I have not visited downtown in about 4 years. The best tip I can give to avoid parking frustration and costs is to simply avoid going there. Unless, of course, you are going there for something that another area simply does not have. Like a special store, doctor visit etc. Parking is, and always been an act of frustration and a pain in the ass. And wallet. Drive in circles trying to find an open meter, or pay the ransom and park in a lot. Not sure of any free parking. From my wife's descriptions of downtown (works there), several parking meters may be available, but there will be a homeless person sleeping, shitting, shooting up next to it. So you won't want to park there.