Where are the safe parking lots to sleep in San Diego?

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?



For those needing to sleep in their vehicles in San Diego in 2026, the most secure and legal option is the San Diego Safe Parking Program, operated by the non-profit Dreams for Change and Jewish Family Service. These managed lots provide a safe environment with onsite security, restrooms, and case management services. Key locations include the Magnolia Safe Parking Lot in El Cajon and the Grantville Safe Parking Lot (opened in late 2025), which offers 20 overnight spaces specifically for individuals referred by the county outreach team. Another major site is the Oceanside Safe Parking Program, which relocated to 455 Country Club Lane in early 2026, serving up to 50 vehicles per night. Sleeping in a vehicle on public streets is technically restricted by local ordinances, and "stealth camping" in residential areas often leads to police intervention. To use the official safe lots, you typically must register in advance, have a functional vehicle, and agree to arrive after 6:00 PM and depart by 6:00 AM, ensuring a managed and dignified environment for those in transition.

People Also Ask

It is one of the largest shelter spaces being operated in the City of San Diego. The O Lot Safe Sleeping site, located on City property at the edge of Balboa Park near the Naval Medical Center, has capacity for up to 400 tents, each allowing space for two people.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

As part of his comprehensive strategy to address homelessness, Mayor Todd Gloria today announced that the City's second Safe Sleeping Program site, which offers safe, legal camping for unsheltered San Diegans, will begin intakes tomorrow. It is one of the largest shelter spaces being operated in the City of San Diego.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Homeless people might sleep in their cars but it is not technically allowed anywhere in San Diego, including La Jolla. It is not a good idea to count on that. There are no campgrounds in La Jolla. Campland by the Bay is the closest campsite.

MORE DETAILS

Park under a light, or as close to the parking lot lights as possible. Alternatively, park close to the lobby area or manager's office – somewhere rather public.

MORE DETAILS

In cold weather, blankets or a sleeping bag may provide enough warmth. In hot weather, you may need to crack open your windows, but it is only safe to do so if you are not idling the vehicle. If it is too hot or cold for these methods to work, you will have to run your HVAC system in order to sleep.

MORE DETAILS