free pm parking, photo ops around Gateway Arch

We%26#39;ll be arriving in St. Louis from a day of sightseeing in Springfield sometime the evening of 7/8. I%26#39;m wondering if there%26#39;s free streetside parking close to the Gateway Arch. I understand they don%26#39;t enforce the meters after 7 pm on weekdays. Where are the best photo ops around the arch and what%26#39;s the best time(s) to take evening pictures if we just have a point and shoot digital camera with a small tripod? Is there anything else worth seeing along the waterfront and how safe is it in the evening?

free pm parking, photo ops around Gateway Arch

Personally, I think the best Arch pics are taken from the IL side of the river. When you see that ';classic'; full shot of the Gateway Arch, it%26#39;s always taken on the other side of the river. It%26#39;s hard to capture the whole thing from the MO side.

free pm parking, photo ops around Gateway Arch

Which bridge would you take and where would you stop to get the best pics from the other side of the Mississippi. Is this also the best side to get shots at sunset?

Are you aware the arch is only lit up only on rare occasions? Any night-time photo%26#39;s you%26#39;ve seen were probably taken when the lights were on. With all the lights from the city behind it, it may still be a good shot...not sure.

To answer your question: Take the Eads Bridge to the Illinois side from downtown St. Louis. Washington Avenue leads right onto the bridge. You can also walk across the bridge. You%26#39;d have a pretty good shot of the Arch if you walk maybe halfway. This is a very lightly traveled bridge, so you might be able to just stop the car and hop out for 5 seconds to take a picture...? If you do drive on to the other side, I recommend making your way to the Casino Queen. Any other areas over there may not be safe.

On a weeknight, you might also enjoy walking around Laclede%26#39;s Landing, just to the north of the arch. There are several bars and restaurants, plus some interesting views of the Arch.

I don%26#39;t think there is any free/meter parking close to Laclede%26#39;s Landing or the Arch parking garage. Meters would be across I-70 and into downtown. Try Market Street.