Where can I park for free overnight in San Diego?

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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The City of San Diego follows a 72-hour maximum rule (SDMC §86.0118). You cannot park at the same spot for more than three days continuously, even if the public street does not have any other restrictions. To avoid a citation, move your car at least 1/10th of a mile before the 72-hour limit ends.

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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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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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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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Vehicle parking is prohibited in Balboa Park parking lots from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. daily (SDMC 63.02. 21) with the exception of Marston Point parking lot. Parking in Marston Point parking lot is not permitted from sunset to 7 a.m. daily and 10 a.m. on Thursday for maintenance.

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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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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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