charges approximately $2/hr. Paid lots on 2nd and 3rd Avenue run $5–15/day and are cheaper than mall parking for long visits.
Can I park all day in Cherry Creek?
All-day parking in Cherry Creek is available in paid lots and garages. The Cherry Creek North Garage at 250 Detroit St runs approximately $2/hr. Paid surface lots on 2nd and 3rd Avenue charge $5–15/day for full-day parking. Street parking is limited to 2 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, so it's not suitable for all-day stays during enforcement hours.