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Can I park overnight in San Diego?

On-street overnight parking is usually free, but there are limited spots and high demand for this option. San Diego parking lots and garages charge up to $30 for overnight parking. But you'll find several affordable deals online. 12-hour overnight parking at a well-maintained parking lot is available for as low as $9.



Overnight parking is generally permitted on public streets in San Diego, but it is governed by a strict 72-hour limit, after which a vehicle must be moved or face a fine of approximately $53.50. However, many specific districts have more restrictive rules; for example, many areas in La Jolla and Ocean Beach prohibit oversized vehicles or trailers from parking between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM without a permit. In downtown "Hospitality Zones," meters are enforced until 8:00 PM, but you can leave your car overnight once the meter expires, provided you move it before enforcement begins at 8:00 AM the next morning. In 2026, San Diego has also expanded "tiered" pricing for city-managed lots, particularly near Balboa Park and the Zoo, where overnight rates can be significantly higher than street parking. Always check the curb color and posted signage: red means no stopping at any time, while white and yellow zones have specific loading windows that may be enforced 24/7 or only during business hours.

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The program operates seven nights per week at six secured lots at Balboa Avenue, Aero Drive, Mission Village Drive (open 24 hours), Rose Canyon, Encinitas, and Vista. Enrollment is required for all locations. To enroll, call (858) 637-3373 or start the process online. Living in an RV or an Over-Sized Vehicle?

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In the City of San Diego, it is illegal to leave an operable or inoperable vehicle parked for more than 72 consecutive hours without being driven at least 1/10th of a mile on a public street. It is also illegal to park an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperable vehicle on private property in public view.

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Littering is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots. Disturbing noise is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots. Overnight camping, sleeping or parking is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.

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You'll find limited street parking spots in downtown San Diego for free overnight parking. Try Second Avenue, Broadway, E and F streets, and other streets nearby. Check posted signs to ensure unrestricted parking is allowed at your preferred location.

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A: In California, it is generally legal to sleep in your car on public property, such as on a city street, as long as you are not violating any other laws, such as parking regulations or prohibitions on overnight camping.

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City parking in San Diego can be tough – especially at prominent hotspots downtown. If you're tired of driving around in search of parking without luck, we're here to help! Read this guide to learn everything important about San Diego parking. San Diego is one of the most beautiful bay cities in the US.

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No loitering, camping, vending, or parking of vehicles 30 feet or longer is permitted at P&R lots per Calif. Vehicle Code 22518. Additional restrictions do not allow parking of more than 24 hrs.

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  • 20th & B St. 26th Street & Pershing Drive. San Diego, CA 92101. Population Served: Individuals, Couples, Households. 133 tents.
  • O Lot. Park Blvd & Wieber Ave. San Diego, CA 92134. Population Served: Individuals, Couples, Households. Up to 400 tents.


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NO overnight parking is allowed on any LA County-operated beach parking lots, except for RVs at the Dockweiler State Beach RV Park. CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF LOTS AND FEES.

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